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Chicago Bulls’ Taj Gibson: Derrick Rose itching to return for playoffs (Audio)

By Mark Carman

Jan 19, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Taj Gibson (22) reacts against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. Cleveland won 108-94. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 19, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Taj Gibson (22) reacts against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. Cleveland won 108-94. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Chicago Bull Taj Gibson made his return to the court last night, optimistic Derrick Rose is coming back soon.

Taj Gibson surprised many of his teammates returning to the court last night after missing 1o games from a sprained ankle back on February 27. Gibson only played 11 minutes, admittedly out of shape, but had the traditional Gibson bounce throwing down a couple of thunderous dunks.

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Gibson was very enthusiastic after the game about being back on the court, the way the Bulls are starting to play faster, and the prospects of both Jimmy Butler and Derrick Rose returning. Gibson also expects a better Derrick Rose during the playoffs:

"“When playoff time comes, I already know he is going to turn it up another notch. When we play these big time games, he is just explosive to the basket, he is going all out. Seeing him in practice he is pushing himself, I’m sitting on the bench with him tonight, he is like I can’t wait to get back.”"

Gibson is right, Rose has had two of his biggest games against the NBA’s best and the Bulls won both of them. Rose scored 30 against Cleveland on February 12, 30 again versus Golden State on January 27 including a step-back jumper with 7 seconds remaining in overtime to win it.

Gibson added that Rose seemed both surprised and inspired to get back on the court after seeing Gibson suit up. Rose was actually sitting on the bench last night cheering on his teammates for the first time since his latest injury which Gibson saw as a positive development:

"“When he saw me suit up he was like I gotta get ready now too cause he knows its time. He came out with his suit tonight, that’s a good sign.”"

Jimmy Butler will in all likelihood make it back before Rose either tonight versus Detroit or sometime next week. Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau has praised how Rose has looked in practice and it does seem like Rose will play at least a handful of regular season games to get ready for the playoffs.

The Bulls have 12 games left, currently in third place in the Eastern Conference standings, a half-game up on Toronto who they play Wednesday night in Toronto

You can hear an optimistic Taj Gibson below.

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