SALT LAKE CITY — Even when he missed, Derrick Rose was on target.
The Chicago rookie tied his career high with nine assists and accidentally set up Larry Hughes’ game-winning shot as the Bulls beat the Jazz 101-100 on Monday night, giving Utah its first home loss.
With Chicago trailing 100-99, Rose took an 18-foot jumper that bounced high off the rim and right to Hughes, who beat the buzzer and the Jazz from 22 feet away.
“We needed that win and we didn’t care how we got it,” said Rose, who scored 10 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter.
Rose, the No. 1 overall pick in the draft, was one point off his career high and kept the Bulls in it as the lead went back and forth until Hughes’ shot at the buzzer.
“Derrick was penetrating, making plays for himself and finding people, so I just wanted to get the ball in his hands,” Bulls coach Vinny Del Negro said. “He’s only going to get better as the season goes along.”
The teams had to use temporary shot clocks on the floor, so it was difficult to tell if Hughes’ shot counted. The Bulls had no doubt as they charged the floor from their bench as the Jazz stood stunned. The play was reviewed and the shot stood to give the Bulls their second road win.
“I’ve never had a walk-off with no time on the clock,” said Hughes, who finished with 16 points. “I’ve hit some game-winners, but never without any time on the clock.”
Mehmet Okur had 26 points and nine rebounds for the Jazz, which played without starters Deron Williams (ankle) and Carlos Boozer (quadriceps).
