BOSTON — Derrick Rose scored 20 of his 29 points in the second half and hit three of Chicago’s seven 3-pointers in the fourth quarter as the Bulls pulled away to beat the Boston Celtics 119-103 on Friday night.
Rose also had 10 assists for his second double-double of the season. Jimmy Butler scored 22 points and Pau Gasol had 20 points and 11 rebounds for Chicago, which had lost two straight and four of five.
The Bulls were 27 for 41 in the second half and outscored Boston 31-17 in the fourth quarter.
Aaron Brooks added 15 points for the Bulls. Chicago used only eight players as injured center Joakim Noah sat out with a sprained right ankle.
Jared Sullinger had 20 points and eight rebounds for the Celtics, who shot 60 percent in the first half but could not keep up with the Bulls in the second.
Kelly Olynyk added 14 points and nine rebounds, Brandon Bass scored 16 and Tyler Zeller had 12 points for Boston.
The Celtics took advantage of Noah’s absence while outrebounding Chicago 45-36 and led 58-55 at halftime. But the Bulls picked up their defense early in the third and capitalized on a series of Boston turnovers. Chicago didn’t turn the ball over in the third.
Butler started an 11-1 run with a steal and took it in for a dunk, then later in the spurt converted another steal before Rose hit a 3-pointer that put Chicago up 79-72.
After Boston pulled to 88-86 at the end of the third, Chicago started strong again in the fourth with an 11-4 run. E’Twaun Moore and Aaron Brooks hit consecutive 3s as the Bulls pulled ahead 99-90, then after a basket by Bass, Chicago went further ahead with a 12-2 spurt, with Brooks and Rose hitting back-to-back 3-pointers for a 111-94 lead.
The Celtics played again without recent acquisitions Tayshaun Prince, Shavlik Randolph and Chris Douglas-Roberts. All three were picked up in recent trades but have yet to play for Boston.
UP NEXT
Bulls: Host Atlanta on Saturday night.
Celtics: At Los Angeles Clippers Monday.
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