Vintage Derrick Rose Explodes in 4th Quarter for Chicago Bulls

The Chicago Bulls had the lead for the majority of the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, but were slowly letting them back in as the third quarter wound down. That is, until vintage Derrick Rose showed up and exploded for a 12-point fourth quarter where he could not miss. In a game where Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant combined for 53 points, it was Rose who showed them up and stole the show.

The Bulls won 104-98, and it wouldn't have been possible without Rose. In a first half in which he struggled, starting 1-for-8, he bounced back in a big way, finishing 12-of-25 for 29 points. He also added seven assists and five boards, in easily his most complete and dominant performance of the young season.

Rose's performance couldn't have come at a better time for Chicago. Only a day removed from Brian Windhorst's comments about the Bulls and Rose moving on from each other, the Chicago native stepped up and showed his determination to win for his team and fans.

Rose responded to those comments during the post-game interview with Craig Sager, saying that he ignores the noise, and knows what kind of player and person he is. And to him, he's a guy who gives everything he has to the sport.

It's also a great rebound for this Bulls team, as they were stomped on by the Charlotte Hornets only a couple of nights ago, 130-105, warranting quite a bit of criticism and worry. But winning cures all, and winning against a great team like the Thunder cures even more.

Jimmy Butler also had a fantastic game, scoring 26. Rose and Butler combined for 55 points, outscoring the Westbrook-Durant duo by two. And when these two guys get going more consistently, that's how this team can elevate to the next level and truly contend for a title.

It's when they're ineffective that the Bulls struggle; and while it's true Butler has become the better all-around player, Rose is still essential. He's the most explosive player on the Bulls, and he's the only one capable for going off for 10 points in a row, like he did in the fourth at one point.