The Chicago Bulls, playing with Derrick Rose for the first time in six games, have taken an early, commanding lead through the first quarter of action.

Rose leads the team in the early going with 9 points through his 9 minutes of play. The All-Star point guard has also collected a pair of rebounds and an assist through the first quarter, helping the team to at 31-17 lead.

Atlanta started the game hot, taking an 11-6 lead in the first five minutes, but the Bulls charged back, staging an 11-point run followed by an 8-point run, to give them a 14-point lead going into the second quarter. Even though Rose started the game, the Bulls have also given some early minutes to PG Mike James, who has played well in Rose's absence.

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