Rose-y Outburst

We can talk all we want about the Bulls dropping their first match-up 107-98 against the new Cleveland Cavaliers at Ohio State.  But the game didn't count and we'll have plenty of time to dissect the pros and cons of both East contenders.  If you're a Bulls fan, Derrick Rose was the best news they could have received.

While most of the local crowd was focused on LeBron James, the star from the team LeBron exalted earlier in the day scored 30 points in 24 minutes.  That beat Kyrie Irving's total by two and also contributed to his game-high 12 field goals.  It's worth noting he attempted 18 shots from the field, so those shooting struggles everyone has been concerned about were not present here.

This offensive explosion prompted a happy locker room after the game.  Those who have been around Rose the longest were the most vocal.  Taj Gibson thought the performance was a reminder of "old memories", Tom Thibodeau reiterated the belief of many that he's coaching "an MVP-caliber player" and Joakim Noah called the outburst "big for our team."

Obviously, it's going to take more than a 30-point preseason game to convince many that Rose has come all the way back.  For all we know, this is just a flash in the pan in what will be a struggling season.  However, this should let at least a few people know he's not a lost cause.  Yes, his knees might still betray him again (hopefully not), but let's perish that thought.

If this becomes the norm for Rose however, this was just the first of many eventful battles we'll be seeing between the Bulls and Cavs within the division for the next few years.  A rivalry like this is good for the NBA and especially the putrid East.  All the power can't be in the West, so it's up to these teams to do battle in the way basketball was meant to be played.

Fortunately for us, Rose won't have to wait that long to do battle with LeBron for real.  A Halloween meeting at the United Center, the second game of the season, could really give the Bulls a swift kick.  They should want to make a statement early during a year that might be their best shot to reach the NBA Finals.  While LeBron claims that the Bulls have the better team chemistry of the two teams, we'll see how they both gel together during the playoffs.

The Bulls will end their exhibition schedule Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves in St. Louis.  Andrew Wiggins, the Cavs' first-round pick they traded for Kevin Love, will be around to preview how he can help a franchise in limbo.  And while that's going on, how about another decent game from Rose, assuming he plays much?  Any momentum over the next week is good.