NBA Playoffs 2014, Taj Gibson injury: Bulls’ PF leaves with ankle injury

Apr 22, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Taj Gibson (22) dunks the ball against Washington Wizards forward Nene Hilario (42) during the second half in game two during the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at United Center. Washington Wizards defeats the Chicago Bulls 101-99 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 22, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Taj Gibson (22) dunks the ball against Washington Wizards forward Nene Hilario (42) during the second half in game two during the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at United Center. Washington Wizards defeats the Chicago Bulls 101-99 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 22, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Taj Gibson (22) dunks the ball against Washington Wizards forward Nene Hilario (42) during the second half in game two during the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at United Center. Washington Wizards defeats the Chicago Bulls 101-99 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 22, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Taj Gibson (22) dunks the ball against Washington Wizards forward Nene Hilario (42) during the second half in game two during the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at United Center. Washington Wizards defeats the Chicago Bulls 101-99 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

The Chicago Bulls are fighting for the playoff lives and trail the Washington Wizards in the fourth quarter. Trailing 3-1 in the series, their backs are against the wall.

Power forward Taj Gibson has essentially become a Bulls’ starter. Although he isn’t in the group that opens the games, he closes games, which is why the Bulls could be in a lot of trouble Tuesday night.

Gibson went down with an ankle injury and had to be helped off the court.

Nick Friedell of ESPN Chicago, K.C. Johnson of The Chicago Tribune and Bulls.com all watched the injury happen.

Before leaving, Gibson had 12 points, four rebounds and three blocks.