Playoff Box Score: Pacers Avoid Sweep, Barely

By Chuck Sudo in News on Apr 23, 2011 9:35PM

The Indiana Pacers finally drew blood against the Bulls today, winning 89-84 in a game they never trailed at Conseco Fieldhouse and forcing Game 5 in their Eastern Conference playoff series Tuesday night at the United Center. The Bulls will need the extra rest as Derrick Rose rolled his ankle in the first quarter. Rose did come back to play 43 minutes and notch 15 points and 10 assists.

It also looked as though the Bulls were on the verge of stealing a sweep in the series. Trailing by as many as 18 points, they staged a furious comeback against Indiana led by Joakim Noah (21 points, 14 rebounds). The Bulls went on an 18-3 to pull to within three points, but couldn't get any closer. Danny Granger once again led the Pacers with 24 points and 10 rebounds.