Derrick Rose Injury and Return Update: Chicago Bulls Star Takes Another Step in Comeback, Shines in Team USA’s Win Over Brazil
Chicago Bulls superstar Derrick Rose makes another step in his comeback bid after helping Team USA score an impressive 95-78 win against Brazil on Saturday night at the United Center.
Rose, who played in his first game in Chicago since sustaining a torn meniscus in his right knee in November last year, scored just seven points in just 24 minutes, but made impact plays that pumped up the crowd inside the United Center.
The 25-year-old point guard, who has only played in 10 games over the past two season because of knee injuries, said after the match that he felt comfortable for the entire game.
"I'm playing the way I normally play in the trials," Rose said via ESPN Chicago. "Push the ball, play defense and get guys shots. When the shot is available, take the shot, and I think that's what I did tonight. I had one or two turnovers, but that could easily be changed."
The former Most Valuable Player said that he has been waiting for the opportunity to play again in front of Chicago fans, but he admitted that Saturday's match is just one of the many steps that he needs to take before regaining his old form for next season.
"I've been preparing for this for a long time," Rose said. "Probably, if this was a couple weeks ago I wouldn't have been emotional, but right now it feels great. We won the game so that's the only thing I could be happy about -- we won. We didn't lose. If we had lost my whole attitude would have been different."
Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau was also thrilled to see Rose play well, especially after making several highlight moves in the match. The USA assistant coach is hoping that Rose's stint with the national team will make him ready to lead the Bulls again next season.
"For Derrick, there are so many positives for this," Rose said via NY Daily News. "He shakes the rust off. He has a tremendous amount of pride. It's something that he wants to do and believes that he should do. I think this will be great preparation for the season."
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