Bulls Welcome NBA MVP Rose with Win

NBA Most Valuable Player Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah returned from injury to guide the Chicago Bulls to an emphatic 110-95 victory over the New Jersey Nets.

Rose, who had missed four games with a sprained left big toe, scored 22 points with eight assists.

Noah, who missed one game with a left ankle sprain, posted a "double-double" of 22 points and 10 assists as all five Chicago starters scored in double figures.

That helped Chicago overcome the absence of Britain's Luol Deng, who is seeking further medical opinions in the hope he can avoid surgery on his injured left wrist.

Rose showed little rust, but said he expects to deal with his toe injury the entire season.

"It's never going to be right this year," said Rose, although he said the swelling had subsided and he wore special inserts in his shoes to alleviate discomfort. "It's just something I have to play through."

Rose admitted it was almost as painful sitting on the bench.

"I hate sitting out," Rose said. "I know we were winning. I can't complain. But it's kind of boring not playing."

Deng, who had surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right wrist that brought his rookie season to a premature end, was at the arena.

He missed a game for the first time since March 30, 2010, after playing in all 82 of Chicago's contests last season.

"We're disappointed that he's injured because he's put so much work into it," coach Tom Thibodeau said. "You can't say enough about what he brings to the team in all areas. You start with his leadership and toughness. He's our best defender. He guards multiple positions. He plays to win."