Chicago Bulls Lose to Philadephia 76ers as Season Nears Close

The Philadelphia 76ers could not stop Derrick Rose. The Chicago Bulls' MVP candidate went off for 31 points on Monday night and added 5 assists and 3 steals. But he committed 10 turnovers of his own and the Bulls lost the game 97-85.

The 76ers got up big in the first half, leading by 23 at one points, but Chicago fought back and narrowed the lead to a manageable four points in the fourth quarter. Philadelphia survived the rally and never let the Bulls take the lead away from them.

Thaddeus Young led the 76ers with 21 points and five other players reached double figures. Together they helped the team beat the Bulls for the second time in a row after a crushing 45 points defeat in December. Rose said that the loss was triggered by careless play that he took credit for.

Rose said, "It gets even tougher now where teams are fighting for a spot, and when you come out like we did tonight, like I did tonight, you are going to lose games."

The 76ers are showing signs of growth and depth as they head for the playoffs. They took a tough loss at home from the Kings Sunday, but with this win they look like they can make a run in the playoffs. It is a far cry from the team that started the year 3-13.