IC Cold Links: Pacers Welcome Bulls And Killer Clowns For Game 3

Maybe Paul George should wear a fake red nose when he takes the court tonight to guard Derrick Rose.

Hey, anything to spook the MVP-in-waiting who has been carrying the Chicago Bulls to wins by killing the Indiana Pacers down the stretch in the first two games of their spirited playoff series.

See, Rose admitted his weaknesses recently in a short-answer Q & A letting us all know that he hates spiders and his greatest fear is killer clowns. I've heard a lot of buzz about some people planning to dress up as clowns or bring clown faces as signs. I'm begging the masses to make this happen.

If only Insane Clown Posse had made a decent song, the Fieldhouse could play it during Chicago's pre-game introductions. Maybe a distorted version of the classic circus them music would work. The playoffs are fun, so you might as well have fun with your opponent.

Also, congratulation to the Pacers media relations department led by David Benner, along with Krissy Myers and Tim Edwards, for winning the Professional Basketball Writers Association's Brian McIntyre Award in recognition of their cooperation with the media. 

After the jump, plenty of links with stories to get you hyped up for Game 3 tonight AT THE FIELDHOUSE! 

• George relishes challenge of guarding Rose
  Conrad Brunner checks in on rookie Paul George after a strong showing in Game 2.
• Rose a perfect mix | The Indianapolis Star | indystar.com
  Mike Wells reports on the Pacers trying to defend the indefensible in Derrick Rose.
• Notebook: If Collison sits, he'd be 'shocked' | The Indianapolis Star | indystar.com 
• Relevant? That's an improvement - indystar.com
  Bob Kravitz opines about the Pacers taking advantage of their two games in the national spotlight and changing perceptions along the way.
• The Pacers' Defense On Derrick Rose - NBA Playbook
  Sebastian Pruiti breaks down how the Pacers and Paul George defended Derrick Rose effectively in Game 2 despite the 36 Rose scored.
• Derrick Rose's greatest fear is killer clowns, Tony Kornheiser makes fun of him | I am a GM
• Hansbrough, Boozer talking it up - Chicago Bulls Blog - ESPN Chicago
  Tyler Hansbrough said Carlos Boozer wanted to talk more in Game 2.
• Pacers remain confident, not satisfied - Chicago Bulls Blog - ESPN Chicago
  Mark Montieth checks on the Pacers' state of mind after going down 0-2.
• Thibodeau downplays Pacers' defense on Rose - chicagotribune.com
• 2011 Playoffs: The Bench Mob is dead, long live the Bench Mob? - Blog a Bull
  Despite earlier protestations to the contrary, Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau is using his bench differently than in the regular season. That's not necessarily a bad thing.
• Bulls with questions for Game 3 in Indiana | Blogs.Bulls.com
  Sam Smith raises an issue I've discussed recently about the Bulls playing at a high level all season but maybe not having another gear for the playoffs.
• Bulls tired of talk of subpar play against Pacers, ready to move on - Chicago Sun-Times
  I never realized that Luol Dengwas such a yapper. He doesn't say anything controversial but he likes to talk. Gotta love a guy willing to answer questions.
• The Republic - Does Hope spring eternal for Pacers? - Columbus, Indiana
• Thibodeau lauds Vogel's work with young Pacers - chicagotribune.com
• The Point Forward " Posts Pacers provide clues for how to solve Bulls "
• Frankly speaking, the Bulls’ Tom Thibodeau has met his match - Chicago Sun-Times