| |
|
Out-of-sync MVP hopes to play better
By Scott Au PhilBoxing.com Sat, 14 Apr 2012

CHICAGO -- The rust was expected. After all, he had missed 12 straight games this seaosn and 23 overall after dealing with issues concerning his toe, ankle and groin.
But not even Derrick Rose, the league's reigning MVP, could have imagined how bad his performance would be following his return Thursday night at the United Center against bitter rivals the Miami Heat.
Well, as they say, stuff happens.
And that's exactly what happened in the Bulls's improbable 96-86 overtime victory over the Heat. Rose had a forgettable 2-point performance. He made just 1-of-13 field goals and missed all three of his 3s. And he did not shoot a single free throw.
Rose did have eight assists in nearly 26 minutes of play, but he was also mired by three turnovers and the Bulls were outscored by 27 points when he was on the floor.
Bulls fans need not worry, though. The shy franchise player vowed to do better late in the regular season and into the postseason, where Chicago appears as the very likely No.1 seed overall.
"I'm just trying to get my rhythm back," he told the Chicago Tribune. "I've had worse games than this. These games right here will make me a better player, a stronger player. I'm just happy we got the win. That's the only thing that matters to me. C.J. (Watson) and the other bench guys played great. They're the reason we won."
Indeed, the Bulls bench are amazingly spectacular this season, giving the Bulls a 16-7 record without Rose and a 7-2 mark without Luol Deng, who is nursing broken ligaments in his left wrist.
But make no mistake, the Bulls need Rose to play better to sustain a deep playoffs run. (Scott Au)
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Scott Au.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Late Valentine’s gift for Lover Boy By Joaquin Henson, , Sat, 21 Feb 2026“Prince” Albert Pagara Heads to Perth, Australia, for WBC Australasia Title Fight By Carlos Costa, , Sat, 21 Feb 2026BARRIOS vs GARCIA (FIGHT ANALYSIS) By Ralph Rimpell, , Sat, 21 Feb 2026FLOYD MAYWEATHER UNRETIRES , Sat, 21 Feb 2026WBC Introduces new award "WBC Main Event" world championship Chain & Pendant By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sat, 21 Feb 2026WOOD-WARRINGTON II OFFICIAL WEIGH-IN RESULTS AND FIGHT NIGHT RUNNING ORDER CONFIRMED FOR SOLD-OUT REMATCH IN NOTTINGHAM , Sat, 21 Feb 2026"Rompete la Madre" documentary is now in the Mexican theaters By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sat, 21 Feb 2026A Massive Weekend Ahead for Renowned Trainer Bob Santos , Sat, 21 Feb 2026Barrios vs Garcia: Where Art Thou Ryan Garcia? By Chris Carlson, , Fri, 20 Feb 2026Pacman bout details revealed By Joaquin Henson, , Fri, 20 Feb 2026IIEE to defend Billiard crown in PTC World 2026, World Champ Magpantay is PSA Awardee By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 20 Feb 2026Wood-Warrington II Press Conference Quotes: Everything that Was Said Ahead of Saturday's Sold-Out Rematch in Nottingham , Fri, 20 Feb 2026Manny Pacquiao Promotions Announces Opponents for Rising Stars Jimuel Pacquiao Jr. and Curmel Moton on Feb. 28 at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York , Fri, 20 Feb 2026Rising Star Promotions Returns to Prudential Center April 10 LIVE ON PROBOX TV , Fri, 20 Feb 2026Sante Barley Trilogy Leg 1 on March 29 in Azuela By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 20 Feb 2026Team Rapid chess tourney goes to Pasay City on March 8 By Marlon Bernardino By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 20 Feb 20263rd Horse Show & competition scheduled on February 21-22 By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 19 Feb 2026Robinsons Bacolod Chess Festival set By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 19 Feb 2026TRAINING CAMP NOTES: Alex Bray Set for WBA Continental Latin American Title Clash February 20 in Orlando , Thu, 19 Feb 2026Ryan ‘The Bruiser’ Rozicki Calls out Jai Opetaia , Thu, 19 Feb 2026BREAKING NEWS: DAZN AND MATCHROOM BOXING SIGN NEW FIVE-YEAR DEAL , Thu, 19 Feb 202675 climbers start trekking to Mt. Apo today , Thu, 19 Feb 20264 Division World Champion & Hall of Famer Erik Morales Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas , Thu, 19 Feb 2026TRAINING CAMP NOTES: Dainier Pero Locked In Ahead of WBA Continental USA Title Defense in Orlando , Wed, 18 Feb 2026A Milestone Birthday: Celebrating Brico Santig's 50 Years of Dedication, and Triumph By Carlos Costa, , Wed, 18 Feb 2026 |

|
|
|
|
|