Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Derrick Rose exploded for 50 points in Wednesday night's 128-125 victory over the Utah Jazz. In lieu of this outstanding performance, several NBA personalities decided to send encouraging messages in Rose's direction, including Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant.
It’s about damn time the real @drose stood up. LOVE seeing you back my brotha #noletup #beU
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) November 1, 2018
Derrick Rose, who was making his first start of the season, was a force to be reckoned with on Wednesday night. In his 41 minutes of playing time, the former No. 1 overall pick racked up a career-high 50 points on 19-of-31 shooting from the field (4-of-7 from beyond the arc and 8-of-11 from the charity stripe), six assists, four rebounds, two steals and one block. 34 of Rose's 50 points came in the second half, including 15 in a hard-fought fourth quarter.
Once the final horn blew, Rose's teammates rushed to embrace him, knowing the injury adversity he has endured over the course of his career.
This is what makes sports GREAT. The genuine ❤️ and appreciation Derrick Rose teammates have for him is fantastic. Happy for this young man.. #DontCallItComeback pic.twitter.com/cnEt6Iq3lz
— Reggie Miller (@ReggieMillerTNT) November 1, 2018
“It still didn't even hit me yet,” Rose told ESPN during his post-game presser. “Words can't explain how I feel right now. It's been a while.”
Derrick Rose, now 30 years of age, seems to be getting back to form. In his eight appearances with the Timberwolves this season, the former Memphis Tiger has posted averages of 18.8 points on 44.1 percent shooting (34.6 percent from downtown), 5.0 assists, 4.0 rebounds, and just under one steal (0.9) in 30.0 minutes per outing.
Following the game, Timberwolves head coach Tom Thibodeau spoke about Rose's humility and mental toughness.
“He has courage, he has humility and he has character,” Thibodeau, who also coached Rose during his prime seasons in Chicago, told ESPN, “He's been through a lot of adversity. He's maybe one of the most mentally tough people I've ever come across.”
Derrick Rose and the Timberwolves (4-4 through their first eight games of this season) will be back in action on Friday night, when they'll travel to Oakland for a matchup with the Warriors.
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