New York Knicks: Who Stepped Up Against The Chicago Bulls?

Derrick Rose

Derrick Rose didn’t produce much in the second half, but he put on a show during the first two quarters. He got to the basket at will and made a number of dazzling finishes to help create a victorious pace.

If anyone is questioning whether or not Rose is still an elite athlete, his showing against the Chicago Bulls should eradicate any remaining strands of doubt.

Rose drove at will against his former team, recording 17 points, four rebounds, and three assists in 34 minutes of action. He shot 7-of-15 from the field and 3-of-3 from the free throw line in yet another efficient scoring performance.

Rose posted a +/- of +15, committed just two turnovers, and scored five points in the final minute of the second quarter to help New York weather the storm and enter halftime with a lead.

Rose’s midrange game is improving and his finishing ability at the rim remains legitimately elite. He scored 10 of his 17 points in the paint and drew five personal fouls—a testament to how much trouble Chicago had with keeping Rose away from the rim.

On a night where the Knicks were desperate for a victory, Rose stepped up with a stellar first half that enabled New York to secure win No. 18.

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Following a stretch of nine losses in 10 games, the New York Knicks’ 104-89 victory over the Chicago Bulls couldn’t have come at a better time.