Chicago squeaked by Minnesota, 96-89, at the United Center Friday night. The T-Wolves were within one with less than four minutes left, but a Mike Dunleavy Jr. three-pointer put the game out of reach for good. Jimmy Butler scored 28 points and grabbed 12 rebounds to lead Chicago, which lost Taj Gibson in the first quarter due to an ankle injury. Dunleavy added 21 points in the win. Nikola Vucevic had 12 points and 11 rebounds for Minnesota. Kevin Martin added 18 points. Kevin Garnett did not play.
The Bulls are at home Sunday against the L.A. Clippers. Pre-Game Show begins at 11:30 on Newstalk 1060.
Oft-injured Chicago point guard
Derrick Rose underwent successful surgery to repair a medial
meniscus tear in his right knee.
Bulls general manager Gar Forman made the announcement on Friday
morning, shortly after the procedure was completed, also revealing
that recovery time is 4-to-6 weeks. Rose then could return before
the end of the regular season.
The Memphis product had been generally healthy this season, having
appeared in 46 of Chicago's 58 games. The three-time All-Star told
the team on Tuesday he was experiencing pain in the surgically
repaired knee, and an MRI exam afterward revealed the tear.
Rose's absence comes with Chicago battling Cleveland for first
place in the Central Division. The Bulls entered Friday's action a
half-game behind the Cavs and fourth in the Eastern Conference with
a 36-22 record, three games up on fifth-place Washington.
The 2009 NBA Rookie of the Year has averaged 18.4 points, 5.0
assists and 3.1 rebounds this season.
