For the second-straight game the Bulls dominated the rebounding battle, Derrick Rose took over and the Pacers squandered a chance to win a game at the United Center.

After outrebounding Indiana by 15 in Game 1, including a mind-blowing 21 offensive rebounds, Chicago won the battle by 24 on Monday night. The Bulls used their 20 offensive rebounds to counteract a poor shooting night -- they hit just 38.6% of their field goal attempts.

As if the differential on the glass wasn’t enough, Rose was once again an MVP when the Bulls needed him to be one the most. He tallied 36 points, eight rebounds and six assists, while once again getting to the line foul line (12-for-13) with ease. His runners and floaters weren’t falling as often as they did in Game 1, but he was much better from downtown (2-for-5 after 0-for-9).

Rose’s efforts become even more impressive when you consider the adjustment Pacers coach Frank Vogel made on the defensive end. Paul George was dispatched to guard Rose for a majority of the second half and he forced four turnovers in the third quarter alone. George’s rookie status is hidden by his long wingspan, which interrupted Rose’s passing lanes despite body-to-body defense.

Thanks to George’s success on the defensive end, I’d imagine we will see him on Rose in Game 3 as well. The likelihood of that increases if Darren Collison isn’t able to play or if he goes and is admittedly only at 60-70%. Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau will adapt, but it worked too well not to try again as the series shifts to Conseco Fieldhouse.

Indiana’s lead in Game 2 wasn’t like the 10-point advantage they enjoyed with a little more than three minutes left in Game 1, but they still led the NBA’s top overall seed by nine points late in the second quarter.

Unfortunately, their biggest lead (45-36) came on the same play in which Collison injured his ankle. With A.J. Price running the show the Bulls cut the lead to just three in the final two-plus minutes of the first half. Price had three turnovers to close the period.

The run Chicago enjoyed over the second and third quarter was eerily similar to the 16-1 spurt they closed Game 1 with to steal a victory. In an eight-minute stretch they outscored Indiana 19-5 to go from down 45-36 to up 55-50.

They didn’t play nearly as well as they did in Game 1, but the Pacers once again didn’t back down against the heavily-favored Bulls. They also deserve bonus points for a) not cowering after Collison went down and b) handling Chicago’s inevitable run much better the second time around.

Without further ado, here are my four principles for Game 3:

Be Aggressive Early

The Pacers have won the first quarter in each of the first two games of the series and facing an 0-2 hole in front of their own fans it’s imperative that they attack early.

I was at Conseco Fieldhouse in mid-March when the Bulls were in Indianapolis and was shocked by the number of fans that traveled from the Windy City. There were times when I could have closed my eyes and imagined being at the United Center. Having finished last in attendance, the Pacers need to figure out a way to get maximum support from the crowd. It’ll do wonders for the team’s young players, Roy Hibbert especially.

George on Rose

The right move for Vogel and his staff to make is to keep George as the primary defender on Rose, with a few different wrinkles mixed in. Thibodeau will figure out ways to get Rose free and have the guard’s supporting cast more prepared to bail him out when Indiana uses a help defender to trap the All-Star.

The Pacers are playing passionate defense, but they continue to be late on most rotations. That was even more troublesome when two defenders were occupied on Rose, leaving someone open. If you are going to leave a guy open, make sure it isn’t Kyle Korver, who essentially hit his second game-winning three of the brief series in Game 2.

Rebounding Issues

There is no denying that Chicago is the better rebounding team, but changes have to be made to neutralize their advantage. The Pacers won’t be able compete against a team of this caliber if they continue to struggle on the defensive glass.

Hibbert needs to play like the tallest player on the floor, which he always is, and perhaps it’s time to sacrifice offense for defense/rebounding by giving Jeff Foster some of Josh McRoberts’ minutes. Carlos Boozer and Joakim Noah are a great rebounding tandem, but Hibbert’s length, Foster’s feistiness and the drive of Tyler Hansbrough should make the battle closer than it has been thus far.

Built Ford Tough

T.J. Ford has been the consummate professional this season while riding the bench behind Collison and Price. He remained mentally prepared and contributed solidly in Game 2 when he was desperately needed.

He logged nine solid minutes despite playing just twice since Vogel took over for Jim O’Brien. He contributed five points, including that Sportscenter-highlight heave at the end of the third. Ford was +7 for the game (Price was an ugly -17), which took some of the pressure off of Price, who played better in the second half than he did late in the second quarter.