Bench presses Bulls to victory

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Dennis Rodman picks up another technical after slapping the ball out of Dikembe Mutombo's hands.
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Rodman says the refs are out to get him.
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Whether or not to play Rodman was a concern for Bulls coach Phil Jackson.
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Scottie Pippen, left, and Dennis Rodman cheer as the Bulls take control in the fourth period.

Rodman, the NBA's leading rebounder the past six seasons, scored two points and grabbed three rebounds in seven minutes. Jason Caffey started in Rodman's place and contributed 10 points and 11 rebounds.

"I had to make some tough decisions about playing Dennis Rodman today," Bulls coach Phil Jackson said. "I just didn't think (the referees) were going to let him be on the floor today.

"They just saw everything that he did," Jackson said. "It was like he was a marked man. He is a marked man."

Rodman picked up two fouls within two minutes of entering the game. He was whistled for a technical foul in the closing seconds of the first half, giving him at least one technical in all six games of the playoffs.

Rodman sported a pair of shades late in the game.

Rodman, bothered by a stomach virus the entire series, didn't play at all in the second half. He even donned a pair of sunglasses late in the game when it was apparent he wouldn't return.

After the game, Rodman pointed out that Darrell Garretson, NBA supervisor of officials, was once again in the stands.

"It's very unfair that they've singled out one person in the league," Rodman said of the referees. "Why was (Garretson) here? There's no reason for him to be here. He's just here to keep an eye on me.

"If you really want to single me out, at least give me a memo before the game and don't do it in front of millions of people."

In a Game 2 loss to Atlanta, Rodman had two points and a technical foul before fouling out in 26 minutes. Michael Jordan outrebounded Rodman 16-5 in that game.

"If he's not going to lead us in rebounding, don't lead us in technical fouls, because we don't need those," Bulls forward Scottie Pippen said after Game 2.