Rose returns to power Bulls past Hawks

MondayNew York 92-100 New Jersey Houston 97-93 Memphis Dallas 89-73 Boston Oklhma Cty 101-93 N Orleans Utah 102-106 San Antonio LA Lakers 103-92 Portland CHICAGODerrick Rose made an immediate impact on his return to the Chicago Bulls lineup on Monday as last season’s Most Valuable Player scored a game-high 23 points in a 90-79 victory over the visiting Atlanta Hawks.The All-Star guard missed five consecutive games with lower back spasms but showed little effect of the layoff, contributing six assists and five rebounds.“He makes the game easy for everybody,” Bulls guard Ronnie Brewer told reporters.Rose, who played almost 35 minutes, said he was not experiencing new problems with the back. “It feels good,” he added. “I have got to put a little ice on there, but I should be alright.”Chicago raced to a 35-17 first quarter advantage and led by 21 points in the third quarter before Atlanta pulled within six with three minutes to play on reserve Jannero Pargo’s fifth three-pointer of the game.But Luol Deng countered with a three-pointer for Chicago and Rose added a jumper to restore the Bulls’ double-digit lead.The win, the 12th in 14 home games, kept the Bulls close on the heels of the Miami Heat for the Eastern Conference lead while Atlanta, sixth in the conference, lost for the seventh time in 10 games.The victory came two days after the Bulls were handed a 12-point loss by the New Jersey Nets while playing without Rose.

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Rose returns to power Bulls past Hawks