National Basketball Association

Rose surges late, leads Bulls over Wall, Wizards for 4th straight win

Published Dec. 23, 2014 9:34 p.m. ET

foxsports

After Derrick Rose ignited a late fourth quarter rally that helped the Chicago Bulls stave off John Wall and the Washington Wizards, Rose exaggerated a strut as he came back to the bench.

Rose had just scored six of the Bulls' eight points in a rally that sent them on their way to their fourth straight win, 99-91 over the Wizards on Tuesday night.

In his first meeting with Wall since Jan. 30, 2012, Rose scored 25 points. The Bulls have won all five games when Wall faced Rose.

"I think it was just the moment, being in the game like that, on the road," Rose said. "The emotional side is going to come out a little bit."

After Washington scored 12 straight - 10 by Wall - to take an 87-86 lead with 3:44 remaining, Chicago steadied and scored eight straight - six by Rose to lead 94-87 with 1:48 to play.

"You saw two people go at it tonight, two good teams," Rose said.

Rose missed most of the last two seasons after knee surgery, and he's rounding into form.

"I know where I'm going to be in a couple of months. You all are going to be the ones that are going to be surprised by the way I'm going to play," Rose said.

Wall led the Wizards with 18 points.

The Bulls outrebounded Washington 52-41.

On Monday, Chicago scored a franchise-record 49 points in the fourth quarter as they beat Toronto 129-120. Points were harder to come by a night later.

Coach Tom Thibodeau is an admirer of Wall's, and enjoyed the matchup between his player and the upstart Washington point guard.

"They're both dynamic players, hard to guard," Thibodeau said.

"They're both unselfish. They make the right plays."

Wall tried to downplay his meeting with Rose.

"Everybody is going to make it a big rivalry. I know every time I go against any good point guard it's going to be a big one. It's fun to have him back out there," Wall said.

It was the first meeting of the teams this season. Washington defeated Chicago in the first round of last year's playoffs, 4-1.

Gasol made his first 3-pointer of the season at the first quarter horn, and Rose hit one as the second quarter ended to give Chicago a 46-40 lead.

TIP-INS

Bulls: G Kirk Hinrich did not make the trip due to tendinitis in his left knee. Thibodeau said he thought Hinrich, who injured the knee in Monday night's game would miss "probably a couple of days. I'm not sure yet. . Thibodeau said that rookie F Doug McDermott, who had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, was making progress. He's not expected back before the middle of next month.

Wizards: F Marcin Gortat was assessed a technical foul in the second quarter. ... The Wizards have lost consecutive games for only the second time this season and two straight at home for the first time.

CHRISTMAS APPEARANCE

The Wizards are excited about their Christmas Day game in New York against the Knicks.

"This is our first time," coach Randy Wittman said. "Everybody else is at home opening presents. They're going to be opening presents and watching us."

The Bulls are glad to be home on Thursday against the Lakers.

"It's an honor," Rose said. "To play Christmas but not have to leave the town, it's a huge change."

BUTLER DIDN'T DO IT

Chicago G Jimmy Butler was held to 11 points. In his three previous games, he had 35, 31 and 27.

UP NEXT

Bulls Host Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday.

Wizards Visit Knicks on Thursday.