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Chicago Bulls: 5 Keys To Remaining In Playoff Picture

By James D. Tillman III

Feb 6, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Chicago Bulls center Pau Gasol (16) and forward Taj Gibson (22) react during the third quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. The Timberwolves won 112-105. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 6, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Chicago Bulls center Pau Gasol (16) and forward Taj Gibson (22) react during the third quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. The Timberwolves won 112-105. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 6, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) dribbles the ball as Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio (9) defends at Target Center. The Timberwolves won 112-105. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 6, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) dribbles the ball as Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio (9) defends at Target Center. The Timberwolves won 112-105. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Rose Most Continue To Play Well

Rose’s season did not begin on the highest of notes, as the Bulls point guard sustained an orbital fracture on the first day of training camp. Additionally, Rose connected on just 35 and 41 percent of his shot attempts during the first two months of the season.

Since the turn of the calendar year, however, Rose’s stock has been trending upward to say the least. After posting his highest scoring month in January (17.6 PPG), Rose is currently averaging 19.4 points, 6.8 assists and 5.6 rebound per contest over his last five games.

Taking the aforementioned injuries into consideration, Rose’s improved play could not have come at a better time for a team that is just a half-game ahead of the eighth-place Charlotte Hornets and one game ahead of the ninth-place Detroit Pistons.

"“I just try to be as aggressive as I can. Try to run, speed up the game a little bit and have the trust in my teammates to follow behind me. I’m just going to play my game,” Rose told the Chicago Tribune. “When I’m out there, try not to think about (Butler out). Read the game, try to play smart and give my all to win.”"

Next: Should The Chicago Bulls Trade Taj Gibson?

Rose also went on to say that he still believes that the Bulls are a championship-caliber ball club. While nothing could be further from the truth, what is a certainty is that if Rose can continue his current pace, the Bulls will keep their playoff streak intact.

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