Derrick Rose retires: A look at 5 of the former 2011 MVP's best NBA performances
After 16 seasons in the NBA, Derrick Rose has announced his retirement from professional basketball. Rose was waived by the Memphis Grizzlies a few weeks ago after reportedly asking the team to let him go. On Wednesday, Shams Charania broke the news that the former MVP has called it a career.
Rose was a role player in arguably the last 10 years of his career as an ACL injury in the 2012 playoffs saw him lose some of his speed and athleticism. “D-Rose” had to adjust from being a superstar to being part of a supporting cast. With Rose’s NBA career over, it's time to take a look at some of the best games of his basketball career.
Derrick Rose’s best 5 games in the NBA
#5, Rose drops 50 points against the Utah Jazz
On October 30, 2018, “D-Rose” stunned the basketball world as the former MVP lit up the Utah Jazz for a career-high 50 points, leading the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 128-125 win.
What made the performance stunning was just a few months before that game, it seemed like Rose’s career was over. During that 2017-18 season, he played 25 games, 16 for the Cleveland Cavaliers and nine for the Timberwolves. His 5.8 PPG that season in Minnesota was then the worst in his career.
Derrick Rose turned back the clock with a vintage performance that reminded fans of his MVP year. He said after the game “Words can’t describe how I feel right now” as fans gave him a standing ovation. Several Jazz players remained on the court to applaud and appreciate Rose’s historic night.
#4, Rose carries the Chicago Bulls in Game 3 of the 2011 playoffs vs. Atlanta Hawks
Before 2011, Derrick Rose had never gone past the first round. He lost to the Boston Celtics in 2009 before winning just one game against the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2010.
Game 3 in Atlanta was crucial after the Hawks stole Game 1 in Chicago with a 103-95 victory. Rose wanted to take the advantage back to Windy City with an epic performance. He erupted for 44 points on 16-for-27 shooting, including 4-of-7 from deep. The electric point guard added seven assists, five rebounds, one steal and one block.
The Hawks won Game 4 before the Chicago Bulls secured wins in Games 5 and 6 to advance to the 2011 Eastern Conference championship.