CHICAGO — The lights dimmed, and the pump-up songs filled United Center. Fans stood, and spotlights circled the arena. The word “playoffs,” in red lighting, flashed on the floor. The Bulls’ starting lineup for Game 1 of their Eastern Conference series against Milwaukee was introduced, and the public address announcer had a long-awaited treat for the home crowd.
“Frrrooom Chicago,” he bellowed, “No. 1, Derrick Rose.”
The rafters seemed to shake.
Rose returned to the playoff stage for the first time Saturday night since another April Saturday three years ago. That was the day he tore his left anterior cruciate ligament, derailing for a time one of the league’s most promising young careers and setting Rose off on a quixotic journey of injury, recovery and soul-searching.