The good news is that Chicago Bulls G Derrick Rose may be out of his shooting slump with a 32 point game against the Washington Wizards.  The bad news is the Bulls looked a bit over-matched and lost the game 105-99 at the United Center.

The Bulls didn’t play bad. It is that Washington played better. The Wizards are not intimidated by Chicago. Paul Pierce gives them that swagger, that confidence that has the Wizards playing some of the best basketball in the Eastern Conference. They (26-11) are better than Chicago right now.  The Wizards have so much talent with John Wall at PG emerging as new star in the NBA. Marcin Gortat and Nene outplayed the frontcourt of the Bulls tonight and a +10 advantage in rebounding.  Bradley Beal, the team’s sharpshooter, lurks in he wings, waiting to hoist a trey.  Pierce plays like the knowing field general, leading by guiding, not directing.

The Wizards hit 51.3% of its shots against the Bulls.  While Chicago (26-14) hit 43.0% of their shots from the floor. That is a big difference.  Pau Gasol had a quiet game scoring ‘only’ 13 points and hauling in 8 rebounds. Joakim Noah played 13:25 minutes and may have some soreness in his knee.

The Wizards had 29 assists to just 18 assists for Chicago. The Bulls took and made 13-27 three-point shots, D Rose hitting 6 of 9 attempts. This means Washington was not letting the Bulls run their offense in the half-court game. The Wizards controlled the glass and the tempo of the game.  Paul Pierce had 22 to lead Washington, John Wall scored 21.

The Bulls have hit a rough patch, losing 2 of 3 home games.  A good team is expected to win at home however lately, the Bulls haven’t been able to do that.