Derrick Rose returned to the Chicago Bulls lineup on Friday to notch 21 points, four rebounds and four assists in leading them past the host Boston Celtics 109-102 on Friday.
Afterwards, the youngest MVP in league history declared what Chicago Bulls fans have now been saying for what seems like forever.
“I just need to play,” said Rose. “I don’t need no more confidence. I know how good I am and I know how good I am going to be. It’s just that I need to be out there playing.”
The win snapped a streak of three losses in four games for the Bulls and improved their record to 6-2 in games Rose has played in this season. Rose returned to the lineup after playing just 10 minutes in a Tuesday night loss to Denver because of left hamstring tightness.
“Derrick needs to keep improving,” coach Tom Thibodeau said. “Honestly, I see those 10 minutes [in Denver] as a good sign. He played back-to-back games, and I noticed how hard he practiced over the last two days to get better. That’s how he’ll get back in shape. I just want him to keep making progress. He has to be on the court to do that.”
Rose has already missed eight games for the Bulls this season because of various injuries, but his teammates remain firmly in his corner.
“I think Derrick played really well,” said center Joakim Noah, who was returning from injury. “And I think every time he’s on the court it just makes our team that much more dangerous. It’s always great to have him on the court.”
Bulls power forward Taj Gibson has also returned to the team after missing the last several with a sprained left ankle. Gibson told reporters he took a cortisone shot in his ankle, but remains unsure when he will be able to return to play.
[Photo Credit: The Digital Story]