Dec. 13--The summary
Derrick Rose turned back the clock, wowing the United Center crowd with sensational drives and floaters. He scored 31 points on 14 of 24 shooting and had five assists in the Bulls' entertaining 115-106 victory over the Trail Blazers, his first 30-point game since March 12, 2012. The Bulls sizzled in the fourth quarter, benefiting from a speedy lineup that featured both Rose and point guard Aaron Brooks (17 points, four assists). The Bulls got 13 points and 10 boards from Pau Gasol and 15 points from Nikola Mirotic. The Blazers, who got 35 points apiece from LaMarcus Aldridge and Damian Lillard, had beaten the Bulls seven straight times since Nov. 1, 2010.
Turning point
A 16-2 run to start the second quarter gave the Bulls a 40-30 edge they would not relinquish.
Tribune player of game
Rose attacked the basket, attempting only four shots outside 14 feet. Said coach Tom Thibodeau: "When he is aggressive like that, there is no one like him."
Big number
7. The Bulls committed just seven turnovers, forcing 10.
The quote
Thibodeau, after being informed President Barack Obama had praised him during an ESPN Radio interview: "He's got my vote."
The quote II
Trail Blazers coach Terry Stotts on whether Aldridge still seeks revenge from the Bulls' 2006 draft-day trade: "Hey, whatever gets him motivated is fine with me."
Up next
The Bulls are in Miami on Sunday for a 5 p.m. tip.
-- Teddy Greenstein
