NBA: Chicago 98, Detroit 87

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Dec. 31 (UPI) -- Derrick Rose's 22 points, four rebounds and four assists Thursday led the Chicago Bulls to a 98-87 win over the Detroit Pistons, their third straight victory.

Chicago led 44-39 at the half, and after Tayshaun Prince sank a jumper drawing Detroit within 44-41 with 11:38 left in the third period, Rose led a 53-46 game-ending Chicago spurt.

Tyrus Thomas scored 19 with seven rebounds, John Salmons scored 17, while Joakim Noah added 15 points and 21 rebounds for the Bulls, who may have quelled, temporarily, rumors of the ouster of Coach Vinny Del Negro.

Rodney Stuckey led Detroit with 22 points, six assists and four steals.

Ben Gordon scored 21 with three assists, Prince scored 11 with four rebounds, and Charlie Villanueva added 10 points and four rebounds for the Pistons, who have lost nine in a row.