This was supposed to be Derrick Rose's moment. The narrative was perfect for the New York Knicks guard to complete his redemption story.
Rose put the Knicks on his back, tying the game in regulation with this sweet floater that's just symbolic of the evolution he's undergone as a player throughout his roller coaster of a career. The game would go to overtime, and Rose would finish off the Hawks with some big-time buckets and a pretty lit celebration.
It was all going according to plan, up until this point:
https://twitter.com/TheNBACentral/status/1396637093879767040?s=20
But then, to the ire of Knicks and Derrick Rose fans everywhere, Trae Young decided to go off-script. He silenced the Madison Square Garden crowd that were left stunned that things didn't go according to plan.
Article Continues BelowTRAE YOUNG SHUT THE GARDEN UP AFTER “FU” chants during game. pic.twitter.com/9ikFZO5SMO
— Hoops (@HoopMixOnly) May 24, 2021
In an added twist of fate, Trae Young's big-time playoff debut matches an NBA milestone that was last done 12 years ago during the 2009 playoffs. Young tallied 32 points and 10 assists, a stat line surpassed by Derrick Rose himself during his playoff debut as a Chicago Bulls rookie.
Trae Young playoff debut:
32 PTS
7 REB
10 AST
Game winnerHe is the first player with 30p/10a in his playoff debut since Derrick Rose. pic.twitter.com/8m4aF3cdrg
— StatMuse (@statmuse) May 24, 2021
All is definitely not lost for Derrick Rose and the Knicks. The manner that they lost Game 1 was devastating, but the series is lightyears away from being over. Game 2 is on Wednesday night.