The Chicago Bulls’ worst fears became a reality after Saturday’s 103-91 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Word broke that former-MVP Derrick Rose suffered a torn ACL in his left knee while driving to the hoop in the final minutes of Saturday’s game while the Bulls were holding a comfortable 12-point lead. The injury will sideline Rose for obviously the rest of the playoffs, and most likely some time heading into next season.
The unfortunate injury changes the entire landscape of not only the Chicago Bulls, but the entire Eastern Conference.
Without Rose, the Bulls lack the athleticism and speed at the point guard position that saw them as NBA title contenders last season. C.J. Watson has played well in Rose’s absence of 27 regular season games, but without Rose, the thought of the Bulls reaching the NBA Finals is slim to none now.
Rose looked to be his old self for three plus quarters on Saturday. His speed, quickness and ability to get to the hoop were all on full display. It looked as if he hadn’t missed nearly half of the regular season due to a variety of injuries, and the questions surrounding his health and progress were dismissed. He finished with 23 points, nine rebounds and nine assists before suffering the injury.
ACL injuries are tough for players to recover from. For Rose, a player who thrives on his speed, quick cuts and trademark jump stop, knee mobility is a key for Rose – and any player for that matter – to regain full health.
As one of the more humble and soft-spoken stars in the League, it’s tough to see a young rising superstar suffer an injury of this magnitude this early in his career. Look for Rose to return as determined as ever in trying to improve on what has been one of the finest young careers in NBA history.
For the Sixers, they now find themselves competing against a completely different squad. Yes, Chicago’s defense is still their, and the Sixers will have to eliminate the Bulls’ second chance points to have any chance in this series. But Watson is no Rose. And from a defensive perspective, that makes things a hell of a lot easier for the Sixers.
Game 2 is set for Tuesday at 8 p.m.
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