No-Rose Hangover

After the devastating news about Derrick Rose the night before, the Bulls still had to play a game against the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday.  But the atmosphere in the United Center still felt like a funeral.  Seats were empty on both press row and in the stands.  And those seats saw a 98-86 loss.

It initially seemed like it would be a close game between a bad team and a debilitated team.  We got just that for three quarters, the first two of which ended tied.  But the fourth was when the bottom fell out as the Hornets outscored the Bulls 31-21.  It was merely the latest subplot in what has become the next chapter in the Rose saga.

Four Hornets starters reached double figures and were led by Michael Kidd-Gilchrist's double-double of 18 and 12.  Maurice Williams had 17 points while Al Jefferson trailed just behind with 16.  Gerald Henderson added 11 and Brian Roberts came off the bench with 12.  There wasn't a whole lot to write home about besides Kidd-Gilchrist, but no one really needed to be spectacular to beat the Bulls.

Pau Gasol had his latest double-double of 25 and 13.  Jimmy Butler totaled 14 and Aaron Brooks scored 12 in his first post-Rose start.  Tony Snell continued to make his case to stay in the rotation with 10.  Joakim Noah, who was introduced last in the starting lineup (which has to be a first for "the man in the middle"), grabbed 11 rebounds.

It was hard to imagine the Bulls looking like anything but a competitive team fresh off the Rose development.  The club is still recovering mentally and you can't help but wonder how long it will take for that to happen.  And we still don't know if Rose is truly done for the season.  Even if he comes back, these Bulls are no longer championship contenders, so that's an adjustment they might want to take their time in making.

Normally, another home loss to a bad team would further illustrate what has been a disturbing trend all year.  But with no Rose, it hardly seems like a serious concern anymore.  Everyone and their mom knows where this season is ultimately headed, so it pretty seems like a formality from here on out.  Losing sole possession of first place in the Central means far less now than it did just over 24 hours earlier.

Still, the Bulls have a chance to show how strong a playoff team can be.  They can build upon that Friday when the Minnesota Timberwolves pay them a visit.  Kevin Garnett will still be adjusting to life with his old team once again, so maybe, the more talented Bulls can find weaknesses throughout Minnesota's lineup.   At this point, even a tiny bandage over a big wound can be a relief.