BOSTON, Jan. 13 (UPI) -- Derrick Rose returned to the Chicago lineup Friday and scored 25 points, helping the Bulls fight off a second-half comeback and down Boston 88-79.
The reigning MVP of the NBA missed Chicago's previous game with a toe injury but he played through discomfort Friday while making 9-of-21 shots from the field.
Chicago owned a 52-33 halftime lead, but the Celtics came back within a point 2 minutes deep in the fourth period. Rose then scored four straight to ignite a 10-3 run that pushed the Bulls to victory.
Luol Deng added 21 points and 16 rebounds for the Bulls and Chicago got 12 each from Carlos Boozer and Ron Brewer.
Chicago, which has won an NBA-high 11 games this season, has captured four in a row.
Ray Allen led Boston with 16. The Celtics have dropped three straight.
