The Wrap-Up: Rose rescues the Bulls

Keith Firmin brings you The Wrap-Up on all of last night’s NBA games, including the real return of Derrick Rose and LA’s offensive explosion.

New York @ Chicago

Steve Kerr called it perfectly (as the Chicago Bulls trailed the New York Knicks 81-80 with 10.8 seconds remaining) when he said “Rose is six-for-22 but I still think he’s your best option” – which is precisely what Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau thought as he put the ball in Rose’s hands and watched him hit the floater over the outstretched arms of Raymond Felton and Tyson Chandler, to give the Bulls an 82-81 lead with little time remaining. Carmelo Anthony had a chance to win the game for the Knicks but with Deng guarding him out on the perimeter, Anthony clanked the shot off the rim and Chandler missed the put back to seal the win for the Bulls, 82-81. Rose finished with 18 points on the night, while Melo had 22 for the Knicks. Tyson Chandler had a dominant night on the boards, pulling down 19, while Noah had 15. Deng finished with 16 points and six assists.

 – Rose’s rainbow beats Knicks –

Golden State @ LA Clippers

The Clippers outrebounded the Warriors 44-33 thanks in part to DeAndre Jordan’s 17 rebound contribution, and got the high scoring win thanks to Chris Paul’s 42 point, 15 assist, six steal performance, 126-115 over the visiting Warriors. The Clippers held a lead throughout much of the game and despite a late solo-rally from Steph Curry (17 points in the fourth quarter, 38 for the game), the Clippers were able to hold on for the win. It was a chippy contest with Griffin exchanging words with GSW coach, Mark Jackson, and Bogut and Jordan engaging in a shoving match. Next time these two teams meet? Christmas Day. Enjoy.

– Blake dunks the world –

– Bogut and Jordan get into it –