Rose defies ESPN report on his future with Bulls
The top storyline in Thursday's victory over Oklahoma City was Derrick Rose's return to his old form. He scored 29 points overall, including 10 in a row for the Bulls late in the fourth quarter.
It was a little ironic how a few hours earlier, ESPN decided the story of the day was how Rose wasn't a good fit in coach Fred Hoiberg's offense and was probably on his way out with the Bulls. The opinion was repeated on more than one show throughout the afternoon.
What's not clear is whether those reports served as any motivating factor for Rose. He never mentioned it after the game.
"You have to block out that stuff and I think Derrick has done a really good job of that," coach Fred Hoiberg said Friday at the Advocate Center. "As a head coach, honestly, I try not to read anything and I think the players have to do the same thing."
There is some logic to the idea Rose has slowed down after three knee surgeries, but this was just five games into a new season. Rose missed most of training camp with a fractured left orbital bone and has complained about suffering double vision in his left eye. So it may have been premature to predict Rose's demise.
"I can't get all high because of this game," Rose said after the contest. "I'm going to have more ups and downs, and I'll find my way around them."
Rose, Butler excel together:
Another popular storyline that hasn't come true is that Derrick Rose and Jimmy Butler don't get along or don't play well together. They combined to outscore Oklahoma City's Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook 55-53 in Thursday's win.
"It means we're feeling it; feeling the game," Butler said in the locker room. "(Rose) had it going in the second half. I had it going in the first. When I was hot he continued to give me the ball; he was, 'Do your thing, brother.' I'm glad to see him out there doing what he's normally doing."
Rose suggested he'd like to see Butler shoot more.
"We're still learning. It's only five or six games in," Rose said. "Jimmy is going to be tough, man. I love the way that he's playing. He's picking and choosing his spots. It'll all come together one day."
Remembering Flip:
Some sadness will be in the air Saturday when Minnesota visits the United Center. Longtime Timberwolves coach Flip Saunders died on Oct. 25 following a bout with cancer. Sam Mitchell is now coaching the team.
Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg spent two seasons playing for Saunders in Minnesota and the two remained close.
"I still have a lot of friends in that organization," Hoiberg said. "It's obviously been tough on a lot of people with what's gone on these last few weeks with Flip. I saw his son (Ryan) back on the (Minnesota) bench, which is great to see him back out there involved with the team.
"Kevin Garnett, who's the best teammate I ever had, it's great to see him back in Minnesota, where he'll hopefully finish his career."
Bull horns:
Kirk Hinrich didn't participate in Friday's practice, but did shoot around at the Advocate Center. He's still nursing a toe injury and has played just five minutes all season. ... Through Thursday's action, the Bulls ranked fourth in the league in 3-point percentage (.386) and 3-pointers made per game (9.3).
Bulls scouting report
Bulls vs. Minnesota Timberwolves at the United Center, 5 p.m. Saturday
TV: WGN
Radio: ESPN 1000-AM
Outlook: There are some promising signs with Minnesota's young team. PG Ricky Rubio ranks second in the league in assists with 9.0. C Karl Anthony Towns, the No. 1 pick of last spring's draft, is off to a pretty good start, averaging 14.8 points and 8.8 rebounds. The bad news is SF Andrew Wiggins, the 2014 No. 1 overall draft pick, is shooting just 29.3 percent from the field while averaging 13.8 points. Kevin Martin (18.8 ppg) is the team's leading scorer. The Bulls have won three straight against the Timberwolves.
Next: Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center, 6 p.m. Monday
- Mike McGraw