Ben Gordon's return to the court has coincided with the Bulls winning their first preseason game, beating Utah 108-105 in Champaign on Friday night, the Chicago Tribune is reporting.

Gordon, who has been out with an injured toe since October 6, scored while getting fouled 24 seconds after entering at the 2-minute-47-second mark of the first quarter and added a three-pointer 34 seconds later.  He finished with 23 points in 30 minutes.

"My role is pretty much going to be the same?come in, make plays, score," Gordon said. "I don't know what my permanent role is in [coach  Vinny Del Negro's] eyes yet. I'm not worried about that. I've seen every look?start, come off the bench. I'm just going to play and try to help us win games."

Gordon also talked excitedly about playing with No. 1 pick  Derrick Rose.

"It's going to be really easy to play with him," he said. "I feel I can get into the paint any time I need to get a shot. And Derrick can get open shots for guys."