Bulls perfect 4-0 record so far in pre-season.
Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose made an explosive return to the United Center in the 96-81 win over the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night.
The 25-year-old showcased his trademark speed and explosiveness in registering 22 points in 22 minutes of action, and allayed any fears fans still had after he sat out the last game with soreness.
With the new season fast approaching, Rose has insisted that he feels completely at ease both physically and mentally with his knee having now played his first three games since tearing his ACL and demonstrated his confidence on Wednesday.
“I feel normal right now,” he said as reported by ESPN.
“I’m not worried about anything. I don’t have any aches or have any nagging injuries or anything. I’m really taking care of my body and really preparing myself for this long season.”
Rose admitted that he is well aware of the fact that he will be targeted this season, and that also played a role in his thinking last year when he decided against making a comeback in the play-offs.
Nevertheless, he believes that provided that the Bulls roster can stay healthy this season, then they have a genuine chance of dethroning the Miami Heat and winning an NBA championship.
“Oh, yeah,” he added.
“That’s the goal. That’s our No. 1 goal is winning the title. We’re not worried about anything else. We’re not worried about what people say about us or what’s going on on the outside. We’re just about the Bulls and how good we can get every day.”
Coach Tom Thibodeau will also have been buoyed by the return of Joakim Noah on Wednesday night, after the center was forced to sit out the start of pre-season with a groin problem.
Watch the video below to catch Rose in action, including a sensational acrobatic finish:
COMMENTS