Rose delivers late as Bulls top Wizards
Even more than back-to-back wins against two of the top teams in the Eastern Conference, the Bulls have to be encouraged by the return of Derrick Rose: The Closer.
On Tuesday in Washington, Rose watched one of his point-guard rivals, John Wall, almost single-handedly erase an 11-point Bulls lead in the fourth quarter.
Rose took a breath and posted his response - 8 points in four possessions, leading the Bulls to a 99-91 victory over the Wizards in the first meeting between the teams since last year's playoffs.
Rose finished with 25 points, hitting 4 of 6 shots for 10 points during the fourth quarter. The previous night in a home win over Toronto, Rose was 6 of 6 from the field for 15 points in the final quarter.
Quite simply, this is how games are won in the NBA.
"The good thing was him working through the back-to-backs," coach Tom Thibodeau told reporters after the game. "It's been a step-by-step process, and this is really the first time he's played well in a back-to-back, and he's playing good minutes.
"He felt good, and you could tell his confidence is growing. He's feeling a lot better and that's great."
This victory completed a tough, nine-day stretch featuring three sets of back-to-back games, with the second night always on the road. The Bulls (19-9) went 5-1 in those six games, winning at Washington and Memphis, besides knocking off East-leading Toronto at the United Center.
The Bulls have played the fewest home games in the league (11) and seem ready to make a move in the standings. A home-heavy portion of the schedule begins on Christmas night against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Wall finished a 12-0 Washington run by hitting a jumper with 3:42 left, putting the Wizards ahead 87-86. Rose responded with a tough runner, 2 free throws, and then a 20-foot pullup jumper.
After the last shot, Rose skipped to the Bulls' bench while swinging his arms. It was a low-key celebration, but a rare show of emotion for Rose.
"I think it was just the moment, being in the game like that, on the road," Rose said after the game. "The emotional side is going to come out a little bit.
"I know where I'm going to be in a couple of months. You all are going to be the ones that are going to be surprised by the way I'm going to play."
Kirk Hinrich didn't make the trip and is expected to be out a few days with a hamstring strain, suffered in the Toronto game.
Pau Gasol finished with 18 points, and the Bulls' bench had another big night. Aaron Brooks finished with 13 points and Taj Gibson added 12. E'Twaun Moore logged 20 minutes and seemed to win the respect of Thibodeau.
Wall led Washington (19-8) with 18 points and 9 rebounds, while Bradley Beal scored 16.
"Everybody is going to make it a big rivalry," Wall said. "I know every time I go against any good point guard it's going to be a big one. It's fun to have him back out there."
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