Bulls fans go full nostalgia, chant 'MVP' for Derrick Rose

Dec. 27 (UPI) -- Fans at the United Center in Chicago went throwback during a Chicago Bulls game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, chanting "MVP" for Derrick Rose.

The former Bulls star -- and 2010-2011 NBA MVP -- was at the free-throw line in the fourth quarter of the Timberwolves' 119-94 victory against the Bulls on Wednesday in the Windy City. Rose took a few dribbles and smiled before putting up his first attempt with 5:26 remaining in regulation. He took a minute to smile as he heard the chorus of MVP chants rain down from the stands to the court.

"I had to crack a smile a little bit," Rose told reporters.

"It made me reminisce about some of the old days and how grateful I was to be in that position at a young age. Just trying to take all of it in. The year I'm having is very special."

"It meant a lot."

Rose made the free throw and finished the game with a career-high total against the Bulls of 24 points. The 11-year veteran spent eight seasons with the Bulls after being selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft. Rose, 30, was the 2008-2009 Rookie of the Year and made the All-Star team three times during that tenure.

The Memphis product was born and raised in Chicago and was playing for the second time as a visitor at the United Center.

Karl-Anthony Towns was second to Rose in scoring for the Timberwolves. The Minnesota big-man had 20 points and pulled down 20 rebounds in the win. Zach LaVine netted a game-high 28 points for the Bulls.

Rose is averaging 18.7 points per game this season, his highest total since he went to the All-Star game in 2011-2012. He is also posting 4.7 assists and 2.8 rebounds per game this season for the Timberwolves.