Derrick Rose, Bulls outlast Bucks in 2OT to take 3-0 series lead

What. A. Game.

In a thrilling contest that needed two overtime periods to settle the outcome, the Chicago Bulls emerged victorious over the Milwaukee Bucks by a score of 113-106 for a 3-0 series lead.

The Bucks held an 18-point edge midway through the second quarter, but the Bulls mounted a furious comeback to push ahead by 10 points in the fourth. However, the Bucks sparked a comeback of their own with a pair of late treys by Khris Middleton, which sent the game into overtime.

The first overtime settled nothing, so the game went into a second overtime - and that's when the exhausted Bucks ran out of steam. Chicago's defense ramped up the pressure and forced Milwaukee into committing four turnovers, limiting the Bucks to just five points in the final frame to capture the win.

Leading the way for Chicago was Derrick Rose, who scored 34 points (including six points in double overtime). Rose hit five 3-pointers, logged a game-high eight assists and swiped three steals.

Turning Point

The Bucks had two chances to win this game: a contested 27-footer that Middleton missed to end regulation and another shot at the end of overtime.

The Bucks had possession with 18 seconds remaining in the first overtime with the score knotted at 101 apiece. Instead of calling timeout, Bucks head coach Jason Kidd entrusted his team to generate a score.

The ensuing possession was not a pretty one for Milwaukee. Michael Carter-Williams tried to create something out of a double-high screen set, but the alert Bulls' defense snuffed out any chance at penetration. The play eventually ended with O.J. Mayo launching a highly contested 15-foot fadeaway.

That miss allowed a second overtime, which let Chicago pull ahead for good.

Star Performer

Rose's vintage 34-point performance showed off his former MVP form.

It was the high-flying, acrobatic, shot-making Rose that had been noticeably absent since a flurry of knee injuries derailed his career. If only for one night, Rose was excellent, attacking the Bucks' stifling defense with hard drives and pull-up triples while also setting up his teammates.

Thursday's strong showing bumps Rose's averages to 24 points, eight assists, four rebounds and two steals for the series.

Highlight Reel

Rose crosses, scores

Rose unleashes primal scream

Scottie Pippen is thrilled with Chicago's win

Series at a Glance

Game 1: Bulls 103, Bucks 91 (Bulls lead 1-0)
Game 2: Bulls 91, Bucks 82 (Bulls lead 2-0)
Game 3: Bulls 113, Bucks 106 (Bulls lead 3-0)
Game 4: Saturday, April 25, 5:30 p.m. ET
Game 5*: TBD 
Game 6*: TBD
Game 7*: TBD

* if necessary