The Official Site of Derrick Rose

Fri, May 1st 2009, 09:46

D Rose seals 3-OT thriller with block

Even the most ardent of Celtics fans has to admit it: Derrick Rose’s performance in Game 6 was the stuff of legend. Rose — all of 20 years, six months and 26 days of age — was forced to lead the Bulls back from the brink of death time and time again. And lead them, he did.

It wasn’t about the passing, although he did have seven assists in regulation. It wasn’t about the scoring, although he did shoot an efficient 12-for-25 to finish with 28 points, including the Bulls’ first four points in the triple overtime period. It was more about the perseverence, the discipline and the flat-out will to win that has carried the Bulls into Game 7 in Boston on Saturday night.

Rose played 59 minutes and 26 seconds on Thursday. His energy level was no different on the last possession than it was on the first. He simply stayed focused, stayed intense and stayed on the floor. On that final possession, it was clear who wanted the win most. Forget the Joakim Noah steal and coast-to-coast drive. Forget all nine of Ray Allen’s threes. Forget the countless game-tying jumpers from both sides. Years from now, the one image from Game 6 that will remain ingrained in all our minds is the image of Rose, arm outstretched, rejecting Rajon Rondo’s running jumper with seven seconds to play.

Look at that shot. Just look at it. The sight of those ten fingertips — five on Rondo’s right hand, letting go of the ball, and five on Rose’s left, just barely getting a piece of it with the game on the line — is an unforgettable sight. For the Celtics, it was heartbreaking. For basketball, it was perfect.

Careers of superstardom can be born out of one night of playoff greatness. For Rose, this could be that night. The defensive intensity that ultimately won the Bulls that game was actually alive inside Rose all night. He limited Rondo to eight points, his lowest total of the series, on 4-of-17 shooting. He inspired the Bulls down the stretch, and he showed leadership that no other 20-year-old knows how to show. For Rose and the Bulls, this was a night to remember.