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Derrick Rose: 'I Know Where I'm Going To Be'

By Cody Westerlund-

CHICAGO (CBS) – After exasperated Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau followed up two days of directing difficult practice with a feisty pregame media session Wednesday evening at the United Center, he finally got his wish in the second quarter of Chicago's 105-80 win against Brooklyn.

Derrick Rose in attack mode.

Rose scored a game-high 23 points Wednesday, including seven in a dazzling 50-second stretch with about five minutes to go before halftime, and he left his grumpy coach in better spirits.

"He was more aggressive in general the whole night, and that's what we need more of," Thibodeau said. "He's got to continue to do that. The more aggressive, the better – the better it is for our team."

For several weeks now, Thibodeau's been preaching some variation of the Bulls "need him to be Derrick." That didn't happen early Wednesday, with Rose reasoning that he needed to get teammates involved.

Once Rose did go into overdrive, the Bulls (13-8) were sparked and the Nets (8-12) had little chance. The highlight came in his second-quarter stint, when after a three-point play and another driving layup, Rose showcased his adept ball-handling to Deron Williams, then finished a bucket on a give-and-go with Pau Gasol.

"Just trying to let this process work itself out, trying to find ways in the game, being a point guard, getting other guys going, then getting a feel for the game and seeing whenever I can attack," Rose said of his approach. "I think I'm finding my way through it. I'm not all the way there yet, but like I said, it's a process."

Rose shot 8-of-15 from the field, including 3-of-7 from 3-point range, while adding four assists against five turnovers. It marked the seventh straight game Rose – who's shooting 31 percent from long range – had attempted six or more 3-pointers.

Thibodeau was content with most of Wednesday's outside shots, for he thought they came in the flow of the offense – including some fourth quarter looks after the ball went inside to Gasol (16 points, 16 rebounds).

"He had a good balance going," Thibodeau said. "I think the aggressiveness going to the basket helped set that up. They were playing back a little bit more."

Rose played just 23:50, in part because of his minutes restrictions and in part because of the blowout. Afterward, Rose said he didn't feel like he'd even played a game, which he believes is a sign that his body's responding well after dealing with an ankle and hamstring issues earlier this season. Rose has now started and completed six straight games after leaving early in a Nov. 25 loss at Denver.

Asked if he has another level or two to elevate his game to, Rose then expressed the utmost confidence.

"You all are going to be surprised by the way I'm playing," Rose said. "Just give me a little minute. I know where I'm going to be. I know how good I am. I'm very confident with my craft and how good I am, period.

"My body's healthy, mind's good, spirit's good. Just trying to keep it going."

Cody Westerlund is a sports editor for CBSChicago.com and covers the Bulls. Follow him on Twitter @CodyWesterlund.

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