Derrick Rose Drops 42 Points, Makes a Statement in Bulls Victory Over Spurs, 109-99

In his last game before representing the East Conference at the NBA All-star game, Derrick Rose proved why he's emerged as a possible Most Valuable Player candidate and one of the most exciting players in the NBA.

Rose, the former first pick of the 2008 NBA Draft, shot 18-28 from the field, and hit all six of his free throws, for 42 points, as the Bulls rolled to a home win against the San Antonio Spurs, 109-99.

The Spurs, who own the best record in the NBA, never led in the second half.

Rose, who will also compete in the Skills Competition, was masterful. He scored from all areas of the court, and also contributed eight assists and five rebounds.

Chants of MVP! rang through United Center for the 22-year-old Chicago native, as Rose's performance has perhaps earned him the title of best of point guard in basketball.

Rose is averaging 24.9 points per game to go along with 8.2 assists per game this season. So far, he has improved his points-per-game average by roughly four points per season.

The Bulls have the third best record in the Eastern Conference (38-16), and have won four games in a row.

The Spurs dropped to 46 wins and 10 losses, but they still own the best record in the NBA by more than four games.

The NBA All-star game will be held on Sunday, February 20, at Staples Center.