Bulls Pound Nets, 113-86 in Brooklyn

The contest was so lop-sided, Derrick Rose got rest in the 4th quarter, as Chicago played one its better games on the road of late.

Nikola Mirotic had it going and hit on 6 of 11 long-distance shots for a team high 26 points and the Bulls coasted to a emphatic road win, 113-86 in Brooklyn.

The Nets had a lot to play for with its playoff hopes in the balance but the Bulls were up to the task, taking a 87-65 lead heading into the 4th quarter. Pau Gasol had another double-double, scoring 22 points and hauling in 11 rebounds. Taj Gibson, filling in for Joakim Noah who took the night off, had another solid effort, scoring 15 points and grabbing 9 boards.  Jimmy Butler scored 17 points with an excellent floor game.

The Bulls had 26 assists and just 7 turnovers. If that trend continues, they will be tough to play in the first-round of the playoffs.

The win clinched home-court in the first-round of the upcoming playoffs. With Toronto idle, the Bulls took a slim half-game lead for third place in the Eastern Conference.

After the game, Coach Tom Thibodeau was pleased with the Bulls effort.  "It's an improvement," said the head coach.

Rose played 23+ minutes and scored 13 points with 7 assists. He also hit two treys for the night. But it was the rookie Mirotic who had the hot-hand, finding the range on a series of floating three-point attempts.

The Nets were never a threat in this game -- the Bulls made sure of that with a 30-15 third quarter.

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Gasol, Rose, Help Bulls Fend off Philly, 114-107

Derrick Rose played his best game since returning from a knee injury and the Chicago Bulls needed it.

Rose scored on a variety of patented moves to show that he still has it. This has to be heartening to Chicago Bulls fans. Rose shook off a slow start and scored 22 points, the majority coming in the second half, and Chicago was able to hold off a young, upstart team, beset by injuries. Three starters, including Norlens Noel, center, sat on the bench.

Pau Gasol lead Chicago with another double-double, 24 points and 13 boards. Rose had 8 assists and no turnovers to go with his 22 points. Mike Dunleavy and Taj Gibson added 13 points and the Bulls came away with  a 114-107 win down the stretch of the regular season.

The win allows Chicago to keep pace with Toronto which also won last night. The Bulls and Raptors are tied for third place in Conference seeding. However, the Raptors would win the tie-breaker because they are Division champs.  Chicago has a 48-32 record, two wins shy of 50 with two games to play in the regular season. Their next game is against Brooklyn, one of the hottest clubs in the Eastern Conference, who have made a late playoff push.

The 76'ers were lead by Robert Covington's 22 points. J. Richardson scored 19 and Jakarr Sampson tallied 18.  Sampson is a former St. John's University stand-out who is seeking more playing time. He made the best of his opportunity.

The story here was the play of D Rose. It appears he is on the way back from his latest knee injury setback. He displayed some of his old moves to the hoop to the delight of the partisan crowd at the United Center.  Hopefully his knee will respond well after the game.

If Rose can play aggressively, Chicago could well be a threat in the playoffs.

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