Here's the latest Chicago Bulls news for Jan. 5, including the best of Derrick Rose Night, the Bulls' wild third quarter against the New York Knicks and how Coby White is finally heating up.
The best of Derrick Rose Night
After announcing his retirement before the season, it was time for the Chicago Bulls to honor one of the greatest players in franchise history.
DRose comes out to MVP chants in Chicago! 🌹🗣️ pic.twitter.com/VhvCR4BzAX
— NBA (@NBA) January 5, 2025
The day began with the announcement that the franchise would retire Rose's No. 1 jersey and hang it from the United Center rafters. He's only the fourth Bulls player ever to earn that honor, alongside Jerry Sloan (No. 4), Bob Love (No. 10), Michael Jordan (No. 23) and Scottie Pippen (No. 33).
There was a halftime ceremony that featured Joakim Noah, who rocked the arena with chants of "MVP".
"You're not only the MVP. You're The People's Champ"
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) January 5, 2025
–– Derrick Rose tears up during Joakim Noah's tribute pic.twitter.com/M4dq0Lw8dO
Current Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau (the Bulls were hosting the Knickerbockers) spoke about Rose before the game, per The Athletic:
“I always say the true measure of a man is how he handles adversity, and nobody did it better. He never stays down. He always found a way to rise above. I’m thrilled for him for the career he’s had. There’s no question in my mind he’s a Hall of Fame player.”
Despite injuries derailing his career and potentially another Bulls dynasty, Rose put things in perspective:
“Everybody’s story is different. For some reason, mine ended up being this way. Coming from Chicago, we roll with the punches.”
Bulls use massive third quarter to grab win over Knicks
Chicago trailed the Knicks by nine at halftime. By the end of the third quarter, the Bulls led by 15. They outscored New York 41-17 in the third on the way to a 139-126 win.
Chicago hit seven threes in the quarter, outscoring the Knicks from behind the arc alone.
Coby White, who finished the night with 33 points, was 3-of-4 from deep in the period. Josh Giddey tallied eight points, five rebounds, an assist and knocked down both of his threes. Jalen Smith and Lonzo Ball each connected on a triple.
It was one of the most complete quarters Chicago has played all season.
Coby White is starting to catch fire
The Bulls needed White to take another leap this season and prove he could be the team's No. 1 offensive option. So far, he's regressed rather than moving forward.
But the 24-year-old appears to be turning that around.
Over his last five games, White is averaging 23.6 points, 3.8 rebounds and 6.2 assists while shooting 50.6 percent from the field and 43.9 percent from three on 8.2 attempts per game.
He's also getting to the free-throw line nearly four times a night and is connecting on 94.7 percent of his shots from the stripe.
This is the version of White Chicago needs if the Bulls finally end up pulling the trigger on a Zach LaVine trade. If.