Seconds after hitting the buzzer-beating three-pointer that gave the Chicago Bulls a 2-1 lead over the Cleveland Cavaliers in their Eastern Conference semifinals series, All-Star point guard Derrick Rose was trying to contain his emotions over his biggest shot in the NBA over the last three seasons.
The Bulls beat Lebron James and the Cavaliers in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference semifinals match on May 8 at the United Center 99-96, with the game difference courtesy of the buzzer-beating three-point bank shot made by Derrick Rose as the clock expired.
Bulls center Joakim Noah, who is Derrick Rose’s biggest supporter, said he feels great that Derrick just hit a huge shot for the team. Noah knows how special Derrick is to the team and the Bulls fans. He adds that the big shot he made only proves that Rose is finally back, notes USA Today.
It is expected that the winning three-pointer will also boost the confidence of Derrick Rose as the Bulls enter Game 4 on May 10 at their home court. With momentum on their side and Rose confidence at its highest in three years, the Cleveland Cavaliers and LeBron James will surely have their hands full trying to equalize and bring back the series to Cleveland with the score tied at 2-2.
Breakout game in the playoffs
Derrick Rose finished the game with 30 points, seven assists, and seven rebounds in what could have been the breakout game every one in Chicago Bulls and their throngs of fans have been waiting for.
While he did play well during the first round against the Milwaukee Bucks, Rose seems to have raised the bar in his game a notch higher against the Cavaliers especially considering that Cleveland is being touted as the team to beat in the East.
LeBron James and his Cavaliers were actually expected to steamroll in the Eastern Conference playoffs all the way to the NBA Finals. They may have shown such form in their first-round encounter with the Boston Celtics, whom they shackled 4-0, but the Cavs seem to have lost their sting come the second round against the Bulls especially when their All-Star power forward Kevin Love went down due to a shoulder injury.
The Chicago-born point guard has been a fan favorite not only in his hometown but also in other states. If there’s one NBA player who they like to see excel again and be back to his 2011-12 form, it is no other than the soft-spoken Derrick Rose.