Dec. 24--The summary
Exacting a small measure of revenge for knocking them out of the playoffs in April, the Bulls took down the Wizards 99-91 in the first of four meetings this season. Derrick Rose scored 18 of his 25 points in the second half, draining a long jumper for a 94-87 lead. That came after a surge by the Wizards, who scored 12 points in a row and went ahead 87-86 on a John Wall jumper over Joakim Noah. Pau Gasol had 18 points, including his first 3-pointer of the season, and nine boards. Noah scored eight points -- all on dunks. Wall finished with 18 on 9-for-16 shooting.
Turning point
With his team leading 88-87 with 3 minutes, 25 seconds to play, Rose scored eight straight points.
Big number
13. The Bulls improved to 13-4 on the road. They're 6-5 at home.
The quote
"This is the first time he played really well in a back-to-back (game). You can tell his confidence is growing; that's great." -- Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau on Rose
Injury update
Kirk Hinrich (left hamstring) did not make the trip and is day-to-day.
Up next
Vs. the Lakers, 7 p.m. Thursday at the United Center.
-- Teddy Greenstein
