advertisement

Rose, Rockets' Beverly no strangers on the court

Derrick Rose goes back a long way with Houston Rockets point guard Patrick Beverly - but Monday's game at the United Center was the first time they faced each other in the NBA.

Beverly is actually a year older than Rose, but after playing at Marshall High School and spending two years at Arkansas, it took Beverly a few years of playing overseas before catching on with the Rockets in 2012.

Meanwhile, Rose has been out with injuries for most of the past two seasons.

Their last official game as opponents was probably the IHSA state semifinal in 2006 between Simeon and Marshall.

Beverly finished with 14 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists in Monday's 114-105 loss to the Bulls. He's an intense player, but Rose confirmed Tuesday that the two are close friends.

"We're fine. We're cool off the court," Rose said after practice at the Advocate Center. "We hung out with each other in Vegas for about a week, two weeks. We talk to each other, text each other.

"But that's just Chicago basketball, man. We've really gone after each other since high school. That was my first time having the opportunity to play against him in the pros. I guess you all could tell the way that he was playing."

The last comment drew plenty of laughter. During Monday's broadcast, Stacey King called out Beverly a few times for being too intense, but no harm was done.

"It was just a Chicago thing. If anything, you've got to love it," Rose added. "If the kids were watching yesterday that were from Chicago, you've got to see that both guys were competing and really trying to win that game. So it's deep, it's really deep."

McDermott back at practice:

Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah both sat out Tuesday's practice because of soreness, but both are expected to play Wednesday against Utah.

Rose has been nursing a sore hip suffered during the Boston game last Saturday.

"I think it was the first quarter, (Avery) Bradley came off a wide pin and elbowed me and it lingered throughout that whole game," Rose said.

"But I can't use that as an excuse. I feel fine. I can't complain about anything. Hip is fine. I didn't feel it yesterday, so I guess that's a good sign."

Mike Dunleavy did not practice, so it appears he'll miss his third game with a right ankle injury.

On the other hand, rookie Doug McDermott went full speed at Tuesday's practice. He's been out since having an arthroscopic procedure on his right knee Dec. 13.

It's not clear when he will return to game action.

Late lineups change:

Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau on the Bulls' often-rotating, fourth-quarter lineups:

"It's not about keeping guys happy, it's about doing what's best for the team," he said. "What gives you your best chance of winning? We've asked everyone to sacrifice for what's best for the team and they've done a very good job of that.

"If you want to win, that's what you do. We always have to put the team first. If you're a professional, that's what you should do."

Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.