Derrick Rose scores 18 points in Bulls’ opener despite blurred vision

Derrick Rose scored 18 points in the Chicago Bulls’ season opener with blurry vision.

Point guard Derrick Rose played in the Chicago Bulls’ season opener with blurry vision, he told reporters after the game.

Rose scored 18 points in 32 minutes, helping the Bulls beat the ClevelandCavaliers, despite still recovering from the broken orbital bone he sustained in practice on Sept. 29.

Rose told reporters that blinking his eye doesn’t help it regain focus, and that the blurred vision persisted during and after the game.

“I wish it was a blink, but it’s all the time,” Rose said, according to ESPN. “Like right now, I see two of you.

“I think I'm all right. A couple of layups I could have hit, but I think that I’m careful when I'm out there. I’m just trying to get back [to] playing. I miss this game too much.”

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Rose said he kept his injured right eye closed while playing, though photos show both eyes open beneath his protective mask. Despite the hindrance, Rose made eight of 22 field goal attempts with a team-leading five assists. He missed both three-point shots he attempted, but coach Fred Hoiberg appeared satisfied with Rose’s effort.

“I think he sees three baskets right now,” Hoiberg said. “I told him, ‘Aim for the middle one.’ That's part of it right now — the depth perception. It’s probably still a little bit off. He’s still out there working on [threes], shooting them, but we want him to be aggressive getting to the basket and making plays for his teammates.”

The Bulls will play the Brooklyn Nets for their second game of the season on Wednesday.

- Erin Flynn