Derrick Rose is back. And if his play in the early going against the Orlando Magic is any indication, the former MVP’s addition will prove a major boon for the Chicago Bulls.
The 26 year-old misfired on his first field goal attempt of the game – a three-point try from the right wing – just over a minute after tip-off. But Rose made up for it just three possessions later when he leaked out following a Victor Oladipo turnover and spotted up from the left corner for a short long-ball.
Splash.
The basket gave the three-time All-Star his first points since a 1-of-13 showing against the Milwaukee Bucks on February 23. He kept the good vibes going by nailing a pull-up jumper out of the pick-and-roll a couple minutes after that.
Rose finished with five points and one rebound on 2-of-4 shooting in six-minute and four-second burst. Chicago led the Orlando 14-12 when Aaron Brooks gave him a blow midway through the first quarter.
There were no plays featuring his vintage explosion or body control, but Rose looked comfortable at the very least in his first game action since returning from a meniscectomy. If his surgery and rehabilitation weren’t covered to death, you’d hardly know he’d been sidelined for six weeks. It’s baby steps for Rose and the Bulls right now, and these were pretty encouraging.
Chicago leads Orlando 29-21 after 12 minutes of play.
[Vine via James Herbert]
