Derrick Rose continues jaw-dropping offense in Knicks win

Derrick Rose has been indispensable to the New York Knicks‘ success. New York had their biggest win of the season on Mother’s Day by defeating the now 45-23 Los Angeles Clippers 106-100.

Right smack in the middle of their Western Conference road trip coming off of two losses to the Nuggets and Suns, the Knicks came into LA knowing they needed to scrape together at least one win against the onslaught of formidable opponents.

We typically use underdog-style descriptions to talk about this Knicks team. Words like “scrappy” and “gritty”, and while those words will always ring true about the 2021 New York Knicks, there was an elite level to the quality of basketball that they played on Sunday that might just be yet another breakthrough in a season of breakthroughs. They played a title-contending Clippers team and did nothing but perform lockdown defense, precise passing, and the highest degree of difficult shot-making. In a game filled with remarkable performances, it was Derrick Rose who was the player of the game.

Derrick Rose has put up some unfathomable scoring numbers for the Knicks

Rose comes off the bench puts up 25 points with 8 assists and 6 rebounds and the craziest thing is that this is becoming the norm for the 32-year-old.

Over his last 10 games, Derrick Rose is shooting an absurd 60% from the field, 51.9% from three, and 90.5% from the free-throw line. Shooting splits that are jaw-dropping just reading them but are comical for those who have watched every minute of his play.

How many heavily contested jump shots, fall-away push shots, layups in traffic, and floaters with the defender at his hip has Rose hit lately? He has been the MOST difficult shot-maker for this team. He is a burst of instant scoring that not only sticks out on a Knicks team that isn’t known for their offense but would be a highlight on any team in the league. He has been Houdini with the rock in his hands.

Rose’s ability to draw so much attention – First, it doesn’t matter how much help defense there is or how contested the shot is, it’s going in. Second, he has been able to create penetration better than any Knicks guard and his passing out of the penetration has led to an onslaught of open 3s.

Rose has been here before. He’s been dealing with full-court presses and triple teams his whole life. Nothing phases him.

While Rose led the charge, everyone poured in contributions. Bullock and Barrett were knocking down open looks created by Rose and Randle’s passing all afternoon. Randle struggled with his shot all game until he hit some big shots late in the game to seal the win.

The Knicks get an extra slither of breathing room from this win. The Heat and Hawks both stay just one game behind them in the standings, but this Knicks team has been different with Derrick Rose now healthy and in an elevated prominent role.

Knicks keys to winning games: Let Derrick Rose cook. Lakers up next.