Bulls Game No. 5: All five starters score in double figures, Bulls win third straight

Behind a 45-point performance from the starting front-court of Taj Gibson and Pau Gasol, a 41-minute, stat-sheet stuffing night from Jimmy Butler and the return of Derrick Rose to the starting lineup, the Chicago Bulls won their third straight game and improved their record to 4-1 with a victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night.

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Over the years, the Bradley Center in Milwaukee has become a second home for the Chicago Bulls. Fans have basically assured to see a victory whenever the Bulls travel to Wisconsin to take on the Milwaukee Bucks twice a season.

Wednesday night was no different.

The Bulls continue their winning streak with a 95-86 win over the Bucks, which also improved Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau‘s record to 9-0 all-time vs. the Bucks at the Bradley Center.

Although the win was extra sweet with the returning Derrick Rose inserted into the lineup, the performance itself still left some questions.

Rose shot 4-for-10 from the floor (2-of-5 from deep), but did dish out seven assists, stole a pair of passes and had a plus-minus of +19 in 31 minutes for the Bulls.

Wednesday’s win for the Bulls was also a nice homecoming for shooting guard Jimmy Butler:

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Butler played three seasons for the Marquette Golden Eagles before being the last pick of the first round during the 2011 NBA Draft for the Bulls.

Add in receiving his diploma from Marquette to his stat line and Wednesday was a great night for the fourth-year wing.

In 41 minutes of action, Butler scored 12 points on 4-of-7 shooting, dished out seven assists, grabbed six rebounds and racked up four steals in his third game back from a thumb injury.

The men of the hour for the Bulls however, were Taj Gibson and Pau Gasol. The two front-court stars combined for 45 points on 17-for-31 shooting, grabbed 24 of the 42 total rebounds for the Bulls and hit 11 of 16 free throws. Gibson played 43 minutes while filling in for the ill Joakim Noah.

Reports came out that Noah did travel to Milwaukee, but would not play on Wednesday night:

(The Bulls have Thursday off, then play Friday night in Philadelphia against the Sixers.)

Thoughts + what’s next for the Bulls

Sure, it’s a tiny sample size of just three games, but many fans are scratching their heads and asking one question, “Why didn’t the Bulls pay Jimmy Butler before the October 31st deadline?”

Butler had been fantastic before the sprained thumb in the preseason and he’s been fantastic since his return this past Saturday.

The confidence Butler’s playing with is such a great sight for Bulls fans. He’s not afraid to take (and make) big shots when the Bulls have needed them so far this season.

As for Rose, it’s clear that “the burst” hasn’t been there since he twisted his ankle(s?) against Cleveland on Halloween night. There was a stretch in the second quarter where Rose seemingly was taking over the game, but played rather conservative for the rest of the night.

Although Rose was rather laid-back, he did dish out seven assists and the Bulls still scored in a variety of ways in the second half.

When asked about whether he’ll play on Friday night or not, Rose sounded content and confident:

The Bulls (4-1) will take their three-game winning streak into Philadelphia on Friday night. The Sixers, the NBA’s youngest team, are still winless on the season. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 PM CT.

Next: Bulls Game No. 4: More starting lineup confusion in 98-90 win over Orlando