New York Knicks: What We Learned From Los Angeles Lakers Game

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December 11, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6), guard Derrick Rose (25), forward Carmelo Anthony (7) and guard Courtney Lee (5) react during the 118-112 victory against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Derrick Rose’s Back Is Fine

Derrick Rose exited the New York Knicks’ 114-103 victory over the Miami Heat during the third quarter with back spasms. He then missed New York’s 126-94 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers and its 103-100 win against the Sacramento Kings.

Having missed the past nine quarters due to injury, Rose came out with a fire against the Los Angeles Lakers and proved his back is holding up just fine.

Rose made his first eight shots and got to the rim at virtual will against the Lakers. He scored 17 points in the first half alone as he essentially went toe-to-toe with Los Angeles’ offense and paced New York to an explosive first two quarters.

Rose finished with 25 points, three rebounds, two assists, and one block on 12-of-16 shooting from the field in a necessary display of comfort and mobility.

Back injuries are often the product of something else being wrong with an individual’s body. That’s a concerning reality when one considers the extensive list of lower-body injuries Rose has endured during his NBA career.

Fortunately, Rose played with a purpose and moved as explosively as he has all season during the Knicks’ 118-112 win over the Lakers.

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