Derrick Rose is confident that the Chicago Bulls can compete for the title this year, saying that their much-improved team will even get better as the 2015 NBA Playoffs approaches.

The Bulls, who made several moves in the offseason to improve their roster, are off to a strong start this season and are currently in fourth place in the Eastern Conference standings with their 21-9 record.

By staying disciplined and focused on their goals this season, Rose, whose team is just 2.5 games behind the conference-leading Toronto Raptors (24-7), said that they could make a title run this season.

"I think we can," Rose told ESPN Chicago when asked if they can contend for the championship this season. "I don't want to jinx ourselves but I think we can really make a run for this [championship] this year. But it just takes focus, discipline and we got to sacrifice a little bit."

Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau echoed Rose's statement, saying that their team is moving into the right direction despite struggling to adjust to their new players earlier in the season.

From being a defensive-minded team over the past several seasons, Thibodeau said that he is also pleased with their offense this season. The Bulls are averaging 103.5 points per game -- seventh-best in the league.

"I think we're moving in the right, the last 10 games, we're moving in right direction," Thibodeau said. "I think we are playing strong on both sides of the ball. We're getting a lot of contributions from different people. And it's been good but we have to be able to sustain it and keep building."

Most analysts said that the Bulls became a more dynamic team this season with the arrival of veteran forward Pau Gasol, who is averaging 17.8 points to go along with 11.4 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game this season.

Jimmy Butler is also a strong candidate for this season's Most Improved Player award. The fourth-year guard is averaging team-highs 22.7 points and 1.5 steals to go along with 6.1 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game this season.

Rose, who had to shoulder bigger responsibilities on offense before, said that his job is much easier this season with Butler and Gasol playing at a high level this season for the Bulls.

"It's a good feeling," Rose said of their improved offense. "First time I've ever had that while I've been in the league. It takes a lot of pressure off everyone, where someone can easily go off for 15 or 20 points within a couple of quarters and put the [opposing] team away pretty quick. It's fun."

The Bulls will look to extend their six-game winning streak when they face the Indiana Pacers on Monday at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

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