Derrick Rose Explodes, Bulls Win in OT

Derrick Rose had a fine rookie season, but the playoffs are where legends are born. While previewing this series last night, I predicted that even though the Celtics would prevail, it would be Rose's emergence as a big-game player that had people talking.

After one game, at least I can say I was half right: Rose not only tied an NBA record with 36 points in his playoff debut but also led the Bulls to an overtime victory 105-103. And with that, Boston's 62-win season is officially moot; with three of the next six games being played in Chicago, the Celtics no longer hold home-court advantage.

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As surprising as Chicago's win was, consider this: the Bulls actually played quite poorly down the stretch, committing ill-advised fouls that gave the Celtics every opportunity to win the game in regulation. And despite Rose's sterling play (he shot an extremely efficient 12-19 from the field, 12-12 from the line and chipped in 11 assists), he also committed five turnovers and fouled out of the game at a critical juncture with 10 seconds left.

If the Bulls played a little cleaner, this game would have been over in 48. And before you accuse me of picking nits, realize that's actually a really good sign for the Bulls going forward.

The Celtics got everything they could have expected and more out of Rajon Rondo (29 points, seven assists, nine boards) and Paul Pierce (23 points, seven boards, three assists), but someone needs to slap Ray Allen's face onto the side of a milk carton: he was absolutely brutal from the field missing 11 of 12 attempts, finishing the game with just four points.

As encouraged as the Bulls should be for pulling this game out despite shaky play, the Celtics can probably rest assured that Allen won't stay missing for long. What can we take from this game? Exactly what we knew going in: every minute will be a hard-fought battle. This series should be as entertaining as any matchupin the NBA's playoff bracket. (This post was edited.)

Latest NBA Playoff Photos

Boston Celtics forward Paul Pierce reacts as dives for a loose ball but Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) comes up with it in the first half of the opening game of an NBA playoff series in Boston Saturday, April 18, 2009. The Bulls won 105-103 in overtime. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

Chicago Bulls forward Cedric Simmons (15) looses control of the ball as he drives to the hoop while Boston Celtics guard Paul Pierce (34) applies defensive pressure during their first round NBA playoff basketball game at the Garden in Boston, Saturday afternoon, April 18, 2009. The Bulls defeated the Celtics 105-103. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)

Boston Celtics guard Rajon Rondo (9) drives to the hoop past Chicago Bulls forward Joakim Noah (13) during first quarter action of their first round NBA playoff basketball game at the Garden in Boston, Saturday afternoon, April 18, 2009. Rondo scored a team high 29 as the Bulls went on to defeat the Celtics 105-103 to take a 1-0 game lead in the best of seven series. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)

BOSTON - APRIL 18: Tyrus Thomas #24 of the Chicago Bulls is called for a foul as Rajon Rondo #9 of the Boston Celtics loses the ball in Game One of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at TD Banknorth Garden on April 18, 2009 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Chicago Bulls defeated the Boston Celtics 105-103 in overtime. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Tyrus Thomas;Rajon Rondo

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BOSTON - APRIL 18: Head coach Vinny Del Negro of the Chicago Bulls reacts after a call against his team in the second half against the Boston Celtics in Game One of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at TD Banknorth Garden on April 18, 2009 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Chicago Bulls defeated the Boston Celtics 105-103. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Vinny Del Negro

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BOSTON - APRIL 18: Joakim Noah #13 of the Chicago Bulls reacts after he is called for a foul against Paul Pierce of the Boston Celtics in Game One of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at TD Banknorth Garden on April 18, 2009 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Chicago Bulls defeated the Boston Celtics 105-103. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Joakim Noah

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CLEVELAND - APRIL 18: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers waves to the crowd prior to Game One of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs against the Detroit Pistons at Quicken Loans Arena on April 18, 2009 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matt Sullivan/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** LeBron James

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CLEVELAND - APRIL 18: Will Bynum #12 of the Detroit Pistons shoots while being guarded by Ben Wallace #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game One of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena on April 18, 2009 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matt Sullivan/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Ben Wallace;Will Bynum

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BOSTON - APRIL 18: Paul Pierce #34 of the Boston Celtics hits a free throw at the end of regulation to send the game into overtime against the Chicago Bulls in Game One of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at TD Banknorth Garden on April 18, 2009 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Chicago Bulls defeated the Boston Celtics 105-103 in overtime. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Paul Pierce

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BOSTON - APRIL 18: Ray Allen #20 of the Boston Celtics reacts after his last second shot in overtime hits the rim in Game One of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at TD Banknorth Garden on April 18, 2009 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Chicago Bulls defeated the Boston Celtics 105-103 in overtime. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Ray Allen

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