Chicago, IL – Derrick Rose returned with a vengeance as he 95, at United Center.
The Bulls got a huge lift from Rose as he returned to action for the first time after missing four games with a left big toe sprain. Joakim Noah, who added a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds, also returned from injury after missing the previous game with a left ankle sprain.
Richard Hamilton tied Rose for the team lead in points, recording a double- double with 22 points and 10 assists. Hamilton also scored his 15,000th career point in the second quarter of the Bulls victory.
The Bulls improved to an NBA-best 16-3 and have now won nine of their last 10, including four in a row. They moved to 8-0 at United Center this season.
Jordan Farmar led the Nets in scoring, dropping 22 points off the bench on 3- of-3 shooting from behind the arc. All-Star guard Deron Williams chipped in with a double-double, adding 16 points to go along with 10 assists. Anthony Morrow, who started in place of the injured MarShon Brooks, had 15 points in the loss.
New Jersey finished up the third game of a back-to-back-to-back going 1-2. The Nets are 5-13 this season and 3-8 on the road.