Derrick Rose shines for Chicago Bulls in return from injury

The Eastern Conference became a lot more interesting after Derrick Rose's successful return to the Chicago Bulls. The former MVP scored 13 points in 20 minutes in an 82-76 exhibition victory over the Indiana Pacers.

"Same old Derrick Rose," Pacers coach Frank Vogel said. "He looked great."

Rose led the Bulls to the No 1 seed in the East two seasons ago before he tore his left ACL during the play-offs, then missed all of last season while recovering. He said he had some nerves on his return that quickly went away. "I felt great," Rose said. "I felt normal, I felt the way I've been playing in practice. I'm just trying to get my timing back."

He was at his lightning-fast best against the Pacers in the preseason opener for both teams, breaking away for several lay-ups and converting a steal and dunk in the third quarter. He appeared unafraid of contact, constantly challenging Indiana's large front line.

"That's the way he played before the injury, and he's back to playing like that," Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said. "And for him, that's his game. The speed, the quickness, the power to go along with it - that's what makes him so special and unique. There's no one like him."

Rose misconnected with his teammates several times and committed four turnovers. Rose said he was going too fast, and his coach agreed. "The speed at which he plays, you've got to get accustomed to," Thibodeau said. "His teammates have to get used to it again, but overall, I thought he played very, very well."