(CNN Philippines) — Derrick Rose scored 25 points and Pau Gasol had 21 to help the Chicago Bulls take Game 1 over the Cleveland Cavaliers, 99-92, in the National Basketball Association (NBA) Eastern Conference semifinals on Tuesday (May 5).
Jimmy Butler chipped in 20 markers, including the crucial jumper that clinched the game for the Bulls, stealing away home-court advantage from Cleveland.
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The Cavaliers, which missed the services of power forward Kevin Love, were led by Kyrie Irving and LeBron James who scored 30 and 19 points, respectively.
Chicago had control of the game early on and withstood a rally from Cleveland, buckling down on defense to take the upperhand in the series.
The Bulls were outscored in the paint, 46-23, but shot better from the field than the Cavaliers with a 50-percent clip.
Also read: Beal, Wizards hold off Hawks
Out in the Western Conference semifinals, the Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Houston Rockets, 117-101, behind a triple double effort – 26 points, 14 rebounds, 13 assists – from Blake Griffin.
Jamal Crawford chipped in 21 points off the bench, while Matt Barnes had 20. J.J. Redick and Austin Rivers, who started in place of the injured Chris Paul, each scored 17 markers.
Dwight Howard paced the Rockets, which lost control of the game in the second half, with 22 points and 10 rebounds.
