CHICAGO - The Chicago Bulls rebounded from a surprise series-opening defeat to Atlanta with an 86-73 win over the Hawks on Wednesday, levelling their second-round series at 1-1.
After receiving the league's MVP trophy in front of his home crowd, Rose recorded 25 points and 10 assists and seemed to be moving well enough on a twisted left ankle sustained in the previous game. Game Three is on Friday in Atlanta.
"It's going to be a tough series, we just have to find our rhythm. Mine is still coming but my confidence is still high," Rose told reporters after making only 10 of 27 shots.
"I'm good (physically). I just missed shots that I normally hit."
The Hawks trailed by 14 points midway through the fourth quarter but trimmed the lead to 77-71 with 4:16 remaining.
Chicago then went on a 6-0 run to put the game away.
Atlanta's Jeff Teague, who played little in the first round but is starting in place of the injured Kirk Hinrich, led the visitors with 21 points.
Joe Johnson added 16 after dropping 34 in the series opener, and the Hawks shot just 33 percent.
Chicago's Joakim Noah had 19 points and 14 rebounds. — Reuters
