Derrick Rose’s Top 10 Performances of the Season (so far)

No. 3: Lowry may start the ASG, but Rose gets the upper hand

Dec 22, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) passes around Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) during the first quarter of a game at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

After missing two games with an undisclosed sickness in December, Derrick Rose returned to action on Dec. 22 against (now) All-Star Game starter Kyle Lowry and the Toronto Raptors.

How good was Rose in his return?

In 31 minutes against one of the top teams in the East, Rose shot 12-of-19 from the floor and scored 29 points in a 129-120 Bulls victory.

Why is this game ranked higher than Rose’s show in Boston?

Because in the fourth quarter against the Raps, the Bulls set a franchise record with 49 points. Out of those 49 points, Rose scored 15 of them and outplayed Lowry down the stretch, who chipped 34 points on the night for Toronto.

The Rose/Lowry duel was definitely one of the best of the season at the point guard position, but No. 2 on this list may have been the best one-on-one duel of the whole NBA season.

Next: No. 2: The adidas War: Rose vs. Lillard