Bulls Vs. Celtics: Derrick Rose Returns, Chicago Hangs On For 88-79 Win

Bulls Vs. Celtics Final Score: Chicago Takes Early Lead, Hangs On For 88-79 Win

After sitting out Wednesday night's matchup with the Washington Wizards, Derrick Rose made his return to the Chicago Bulls lineup on Friday against the Celtics. Rose, who has been dealing with turf toe, looked little worse for wear as he carved up the Boston defense early and often, scoring a game-high 25 points in an 88-79 Chicago win.

It was a tale of two halves for the Bulls, with the first half going about as well as it could. After opening up a 52-33 lead heading into the half, though, Chicago began to falter in the second as Boston came to life. The double-digit lead evaporated early in the fourth as the Celtics pulled to within one, threatening to finally retake the lead.

It never happened, though, as Chicago stayed one-step ahead, using a quick spurt to gain some breathing room and hanging on down the stretch for a nine-point win. All five Chicago starters were in double-figures, with Luol Deng (21 points and 16 rebounds) and Joakim Noah (10 points and 12 rebounds) each notching double-doubles.

Ray Allen led the Celtics with 16 points in the loss. Rajon Rondo finished with a double-double, scoring 14 points and dishing out 11 assists.

Bulls Vs. Celtics: TV Info, Schedule And More

The Chicago Bulls will be looking for their fourth straight win when they face the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on Friday night. The Celtics are looking to move back to .500 on the season.