There was no rusty return for Chicago Bulls star point guard Derrick Rose who played well in his first game back after missing three matches due to right hamstring and knee woes.
Chicago had a home stand Tuesday and ousted the Milwaukee Bucks 117-106 to capture its fifth consecutive win.
In the game, Rose was given the starting duties and played 35 minutes, tallying 16 points, one rebound, with six assists.
"I felt good. I felt good ... I was able to work out the last couple, three days. They cut my time on the court, so I wasn't able to go through my whole routine, but that just never got out, so I wasn't ever worried about it," Rose said according to ESPN following the game.
"It was just coming in and getting my feet wet again and trying not to mess up the run," the former Most Valuable Player (MVP) added.
Rose also said there is pressure in his return since during the absence, the Bulls have managed to build a winning streak which helped them climb in the Eastern Conference standings.
The Bulls are currently second in the East with a 21-12 record, just three games behind the conference-leading Cleveland Cavaliers who are at 24-9.
Bulls head coach Fred Hoiberg was pleased with the performance Rose displayed, especially when he was attacking the basket. Rose's teammate, veteran big man Pau Gasol, echoed Hoiberg's thoughts about their point guard's attacking game.
In 28 games played this season, the 27-year-old is averaging 14.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 5.1 assists in 32.8 minutes of action per outing.
If Rose will not need to miss the succeeding games due to his injuries, he is expected to play today when the Bulls host the Boston Celtics at the United Center to complete a two game home-stand and try to extend their winning streak to six games.
