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Larry Hughes drains buzzer beater as Bulls beat Jazz
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Larry Hughes shoots the game winner.
The Bulls (7-8) beat the Utah Jazz (9-6), 101-100 Monday on a buzzer-beating shot by Larry Hughes. It didn't exactly have the same feeling as THIS last-second shot and the results were a little different, but a win on the road is a win on the road.
Earlier yesterday, I took a look at the Bulls struggles on this annual circus trip, trying to make sense of it all. The Bulls are now (2-3) since being away from the United Center, while Ringling Brothers Circus is using the venue.
The Jazz were without Carlos Boozer (quad), Deron Williams (ankle), Kyle Korver (wrist), Matt Harpring (back) and Jarron Collins (elbow), but they were in this game until the very end. That is due in large part to Paul Milsap (21 points, 10 rebounds) and Mehmet Okur (26 points, 9 rebounds.) This was the Jazz first home loss since March 20, 2007.
What really suprised me was Derrick Rose play in the fourth quarter. I know, I shouldn't seemed surprised by anything this guy is doing anymore, but after watching his play over the course of this trip, not only should he be the East starting point guard in Phoenix next year, but he is the clear front-runner for Rookie of the Year and if he can get this team to the playoffs, he definitely deserves some MVP votes.
Think it's too early?
If you were watching the fourth quarter, one in which he had 10 points, than you saw the control to his game that no one on this roster has. He picks and chooses his spots and they all come from within the flow of the game. The mid-range shot is falling with consistency now and he is giving opposing point guards/teams headaches while trying to stop him.
He never really says too many things on the court, but if your play is shouting 25 points, 9 assists, than verbal communication isn't important.
I was going to title this, ''Class in session'' because if it's one thing Rose teammates can learn, its when to take a shot and when they should make the extra pass. The offense will flow more smoothly and playing off of him will get them wide open looks.
Consider that also in the final minutes, coach Vinny Del Negro did not even call a timeout. This is a rookie point guard and no time is taking out to diagram a play? Not even a play was called as he just simply let Rose go.
"Derrick was penetrating, making plays for himself and finding people, so I just wanted to get the ball in his hands,'' Del Negro said. "He's only going to get better as the season goes along.''
Even Hughes (16 points, 5 rebounds) last second shot came off a missed Rose jumper that looked good as his left his hands, but accidentally set up the game winning field-goal.
There are the comparisons to Chris Paul, Jason Kidd, Deron Williams, but Rose truly is unique. He can't be compared to anyone because his skill set is very different from either of those three elite point guards.
I have watched Luol Deng watch these five games on the road and even though he played last night, I can see him being visibly impressed with Rose. Hopefully, he is picking the spots where Rose will get him open shots and easier opportunites than he is accoustumed to getting because like his teammates are finding out, if they haven't learned this already; Rose makes this job that much easier.
The Bulls next game is Wednesday as they take on the San Antonio Spurs (7-6).
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