Chicago Bulls star Derrick Rose may have been criticized for his earlier performances this season, but he proved doubters wrong in Thursday's 104–98 victory over Western Conference powerhouse the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Heading to the game against Oklahoma City, the Bulls were coming off a 130–105 defeat to the Charlotte Hornets with Rose having his third consecutive single-digit scoring game in the loss.
But the former Most Valuable Player (MVP) bounced back and did it versus the Thunder, tallying 29 points, five rebounds, and seven assists in 37 minutes of action.
The Thunder erased Chicago's 10-point lead in the final frame and captured the lead, but Rose took charge scoring 12 of his 29 points in the quarter, making big shots down the stretch to seal the win and improve to 4–2.
"For him to have a game like this, I know this is a huge confidence booster," Bulls head coach Fred Hoiberg said about Rose's performance, according to the Associated Press.
Helping Rose was another Bulls star in shooting guard Jimmy Butler who has proven in the past few seasons that he is a legit scorer.
Butler finished the game with 26 points, scoring 21 points in the first half which included three makes from the three-point area.
Along with his scoring tally, Butler also recorded four rebounds, two assists, one steal, and two blocks playing in a team-leading 38 minutes.
The Bulls also got a good game from veteran big man Pau Gasol who recorded a double-double with 11 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block.
Chicago continues its home stand at the United Center today, Saturday, taking on the Minnesota Timberwolves who are coming off a 96–84 defeat to the Miami Heat.
Meanwhile, the Thunder were led by another former MVP in the loss as Kevin Durant tallied 33 points, six rebounds, five assists, and two blocks.
The loss to the Bulls was already the third consecutive defeat for Oklahoma City this season.
