Photo Credit: USA Today Sports Images
Tonight, Derrick Rose is expecting to end his three-game absence from back spasms against the Indiana Pacers.
“That’s the plan,” Rose told assembled media after Monday’s practice. “I just want to put all these injuries behind me and get on with the season.
I think it’s just a one-shot thing. Before I fell I wasn’t worried about it. Things like this are going to happen. It comes with the season — bumps and falls. I just got to find a way around it. I can’t let it get to me mentally.”
How valuable is Rose’s success to the Knicks? Just look at their record since the explosive point guard has been sidelined. After playing just 10 minutes against the Phoenix Suns last week, Rose left for good with the back injury. The Knicks would lose the game in overtime following several late miscues from rookie point guard Ron Baker.
Two nights later, Golden State cruised to a 103-90 victory. And in New York’s last game against Denver, the Knicks were out-hustled in a 127-114 defeat.
Rose’s production (16 points, 47% FG) coupled with his penetration ability is essential to getting his teammates open looks. And with the Knicks nearly toppling back to .500, his return couldn’t have come at a better time.
NEW YORK KNICKS LOYALIST 