Derrick Rose had 24 points and nine assists as the host Chicago Bulls fought off the inspired New Orleans Hornets 85-77 on Monday.

Carlos Boozer had 19 points and nine rebounds for the Bulls, who closed on an 8-0 run to win their ninth straight home game and 10th in their last 12 overall.

Chicago was coming off an emotional 87-86 victory at Miami on Sunday and lacked energy throughout most of the game.

The Hornets played without All-Star Chris Paul, who suffered a concussion Sunday in a nasty collision with Cleveland guard Ramon Sessions, and is out indefinitely. Jarrett Jack filled in admirably with 23 points.

Chicago took a 75-65 lead on a transition 3-pointer by Rose with 9:06 left before the Hornets rallied. A 12-2 run capped by Jack's twisting layup with 3:18 left tied it 77-77.

But the Bulls’ top-ranked defense dug in, and forced four misses and two turnovers on their last six defensive stands. Joakim Noah converted a follow-up, and the Bulls hit six of six free throws to finish the Hornets.