Derrick Rose scored 32 points, including 8 in the final minutes as the Bulls knocked off the Pacers 103-98 to maintain a perfect 5-0 preseason record.

It wasn’t only Rose regaining his touch, but all star Luol Deng showed the Bulls administration why they should be looking to lock him up for next season and beyond –  chipping in with 22 points.

Deng looked he like wouldn’t return after he banged his knee in a collision early on in the game. however, he was able shake off the cork and help the Bulls close out the game.

But we all know the major story isn’t Deng and his bruised knee, rather it was the continued progress of his teammate-Derrick Rose.

Although it was a preseason game, the atmosphere and the intensity of the match told a different story and both teams looked like they wanted to make a statement. Both teams finished the game with their starters and seemed upset after any mis-excutued play.

The game not only served as ominous warning to the league that the former MVP is now back, but it also paved the way for a hotly contested division title race between both clubs.

And who said these clubs weren’t rivals?