The Bulls were down by three points to the Houston Rockets in the closing seconds of Saturday night’s game at the United Center. Derrick Rose was visibly frustrated by prior no-calls that did not go his way and took the ball down the floor and drilled the game-tying three-pointer as time in regulation expired. He went onto score the key baskets in overtime in the Bulls’ 119-116 victory over Luis Scola, Brad Miller and the Rockets.
Rose was simply outstanding. He managed to score 30 points on 13-of-28 shooting despite not attempting a single free throw. It was a spectacular offensive barrage from the Bulls’ 22 year-old point guard. He has upped his three-point percentage this season to 35.7% after a 4-of-6 shooting game from beyond the arch on Saturday night.
To add to the fun, Carlos Boozer came through with a break-out performance for Chicago. He had a 25 point and nine rebound effort and showed off some nice post moves down low. Boozer scored the first six points of the contest for Chicago and was the only Bulls’ starter with whom the team outscored the Rockets while on the floor (+2 points differential).
It was a shaky second half on the defensive end. Derrick Rose was thankfully able to bail them out down-the-stretch, but the team allowed Houston to score 65 points in the third and fourth periods. Former Bull Brad Miller hit 4-of-9 three-point field goals and ultimately forced Joakim Noah into fouling out of the game. There was no answer for Luis Scola either – who went off for 27 points. But Houston came unglued crashing the boards. Chicago managed to turn around the rebounding woes, over the past two games, by defeating Houston 49-37 under the glass.
It was an ugly win in many ways, but it was indeed a victory. Derrick Rose is proving to all of his critics that he is a true Most Valuable Player Award candidate. He may soon be the best guard in the league soon – that is, if he is not already… He is showing some offensive skills that are unmatched. He now has a long-range attack to complement his speed, strength, and finishing ability.
Kyle Lowry has fallen victim to the Bulls’ phenom point guard twice this season as Rose now looks ahead to Monday night to take on Russell Westbrook head-to-head in a battle against the Thunder at the United Center.
He and the Bulls will look to avenge their opening night loss at 7:00 CT on CSN Chicago.
Rami Abboud
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Bulls beat Thunder despite off night from Rose, Noah
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