Rose’s big night pushes Bulls within one game of Eastern Finals

Derrick Rose is so close to the NBA Eastern Finals he can almost taste it.

The NBA’s MVP erupted for 33 points and nine assists Tuesday to lead the Bulls to a 95-83 Game 5 victory over Atlanta, pushing them within one game of their first trip to the conference finals since 1998.

The Bulls, who hold a 3-2 edge in the best-of-seven series, can advance by beating the Hawks Thursday night in Atlanta.

“We can’t get tired or bored,” Rose told reporters after the game. “We know that going down there, they’re going to give us their all. I think we have to come out and play our way — defense first and make things tough on them. We’re a good team when we have pace to us.”

And they are an especially good team when the NBA’s MVP plays like he did Tuesday night.

STUDS

Chicago G Derrick Rose: Blistered Atlanta for 33 points, nine assists and a team-best plus-17 in the Bulls’ 95-83 Game 5 triumph over Atlanta.

Chicago F Luol Deng: Went for 23 points, four rebounds, three assists and was plus-15 in the Bulls’ triumph over the Hawks.

Chicago F Carlos Boozer: Notched 11 points and 12 rebounds in the Bulls’ triumph over the Hawks.

Chicago F Taj Gibson: Came off the bench to score all 11 points in the fourth quarter on a 5-for-5 shooting spree in the Bulls’ triumph over Atlanta.

Atlanta G Jeff Teague: Had another strong game with 21 points, seven assists and four rebounds in the Hawks’ loss to Chicago.

Atlanta F Josh Smith: Went for 16 points and seven rebounds in the Hawks’ loss to the Bulls.

DUDS

Atlanta G Jamal Crawford: Clanked through a 1-for-9 shooting night with two turnovers and was minus-11 in a two-point effort in the Hawks’ loss to Chicago.

Atlanta F Al Horford: Produced 12 points and 10 rebounds, but had four turnovers and was a team-worst minus-13 in the Hawks’ loss to the Bulls.

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