New York Knicks: What We Learned From The Loss To The Orlando Magic

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Jan 2, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Derrick Rose (25) drives to the basket past Orlando Magic guard D.J. Augustin (14) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Derrick Rose Is Explosive

The 2016-17 NBA regular season is as much about what Derrick Rose is physically capable of as it is the numbers he can produce on a consistent basis. He’s endured an overwhelming slate of injuries during his NBA career and must take precautions in his gradual return to form.

Against the Orlando Magic, Rose displayed a level of explosiveness that few expected to see from him in 2016-17.

Rose threw down two dunks against the New Orleans Pelicans, although one was waved off due to an offensive foul on Joakim Noah. Against the Magic, he continued to display confidence in his ability to play above the rim.

Rose finished with a two-handed dunk on his first flush of the evening and powered home a one-handed finish late in the fourth quarter.

Rose finished with 18 points, four assists, and three rebounds in 28 minutes of action against the Magic. He shot 8-of-15 from the field and had no trouble whatsoever with getting into the paint for acrobatic shot attempts.

Whether or not he rediscovers the level of explosiveness he possessed during his 2011 MVP campaign, Rose is still one of the best athletes in the NBA.

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