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he air got sucked out of United Center with 1 minutes 20 seconds left in the fourth quarter.

Derrick Rose, back and bouncing, was still in the game, neither the score (12-point lead) nor the clock requiring it. But this was the playoffs, Philadelphia had trailed a few minutes earlier by 20, Chicago coach Tom Thibodeau wanted to seal the deal.

Besides, it all felt so good for the Bulls and their fans -- Rose seemingly healthy and as dangerous as ever, the NBA's second season officially here, the reasons for which the Bulls had played (and endured so much) finally, sharply, in focus and within reach -- who really could blame them if they indulged a little?

So Rose, with 23 points, nine rebounds and nine assists to that point, saw a chance for a double-double at least when he veered around Philly center Spencer Hawes in the lane. Carlos Boozer was flared...

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