May 8, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) is defended by Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) and guard Iman Shumpert (4) during the second half in 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
3. It Was a Great Pass
Mike Dunleavy is a much better (and dirtier) player than many analysts give him credit for, and his value has never been more clear than it was last night. Dunleavy easily could have panicked after the first option of going to the corner was covered, but he did not. He made the simple play and gave Rose a shot to win the game. We all know what happened next. Dunleavy has been so key for the Bulls throughout these playoffs, and he routinely gets praised by Thibodeau for his passing, handling and decisions. Rose still deserves props for getting the shot off though.
2. Rose Put His Team In Position to Win
When it became clear that Kyrie Irving was a decoy, Rose used this as a chance to really lock down defensively. The PG also (thankfully) did not settle for 3-pointers the entire game, and then decided to unleash a bank 3-pointer at the buzzer. This is ideal and peak Rose. He can hit clutch (and tough) shots when the occasion, like a buzzer-beater or a prayer at the end of an expiring shot clock, requires, but defenses become terrified when they realize he is just going to keep driving without settling. He is learning when to trust his shot and when to not let the defense off the hook. The PG finished the game with 30 points, seven assists and seven rebounds.
“That’s his greatness,” Thibodeau said to ESPN. “There are not many like him. Matter of fact, there’s probably not any like , that combine the speed, the quickness, the power.”
Power is not only a physical trait, but a mental one as well. Rose’s confidence should be through the roof after Friday, and we have not seen the last of his greatness as Thibodeau calls it.
Next: Rose Out-dueled LeBron