On Oct. 31, 2018, Derrick Rose reminded us of the player who was once the youngest MVP in league history.
Six seasons removed from a devastating ACL injury that re-directed the course of his career, Rose showcased he still has plenty left in the tank as a 30-year-old veteran.
Rose got going early with 13 points in the first quarter but went into the halftime break with just 16 points. The third quarter is where he really erupted, scoring 19 points in the frame shooting 9-for-11 from the field. With his Minnesota Timberwolves holding a slight five-point lead over the Utah Jazz going into the final frame, there were more heroics needed.
Rose would step up to that challenge, scoring 15 points in the fourth quarter which included a game-tying 3, two go-ahead layups and the game-sealing free throws in the final three minutes of the game to pick up the win.
He'd finish with a career-high 50 points shooting 19-for-31 (61.3%) from the field and 4-for-7 (57.1%) from beyond the arc with six assists.
Highlights from @drose's FIFTY-POINT night ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/x060Vbl3oM
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) November 1, 2018
After the game, he delivered a heartfelt post-game speech on how it felt to be back.
An emotional @drose talks with @leabolsen after his monster night against Utah.
— FOX Sports North (@fsnorth) November 1, 2018
“It means everything, man.” pic.twitter.com/PNtSvlCXo4
"It means everything, man, I worked my a–– off," he said as he fought back his emotions to cap off an unforgettable night for the former MVP.
Also on Oct. 31...
- Anthony Davis went for 21 points and seven rebounds in his NBA debut against Tim Duncan and the San Antonio Spurs in 2012.
- Damian Lillard had a double-double of 23 points and 11 assists in his NBA debut against Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers in 2012.
- Kevin Durant scored 18 points in his NBA debut in 2007.
- Tim Duncan had a double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds in his NBA debut in 1997.
- Chauncey Billups had 15 points off the bench in his NBA debut against Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls in 1997.
- Tracy McGrady made his NBA debut for the Toronto Raptors in 1997, but scored zero points in just six minutes off the bench.
The views on this page do not necessarily represent the views of the NBA or its clubs.