Bulls lead Pacers early

By K.C. Johnson

INDIANAPOLIS --- Tyrus Thomas is forgiven and the Bulls lead the Pacers 29-28 after one quarter Tuesday night at Conseco Fieldhouse.

Thomas came off the bench just 2 minutes, 18 seconds after tipoff because of early foul trouble for Taj Gibson.

Thomas grabbed three rebounds and played over six minutes before attempting his first shot. And he even passed up a jumper to drive to the basket strong and convert.

An aggressive Luol Deng leads the Bulls with 14 points on 6-for-8 shooting. Derrick Rose missed six of seven shots.

John Salmons finished the quarter strong, throwing down an emphatic reverse slam and then stealing the ball at the other end for two free throws after getting fouled on the fast break.

Danny Granger's 10 points leads the Pacers.