The Chicago Bulls, playing with PG Derrick Rose for the first time since back spasms sidelined him six games ago, have taken a commanding 55-37 lead at the half against the Atlanta Hawks.
The Bulls jumped ahead early, dominating the Hawks to the tune of a 31-17 lead in the first quarter, but Chicago struggled early in the second quarter as the Hawks held the Bulls at 40 points for over five minutes, building their own 9-point run to bring them back into the game.
Chicago certainly had their chances to break the game wide open, however, as they out-rebounded the Atlanta team 13 to 30 -- at one point collecting three straight offensive rebounds only to come away with no points. Despite taking 21-point leads twice in the game, Chicago had to settle for an 18-point advantage at the half with the Bulls leading 55-37.
Derrick Rose, who has played 16 minutes in the early going, has already collected 14 points, 3 assists and 3 rebounds -- leading the team in points. C Joakim Noah also has hit double digits early, snatching 11 rebounds to go with his 4 points.
The Bulls head into the second half looking to pull away and likely give some security rest to Rose.
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