CHICAGO -- After a dismal game Tuesday night against the Charlotte Hornets, the Chicago Bulls bounced back on Friday night and beat the Oklahoma City Thunder, 104-98.
Derrick Rose and Jimmy Butler carried the Bulls over the powerhouse Thunder, combining for 55 points in front of 21,861 fans at the United Center.
Butler found his rhythm early and scored 21 in the first half before finishing with 26.
The Bulls offense was aggressive and put the pressure on Oklahoma City?s defense constantly by getting to the rim and drawing fouls. As a result, Chicago shot 15 free throws to the Thunder?s 7 in the first half.
The biggest story of the night was former MVP Derrick Rose who served his best performance so far this season leading Chicago in the final three minutes of regulation by scoring 10 straight points.
Rose picked his spots using a plethora of maneuvers to score, whether it was strong drives to the rim or step back jumpers. He also contributed 5 rebounds and 7 assists. Rose led the Bulls with 29 points.
?Not to sound cocky, but that?s the position I want to be. That?s what I live for. That?s why I work out so hard for,? Rose said after the game.
Oklahoma City was led by its two All-Stars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook as they did their part in keeping the game as close as it was. Durant was the leading scorer out of both teams, dropping 33 points. Westbrook had a strong overall game with 20 points, 10 assist, and 8 rebounds.
Every time the Bulls tried to pull away one of the two would make a key basket. This was the Thunder?s fourth game in five nights. Fatigue may have played a factor in the end as they just couldn?t make the plays down the stretch.
The Thunder have lost 3 in a row and will welcome the next two days of rest as they will travel back home to take on the Phoenix Suns next.
The Bulls will stay in Chicago as they will face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday night.
Photo: Derrick Rose (with mask) scored 10 of his 29 points late and the Chicago Bulls ran away from the OKC Thunder 104-98 at the United Center.
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