Bulls Lead From Start In NBA Playoffs Win

The Chicago Bulls came in oozing with confidence, unafraid of LeBron James and convinced they could keep their playoff momentum rolling. Derrick Rose made sure they did.

Looking like the league MVP he was before being slowed by knee injuries, Rose scored 25 points, Pau Gasol added 21 and the Bulls led from the start in a 99-92 victory over the short-handed Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals Monday night.

Rose, who suffered a shoulder stinger in the closing minute, helped the Bulls swipe home-court advantage from the Cavs. Cleveland was missing starters Kevin Love and J.R. Smith, but its bigger issue was not stopping Rose or his pick-and-roll plays with Gasol. After all he has been through -- surgeries, hours of rehab, uncertainty about his future -- Rose, who has missed more than 180 games the past four seasons, is savoring every moment back in the postseason.

"I just appreciate everything," he said, "getting back on the floor and just every aspect of basketball. It's allowed me to change my life and my family's life. I owe so much to this sport. I'm just trying to roll with it."

Jimmy Butler added 20 points and banked in a contested jumper with 30 seconds left as the Bulls closed it out, silencing a roaring Cleveland crowd already worried about Game 2 on Wednesday night.

Clippers 117, Rockets 101

The Los Angeles Clippers knew no one player could make up for Chris Paul's absence. So they all chipped in to fill the void.

Blake Griffin had 26 points, 14 rebounds and 13 assists for his second straight triple-double to lead six double-digit scorers and lift the Clippers to a 117-101 victory over the Houston Rockets on Monday night in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals.

Houston scored five straight points to cut the lead to one with about 7 1/2 minutes left. Matt Barnes got the Clippers going after that, making two 3-pointers in a 12-0 run that made it 101-88 3 minutes later, and the Clippers coasted to the victory.

Monday, May 4 Scoreboard

Chicago 99, Cleveland 92
EASTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS - GAME 1

Los Angeles 117, Houston 101
WESTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS - GAME 1

Tuesday, May 5 Schedule (All Times Central)

Washington at Atlanta, 7 p.m.
EASTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS - GAME 2

Memphis at Golden State, 9:30 p.m.
WESTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS - GAME 2