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The Chicago Bulls won their home opener 101-91 against the Pistons in comeback fashion.

The Bulls came back from a 21 points down and had a 15 point deficit to start the 4th quarter. Derrick Rose led the Bulls to a 34-9 4th quarter performance and scored a career high of 39 points in the game. After just two games, Derrick Rose is averaging 33.5 points, most in the NBA.

“He recognized where we are and what we need from him,” said Bulls rookie coach Tom Thibodeau, who got his first NBA victory and a game ball from Rose.

“He’s gotten to a point where he can figure out the game, and whatever is needed for us to win, he’ll try to provide. What we need from him is more scoring and he’s providing it,” said Thibodeau. “But he’s also making the correct plays. So if they double and a second man is coming, we want him to hit the open man, have the offense moving with pace, get the ball up more quickly for easier scoring opportunities.

Joakim Noah recorded a double double, scoring 15 points and grabbing 17 rebounds. James Johnson and rookie Omer Asik came into the game and gave the Bulls the spark they were looking for. Johnson finished with 8 points and 9 big rebounds, and Asik brought energy and defense when the Bulls needed it.

“Omer (Asik) and James Johnson came in and provided us with a lot of energy that got us back in the game,” said Thibodeau. “There were a lot of guys who did something that were helpful.  In the second half, Luol’s (Deng) defense was terrific.  Joakim was good on the boards (17, with eight offensive).  It was a total team effort.”