Rose’s performance lifts Bulls over Spur

CHICAGO -- Derrick Rose scored 13 points and had seven assists to lead the balanced Chicago Bulls to an impressive 92-85 season-opening victory over the San Antonio Spurs last night.

Rose, who missed most of the preseason with an injured ankle, waved and blew a kiss toward the crowd before the opening tip. He then showed some of the explosiveness that carried him to the Rookie of the Year award last season. He had no trouble penetrating and delivered some dizzying spin moves that drew roars from the crowd, showing no signs of the right ankle pain that had bothered him the past few weeks.

He had plenty of help, and Chicago pulled away in the second half despite Tim Duncan's 28 points and 16 rebounds for the Spurs.

Luol Deng had 17 points and nine rebounds, a good start after missing the final 22 games last season. Kirk Hinrich added 14 points, while Tyrus Thomas scored all of his 13 in the second half. Joakim Noah chipped in with 10 points and 10 rebounds and the Bulls held advantages on the glass (52-44) and in second-chance points (22-13).

Manu Ginobili scored 12 but was just 3 for 11 for the Spurs.