Rose banks in game-winning 3, Butler shuts down LeBron as Bulls take Game 3

Derrick Rose is back. There is no question about it.

Rose banked home a 3-pointer at the buzzer over the outstretched arms of Tristan Thompson, giving the Chicago Bulls a 99-96 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 3 on Friday.

It was a gritty affair, characterized by hard fouls, heated confrontations and some tremendous defense. Both teams failed to crack 40 percent from the field, as generating offense was incredibly difficult.

Most of the Cavaliers' offense ran through LeBron James. With Kevin Love out with injury and Kyrie Irving rendered ineffective after tweaking his ankle in the first quarter, James was left to facilitate most of the action.

However, that proved to be no easy task, as Jimmy Butler put the clamps on James, who shot just 8-of-25 from the field for 27 points. With Butler matching James' size, and ever-present help defense from Joakim Noah and Taj Gibson, James struggled to generate much on his own.

The Bulls also struggled to score, but they were spurred by the play of Rose and Butler, who combined for 41 of the Bulls' 52 second-half points. That included a baseline spin move from Butler and Rose's improbable game-winner.

Turning Point

Let's set the scene.

A wild sequence saw the game tied 96-96. Two possessions prior, Butler faked J.R. Smith out of his shoes with a gorgeous baseline fake. That gave the Bulls a temporary three-point edge.

Smith got his revenge with a pull-up three off an assist from James. That gave the Cavaliers a tie and James his 14th assist of the game (he moved into fourth on the all-time playoff assists list). However, there was still time remaining for some last-second heroics.

With three seconds to go, the Bulls inbounded the ball to Rose. After a high screen, Rose got Thompson on the switch and skied for a fadeaway triple that kissed off the backboard and into the net.

Star Performer

The honor has to go to both Rose and Butler, for without one or the other, the Bulls would not hold a 2-1 series lead.

Butler was tremendous on defense. He frustrated James to no end, as his physicality overwhelmed James at times. Butler stoned James in the post and did a diligent job of forcing him into help. All in all, James shot just 32 percent from the floor, while committing seven turnovers, four by way of Butler steals.

Rose steadied the offense. He was wild to begin the game, launching ill-advised jumpers and avoiding contact. However, Rose was noticeably more aggressive in the second half, scoring 24 points while getting to the line 10 times. Of course, he capped off his effort with the game-winner.

Highlight Reel

LeBron crowns Noah, leads to double techs

Rose's lightning-quick crossover

Butler's clutch baseline spin move

Series at a Glance

Game 1: Bulls 99, Cavaliers 92 (Bulls lead 1-0)
Game 2: Cavaliers 106, Bulls 90 (Series tied 1-1)
Game 3: Bulls 99, Cavaliers 96 (Bulls lead 2-1)
Game 4: Sunday, May 10, 3:30 p.m. ET
Game 5: Tuesday, May 12, TBD
Game 6*: Thursday, May 14, TBD
Game 7*: Sunday, May 17, TBD

* If necessary