Bulls PG Derrick Rose scores 32 points in 103-98 win over Pacers

If there was any doubt that all-World point guard Derrick Rose was “back” for the Chicago Bulls, he put that doubt to rest on Friday night in the United Center.

Rose played 31 minutes of what appeared to be pain-free basketball in the 103-98 win over Indiana, but more importantly, he was utterly fantastic during his time on the floor. The 25-year-old Rose, who hasn’t appeared in a regular season game since the 2012 playoff when he tore his ACL, scored a staggering 32 points in the game, and even added 9 assists for good measure.

It was an efficient scoring total for Rose as well, as the 6-foot-3 point guard shot 9 for 15 from the field, 4 for 7 from 3-point distance (this is the shocking development), and 10 for 13 from the free throw line. There was no visible hesitation in Rose’s game whatsoever (and the numbers support this), and despite Indiana’s size in the form of Roy Hibbert, Rose had no issue getting to the rim at will.

Before things get too out of hand, we must remember that this is a preseason game in October. However, this is exactly the type of visual that the Bulls wanted to see from Rose as the season approaches, and the fact that Chicago is now 5-0 in the preseason isn’t a bad subplot, either.

It appears that the “old” Derrick Rose is back, and the league is better for it.