Derrick Rose was Minnesota’s most important player in Game 1 of the playoffs.
Whether fans and media liked it or not, the Timberwolves wouldn’t have lost by just 3 points if it wasn’t for Derrick Rose and his contributions down-the-stretch.
Timberwolves usage rates in Game 1:
— Micah Adams (@MAdamsStatGuy) April 16, 2018
Derrick Rose - 30.8
Gorgui Dieng - 28.6
Jeff Teague - 26.4
Andrew Wiggins - 25.7
Jamal Crawford - 22.2
Jimmy Butler - 15.6
Karl-Anthony Towns - 14.2
Coach Thibs will get a lot of the blame for not involving Butler or Towns in the offense more.
Although, the switching ability of the Rockets defense cornered Butler and Towns into taking bad shots, stopping them from getting into the paint for easy buckets. Whether that was the scheme for the night, or the lack of aggressive play by Towns and Butler, it equated to an impressive performance from former MVP, Derrick Rose.
Injury riddled Jimmy Butler and “lights may be too bright” Karl-Anthony Towns expect to have a much better performance in Game 2.
Rose ended the night with the third best stat line out of both teams, arguably out playing Hall of Fame point guard, Chris Paul.
You be the judge:
— Dunking With Wolves (@DunkingWolvesFS) April 16, 2018
Chris Paul - 14 points shooting 5/14 with 6 turnovers all in 34 minutes of play
Derrick Rose - 16 points shooting 7/14 with 2 turnovers all in 24 minutes of play
Game 2 will be very interesting. Thibs has to get KAT more involved, even if he doesn't want it.
This Derrick Rose usage and good play down-the-stretch will most likely fade away in Game 2, but it should be commended, nonetheless.