DRose Helps Bulls Hang On Against Old Foes In Detroit, Extend Lead To 3 Games Over Boston In Eastern Conference

DETROIT, MI. Although the Pistons-Bulls rivalry has not been much of a rivalry for a while, the Pistons had to know that Derrick Rose and the Bulls really wanted to win this game, and so, they were no going to give it up without a fight.

Here are the Highlights:


Behind 30 points from Rip Hamilton, the Pistons certainly made a game of it in the final minutes and challenged the Bulls to battle for another win in order to keep their spot at the top of the East.

After getting a scorching start from Derrick Rose, who went for 13 points on 4 for 5 shooting in the opening quarter, the Bulls lead by double digits and cruised for most of the game. But in the 4th, the Pistons were able to claw their way into the contest, and two Rip Hamilton free-throws helped the Pistons close the Bulls lead to 93 - 89, with 1:29 left in the game.

After trading baskets, Rose, on a brilliant pass, set up Ronnie Brewer for a lay up and a 6 point Bulls' lead with 0:34 that sealed the win for Chicago.

Rose finished the game with 27 points, 3 rebounds , 7 assists, and 4 steals. Carlos Boozer came up big in support of the NBA MVP leader with 22 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals on a night when Joakim Noah missed another start to heal from injury.

DRose came to the rescue once again with 27 points, 7 assists, and 4 steals in the Chicago Bulls win.

On a night when the Detroit Pistons honored Dennis Rodman by retiring his number 10 jersey, it was the team that "The Worm" most recently helped to win the NBA Championship that was having an incredible evening.

The Chicago Bulls, with the victory at the Palace at Auburn Hills, combined with a Boston Celtics loss to the Atlanta Hawks, now lead the East by 2.5 games over the new 2nd place, Miami Heat, and by 3 full games over Boston.

With 7 games left, the Chicago Bulls version 2010-11 have 55 wins and counting, and they control their own destiny. If they win the next four games against Toronto, Phoenix, Boston, and Cleveland, they will secure home court in the Eastern Conference.