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New York Knicks: Derrick Rose Has Plenty Left In The Tank

By Maxwell Ogden

Feb 18, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) scores as Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) defends during the third quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavs won 106-95. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 18, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) scores as Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) defends during the third quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavs won 106-95. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 5, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) dribble the ball past Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) during the second half at the United Center. The Bulls won 104-98. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) dribble the ball past Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) during the second half at the United Center. The Bulls won 104-98. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Playing Up

Many of the most physically dominant players in the NBA have a troubling tendency to shy away from what they’re capable of. They settle for jump shots and a finesse game when their power could elevate their status to even greater heights.

Not only does Derrick Rose embrace his strength and physicality, but he makes it a point to put it to use against star-caliber opponents.

In his lone game against NBA MVP Stephen Curry in 2015-16, Rose posted 29 points on 12-of-22 shooting from the field. In two games against Russell Westbrook, he averaged 24.0 points on 44.2 percent shooting.

He averaged 23.0 points on 52.8 percent shooting in two games against Kyle Lowry, 15.5 points on 53.6 percent shooting in two games against Chris Paul, and scored 17 points against Damian Lillard.

In eight games against the point guards who were named All-NBA in 2015-16, Rose averaged 21.4 points on 48.3 percent shooting from the field.

Rose may not be an All-NBA player anymore, but he plays up to the level of his competition. He relishes the opportunity to prove that he can still go toe-to-toe with the best in the NBA.

That hunger, desire, and tenacity is something New York lacked at point guard in 2015-16.

Next: When It Counts

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