CHICAGO, Jan. 11 (UPI) -- John Lucas III, starting in place of the injured Derrick Rose, had a career game Wednesday in leading the Chicago Bulls to a 78-64 win over Washington.
Rose, the NBA's defending MVP, was out of action with a sprained toe and was listed as day-to-day.
Lucas, in his fourth professional season and playing in his 70th game, took advantage of his chance. He scored 25 points, grabbed eight rebounds and handed eight assists -- all career bests.
Chicago held Washington to 11 fourth-quarter points and pulled away to its 10th victory. The Bulls joined Oklahoma City, which also won Wednesday, as the first teams in the league to reach double-digit wins this season. Chicago has captured three in a row.
Kyle Korver added 14 points and Luol Deng had 12 points and 15 rebounds for Chicago, which has won all four of its home contests.
Washington, which has an NBA-low one victory, was led by Jordan Crawford with 14 points.
