Bulls Vs Pacers Rivalry - Chicago Takes Down Undefeated Indiana; Did Rivalry Inspire Derrick Rose's Return To Form?

The Bulls vs Pacers rivalry is in full swing. Both teams have a common bond between them: their desire to take down the Miami Heat as champions of the East. As rivals in the Central Division, they understand that they must take out each other first.

This is the most exciting time for the two teams. This is probably the first time that both teams are at this high level. Chicago has never been a string team since the departure of Michael Jordan. They struggled with wrong picks and failed trades in the early 2000s.

During this time, the Indiana Pacers reached their peak, just as Reggie Miller was on the verge of retirement. Winning the Eastern Conference and losing to the Shaq/Kobe Lakers was the highlight of this era. They continued to strengthen their lineup and was touted as a title contender in 2004 - 2005 in a rivalry with the Detroit Pistons, until the "Malice at the Palace" broke out early in the season. Season long suspensions for their key players brought about a need for change.

Both teams became models for teams building through the draft. They were two of only three teams that drafted three eventual All Stars (in the past decade): Noah, Deng and Rose for the Bulls and Granger, George and Hibbert for the Pacers. (OKC Thunder is the other team)

With Rose out for the entire season, it was the perfect time for the Pacers to emerge. The Pacers were written off as a 'regular season' team since they didn't have a superstar. Last season, though, Paul George took the 'Most Improved Player' title as seriously as one could, they now have a transcendent superstar.

They started the year with pre-season barbs. Rose dismissed them as rivals, saying the real rivalry is the Bulls and the Heat. The Pacers didn't appreciate that, and went on a 9-0 streak to prove they belong in the top tier of teams. Meanwhile, the Bulls were a pedestrian team with Rose struggling for form. He even missed a game again.

However, Rose returned with a vengeance, and there was no better time than a home game against the undefeated Pacers. Rose scored 20 points in the blowout win.

Prior to the game Paul George made this statement to nba.com: "We want to step away from that shadow as the 'little brothers' of the division. [The Bulls'] success is the Michael Jordan era. This is a new age, this is a new team. It's ours till they take it."

Bulls guard Jimmy Butler replied in the Chicago Sun-Times , "Some people pay attention to [George's comments] around here. I don't pay attention. Everyone has their own opinion. But I know every time they go up against us, it isn't always the same story."