Chicago Bulls vs Milwaukee Bucks: Position-By-Position Preview For The Playoffs

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Point Guard: Derrick Rose vs Michael Carter-Williams

Nov 2, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) is defended by Philadelphia 76ers guard Michael Carter-Williams (1) during the third quarter at Wells Fargo Center. The Sixers defeated the Bulls 107-104. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Although the Chicago Bulls have faced the Philadelphia 76ers and the Milwaukee Bucks numerous times the last couple of years, Derrick Rose and Michael Carter-Williams have only gone head to head in one of those games. That one game was back in 2013-2014, only Rose’s third game back from an ACL surgery and a year of rehab and only the third game of MCW’s career. Here’s how each player performed:

  • Derrick Rose: 13 points, six assists, four rebounds, eight turnovers, 1-3 on threes, 4-14 from the field, and 4-4 on free throws
  • Michael Carter-Williams: 26 points, 10 assists, four rebounds, three steals, 4 turnovers, 2-5 on threes, 10-22 from the field, and 4-5 on free throws

It suffices to say that MCW outplayed Rose in every aspect of the game. Even though he was a rookie at the time, Carter-Williams was still a rookie who had been playing basketball at a high level constantly over the last year. In Rose’s case, he hadn’t played in an actual game in a very long time.

Rose does have much more playoff experience than Carter-Williams but hasn’t played in the playoffs in about three years. It’ll be interesting to see how he performs, but he has shown this year the ability turn it up a few notches when the level of competition rises.

It doesn’t get more competitive than the NBA playoffs, and the former MVP has been “working [his] a** off” to get to this point. He will try to look more like the current MVP, even with minutes restrictions.

Carter-Williams on the other hand has, of course, never been in the NBA playoffs.

Advantage: Derrick Rose

Next: Jimmy Butler vs. Khris Middleton