5 Reasons Why Derrick Rose’s Game-Winning Buzzer-Beater Was Beautiful

May 8, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (center) is lifted up by his teammates after hitting the game winning shot against the Cleveland Cavaliers during game three of the second round of the NBA Playoffs. at the United Center. The Chicago Bulls defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 99-96. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

5. He Banked It In

A 3-pointer that gets banked in is basically a gift from the basketball gods. Rose admitted afterwards that the play did not go to plan, but the main thing you have to admire is how he was unafraid to take the shot. He deserves credit for even getting the shot off, and the Cavaliers were on the other side of a buzzer-beater for once. The Bulls now have a 2-1 series lead, and they should thank their lucky stars that the game did not go into overtime. I have a feeling James would not have let an opportunity slip to steal back the lead in extra time.

Rose ended up preventing that, and it was a great decision to go back for the ball after the Cavs were clearly denying him the corner shot that was drawn up. This is the PG at his improvisational best. He is finally healthy, and though he will never be the same athletically as he once was, Rose is still speedy enough to get most jobs done.

4. It Came Over a Big Man

Tristan Thompson was closing on Rose, but the PG was still able to get the shot over the top. Thompson had a great game too; he nearly willed the Cavs to victory with his tenacious play on the glass, and the Bulls will need to box him out a lot better in the future games. Thompson finished with 10 points, 13 rebounds and three blocked shots in just over 41 minutes of play. You could tell how much his production was appreciated by James, and the performance likely will guarantee TT a big contract extension this summer for the Cavs. The fact that Rose hit his shot over a guy who already had built confidence in his shotblocking during the game was incredible to watch, and the PG is rightfully excited about the team’s trust in him.

“I’m just thankful and grateful that my teammates gave me the ball,” he said to NBA.com. “They believed in me down the stretch. They kept getting me the ball, kept encouraging me to play the way that I usually play. And no, I did not call glass.”

I’m glad he admitted that he did not call glass, but it was still a heck of a shot.

Next: The Setup Was Brilliant