INDIANAPOLIS, Jan. 14 (UPI) -- A 29-point performance by Derrick Rose and a solid defensive effort Friday carried the Chicago Bulls to a 99-86 victory over Indiana.
The Bulls began the evening tied with Boston for the best home record in the Eastern Conference. They boosted that mark to 18-3 after breaking the game open late in the second period.
Rose had three 3-pointers while making 11-of-21 shots from the field. Luol Deng added 17 points and Carlos Boozer had 14 for the Bulls.
Indiana shot a mere 32 percent from the field and was outrebounded by 15 in losing for the first time in three games. Danny Granger led the Pacers with 22 points.
Chicago turned a four-point lead into a 12-point advantage during the final 5 minutes of the second period. The Bulls had a 16-point cushion heading into the fourth quarter.
