Derrick Rose returned to the lineup and netted 23 points as the Bulls handled the Hawks, 90-79, at the United Center on Monday.  Rose, who had missed the past five games with back spasms, added six assists and five rebounds for Chicago, which has won eight of its last 10 games to pull into a tie atop the Eastern Conference standings with the idle Miami Heat.  The Bulls went 3-and-2 without the reigning league MVP in the lineup.  Joakim [[ JOE-keem ]] Noah pulled down a game-high 16 boards in the win.  Chicago continues a six-game homestand tomorrow evening against the Milwaukee Bucks.

NBA
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New Jersey Nets 100, New York Knicks 92
Dallas Mavericks 89, Boston Celtics 73
Oklahoma City Thunder 101, New Orleans Hornets 93
Orlando Magic 93, Milwaukee Bucks 90
Houston Rockets 97, Memphis Grizzlies 93
San Antonio Spurs 106, Utah Jazz 102
Phoenix Suns 104, Washington Wizards 88
Denver Nuggets 103, Minnesota Timberwolves 101 (OT)
Golden State Warriors 104, Los Angeles Clippers 97
Los Angeles Lakers 103, Portland Trail Blazers 92