Rose-less Bulls fall to Pacers
The Indiana Pacers managed to topple the Central Division-leading Chicago Bulls on Saturday thanks to an exceptional performance from center Roy Hibbert.
At a glance, Hibbert's line of eight points, seven rebounds and three blocks appears pedestrian. However, his defense proved instrumental in powering the Pacers to the 99-90 victory.
Tasked with the difficult challenge of handling Chicago's formidable frontline, Hibbert managed to hold the combination of Pau Gasol and Joakim Noah to 19 points on 7-of-19 shooting. On the whole, the Bulls managed to shoot just 42.2 percent from the floor.
In all fairness to Chicago, the Bulls were without Derrick Rose. However, the depleted Pacers are quite possibly the most banged-up squad in the league this season. Injuries to George Hill and Rodney Stuckey forced the Pacers to sign journeyman A.J. Price, who managed 21 points on 7-of-11 shooting.
Forwards Luis Scola and Chris Copeland also chipped in, scoring 21 and 13 points, respectively. Scola shot an incredible 10-of-12 from the floor, an impressive feat given that he matched against defensive stalwarts in Taj Gibson and Noah for much of the night.
The Bulls were led in scoring by Jimmy Butler, who continued his offensive breakout with 32 points. The loss drops Chicago to 7-3 on the season, while the Pacers inch to 4-7.