Derrick Rose drives while defended by Clippers' Randy Foye. (Kelvin Kuo / US PRESSWIRE) By K.C. Johnson
LOS ANGELES -- The Bulls' Dec. 18 home loss to the Clippers is seared in Derrick Rose's memory.
But not only because it is one of just four home losses this season. Rose also missed a potential game-tying free throw with 0.8 seconds left.
"You can't feel any worse than that," Rose said. "I remember walking off the court, seeing everybody putting their jackets on leaving because of you. It hurts. If anything, it makes you stronger."
It also made for a motivated Rose, who helped the Bulls begin their five-game trip in style. They paid back the Clippers with a 106-88 victory, their sixth straight, and snapped the Clippers' nine-game home win streak in the process.
Photo gallery: Bulls beat Clippers
Rose finished with 32 points and 11 assists and uncharacteristically shushed the crowd after sinking a 3-pointer late in the third quarter to stop a Clippers run.
Think that December loss burned him?
"I think I'm supposed to hit every shot like that towards the end of the game, especially a free throw," Rose said. "So that gave me something to think about. Knowing how that felt after that game, being mad. It helps me grow as a player."
Luol Deng added 26 points, Carlos Boozer contributed 16 points and 10 rebounds and C.J. Watson and Taj Gibson anchored a strong bench effort to aid the Bulls, who improved to 11-10 on the road.
Blake Griffin finished with 32 points after a spectacular, 25-point first half.
Coach Tom Thibodeau opened with Kurt Thomas on Griffin instead of Boozer, but Thomas sat with two fouls less than eight minutes in. Gibson came in with good energy and the Bulls led early behind 13 first-quarter points from Rose, including nine straight on three 3-pointers.
Deng heated up in the second quarter with 11 points, but Griffin provided the highlight with a vicious alley-oop dunk and foul on Kyle Korver that led to a three-point play. That pulled the Clippers within 48-46, but Rose then blocked Baron Davis' shot, led a fast break on which he fed Deng for a 3-pointer.
Rose said his stomach ulcers have subsided and he's eating full meals again, and his energy level showed. The Bulls stretched their 55-49 halftime lead by opening the third with a 20-5 run.
Source: http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2011/02/bulls-game-day-lead-clippers-early-1.html
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