Minnesota Timberwolves guard Derrick Rose (25) drives to the basket past Chicago Bulls forward Justin Holiday. (AP Photo/Matt Marton)

CHICAGO (AP) — For much of his seven seasons with the Bulls, Derrick Rose was a favorite son of Chicago. He was native born and virtually universally beloved.

Things, though, soured towards the end as injuries mounted. The former franchise player was traded in 2016 and serenaded with boos upon his return a few months later.

The 30-year-old is hoping Wednesday night began a new chapter in his relationship with his hometown.

Rose had 24 points and eight assists in just his second career game in the United Center against his former team, lifting the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 119-94 victory.

He was cheered loudly throughout by the sellout crowd of 21,852.

“It was great, man,” he said. “I didn’t expect it to be like this — overwhelming at some points. You can tell the support is still here.”

Rose, the top pick in the 2008 draft, was named the NBA’s most valuable player in 2011. He had missed Minnesota’s previous game with a sore left ankle.

Because of an assortment of injuries, this was just his fourth career game against the Bulls. He said he got 50 tickets for family and friends.

“I’m happy I didn’t change throughout this whole process,” he said. “I remained myself. I stayed true to my family. There was a lot of people that jumped off the boat when I was going through things. I (saw) who they were. I know what’s fake love and what’s real love.”

Karl-Anthony Towns had 20 points and 20 rebounds as the Timberwolves won their second straight on the road.

Zach LaVine had 28 points in 26 minutes off the bench and Lauri Markkanen added 16 for Chicago, which had won two straight and three of five before Wednesday. LaVine had missed the previous five games with a sprained left ankle.

Tags: Chicago , Derrick Rose , Justin Holiday , Minnesota Timberwolves