Thanks to 26 points by Zach Lavine and 22 points by Otto Porter, the Chicago Bulls defeated the Detroit Pistons 112-106 on Friday night at the United Center.
Friday’s game featured two headliners: first, the Bulls first home victory of the season and second, the return of their 2011 MVP, Derrick Rose.
“I felt the love out there,” said Rose, about the roaring standing ovation he received from the United Center crowd in the first quarter. “I wish we could have got the win. But coming here, is always special.”
Rose entered the game with six minutes and thirty nine seconds remaining to play in the first quarter to a standing ovation from the UC crowd shouting: “MVP! MVP! MVP!”
Rose would return to his old MVP form and gave the United Center fans exactly what they waited for. Exploding for 23 points, seven assist in 24 minutes of play.
Rose dazzled fans in the first half with amazing crossover moves, two dunks, and 15 first half points.
To counter Rose, guard Zach Lavine struck early in the first quarter. Scoring 11 points on 4 of 10 shooting from the field. Lavine finished the half with 16 points.
Bulls led 57-52 at half time.
In the second half, Bulls forward Otto Porter would have one of his best scoring game’s of the season. Scoring 12 of his 22 points in the second half. On 8 of 12 shooting from the field.
In addition to his season high 22 points, Porter was also a marksman from beyond the arc. Going 3 of 4 from behind the arc in 31 minutes of play.
Bulls coach Jim Boylen said he was impressed with Porter’s consistency.
“He was aggressive, he was confident, and he has a size advantage at the 3 (position) with ball skills,” said Boylen. “I thought he did a great job.’
Although Lavine and Porter would combine for 48 points, Pistons center Andre Drummond had a game for the ages. Drummond exploded for a game high 23 rebounds and a team high 25 points on 11 of 16 shooting from the field.
Final Score: Bulls 112, Pistons 106
With the win, the Bulls improved to 2-4 on the season in the NBA’s Eastern Conference. Earning their first win in the Central Division.
Chicago Crusader Newspaper Player of The Game:
Zach Lavine, Chicago Bulls, Game High 26 points.
Joseph Phillips is the Sports Editor for the Chicago Crusader Newspaper. He is a Chicago native, who has been a sports writer for over 17 years. He also hosts the SC Media News and Sports Network Q&A radio show on WHPK 88.5 FM Chicago. He can be reached at [email protected].
Joseph Phillips is the Sports Editor for the Chicago Crusader Newspaper. He is a Chicago native, who has been a sports writer for over 17 years. He also hosts the SC Media News and Sports Network Q&A radio show on WHPK 88.5 FM Chicago.
