Derrick Rose says latest injury 'just a regular ankle sprain'

CHICAGO -- Derrick Rose sprained his left ankle Monday in the fourth quarter of the Bulls' 96-95 win over the Indiana Pacers. Hewas then ruled out for the rest of the game.

Despite the injury, Rose was upbeat after the game and is confident he can return to the floor soon. He called the injury "just a regular ankle sprain."

The injury came midway through the fourth, and it appeared Rose rolled his ankle. He said he was trying to avoid going out of bounds and got his steps crossed.

He was replaced by Kirk Hinrich at the 5:52 mark. Rose went to the bench and briefly talked to Bulls trainer Jeff Tanaka, then walked back to the locker room.

"All of it's positive," Rose said. "For what I went through and all I've been through, just me playing and feeling all right after the game. Of course, my ankle's a little bit sore, but I'm just happy nothing's tore or broken. So I'll be all right."

Rose was in the midst of one of his best games of the season. He scored 23 points and recorded six assists and two rebounds in 34 minutes of action.

Rose was noncommittal about his status for Wednesday's game against the Phoenix Suns.

"Who knows?" he said. "Right now, I'm able to walk on it. That's a good thing."