Rookie Marquis Teague shows promise in rare minutes vs. 76ers

Chicago Bulls rookie Marquis Teague got a rare chance to log significant minutes in the Bulls 96-89 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday. With starting point guard Kirk Hinrich out with a knee injury, Teague played 20 minutes and earned his keep.

Teague scored six points and added four assists and two steals in only the second game this season that he has played more than six minutes. Teague also played strong defense on Sixers guard Jrue Holiday and impressed coach Tom Thibodeau, earning himself some minutes in crunch time.

"Marquis is just going to continue to get better and better. He's a bright kid, working hard and he's improving," said Thibodeau. Teague, the 29th pick of the 2012 NBA Draft, is only averaging 1.4 points and 1.3 assists per game in extremely limited minutes.

Luol Deng said he was proud of Teague and that he was a major reason for the Bulls getting the win. Thibodeau wouldn't comment on if Teague was going to get more minutes going forward, but if he does Teague is prepared.

"Whenever he calls my name, I'll be ready," Teague said.