The flurry of defensive highlights marked the Bulls' second quarter against the Indiana Pacers at the United Center, and the Bulls used their active hands and feet to build a 54-44 lead over the Pacers at halftime. Ronnie Brewer, in particular, was all over the place, taking charges, forcing steals, and finishing around the rim. Brewer, starting in place of injured small forward Luol Deng, finished the half with 16 points, three rebounds and three steals.
Derrick Rose came out aggressive from the start, and finished the half with 15 points on 5-of-9 shooting. Richard Hamilton has also been solid, even if the two-guard passed when he should have shot at least three times in the half. Hamilton finished eight points on 3-of-8 shooting.
Indiana has remained in the game by shooting the ball well, despite their 11 first half turnovers. Danny Granger (11 points) and Roy Hibbert (10 points) led the Pacers.
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