BOSTON — Derrick Rose had something to say Friday night to those who believe his best days are behind him.
Rose torched the Celtics for 29 points, 10 assists and three rebounds, and his Chicago Bulls dominated the fourth quarter to pull away for a 119-103 win at TD Garden.
ANOTHER THRILLER — FOR A WHILE
The first three Celtics-Bulls matchups this season were decided by a total of 17 points, with Boston taking the first and Chicago winning the next two. Friday’s tilt was more of the same, as the Celtics led by two at the end of the first quarter and three at halftime, and the Bulls held a two-point lead entering the fourth.
It was all Bulls from that point on, though, as Chicago outscored the home team 31-17 over the final 12 minutes to turn a tight contest into an easy victory.
KILLER TRIO
The trifecta of Rose, Pau Gasol and Jimmy Butler handled the bulk of the heavy lifting for the Bulls. The three finished with 71 total points, including all 33 of Chicago’s points in the third quarter. Butler also was much more active on the defensive end than usual, coming up with a career-high six steals, and Rose very much looked like the All-Star was pre-knee injuries.
Here’s a quick sample:
Reserve guard Aaron Brooks also seemingly has made it his mission to torment the Celtics this season. Brooks scored another 15 points Friday night, raising his four-game point total against Boston to 75.
DID YOU PAY THE BASS MAN?
Even as trade rumors fly all around him, Brandon Bass continues to be the picture of consistency for the Celtics. The Bulls had no answer for the power forward in the second quarter, as Bass played all 12 minutes and poured in 10 points on 4-of-7 shooting while also grabbing three rebounds and blocking a shot.
Bass added another four points in the second half to finish with 16. Jared Sullinger also enjoyed a strong second half, scoring 16 of his 20 points over the final two frames. Sullinger also grabbed eight rebounds, and Kelly Olynyk was strong off the bench with 14 points and a team-high nine boards.
Up next: The Celtics now hit the road for a six-game trip through the Western Conference, beginning Monday against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Thumbnail photo via Mark L. Baer/USA TODAY Sports Images
