Posted by Sabrina B. @gametimegirl

Finally, the real Chicago Bulls showed up in the playoffs. Naturally, Derrick Rose led the way.

Looking every bit like the MVP, Rose sliced up Atlanta for a career-high 44 points as the Bulls seized control of the Eastern Conference semifinals with their best performance of the postseason, romping to a 99-82 victory over the Hawks in Game 3 Friday night.

“He’s tough to cover anyway,” said Atlanta’s Jeff Teague, who had the futile task of trying to guard Rose much of the night. “But when his jump shot is falling, he’s the MVP.”

The Bulls lead the series 2-1, putting Atlanta in a must-win position heading into Game 4 Sunday night.

Rose was dominant from the opening tip, slashing into the lane for a basket that prompted Atlanta to call a timeout before game was a minute old. He finished off the Hawks midway through the fourth with back-to-back 3-pointers, hopping down the court, serenaded by chants of “MVP! MVP!” from a hefty contingent of Bulls fans.

The Hawks’ fans began heading for home. Teague was about the only highlight for Atlanta, scoring 21 points. That wasn’t nearly enough against the D-Rose onslaught. He made 16 of 27 shots from the field, including four 3s. He dished out seven assists, grabbed five rebounds, came up with a steal — heck, he even blocked a shot.

MVP, indeed.

“Just attacking the whole game,” Rose said. “That was my whole thought process.”

The Hawks never had a chance.

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