2011 NBA Boston Celtics at Chicago Bulls, April 7, 2011

BOS 81, CHI 97 - Derrick Rose poured in 30 points as the Chicago Bulls moved closer to securing the top seed in the Eastern Conference with a commanding 97-81 victory over the Boston Celtics. This win, the Bulls’ 17th in their last 19 games, gave them a four-game cushion over Boston and Miami with four games remaining, officially eliminating the Heat from contention for the No. 1 seed. In 2011, Derrick Rose is undoubtedly the face of the NBA. He has rejuvenated a once-struggling Bulls franchise, guiding them to the playoffs in each of his three seasons as point guard. After consecutive 41-41 seasons and an early playoff exit, Rose has propelled the Bulls to a 62-20 record, making them one of the premier contenders in the Eastern Conference. Player of the game: Derrick Rose: 30 PTS, 9-16 FGM, 56 FG%, 2-5 3PM, 10-10 FTM, 5 REB, 8 AST, 2 STL, 3 TOV Rajon Rondo had no solution for Rose in this game, managing just seven points and six assists. Meanwhile, the Celtics’ interior defense couldn’t contain Rose’s relentless drives to the paint, and once he got inside, he consistently found ways to score.