Congratulations to Derrick Rose, who was named NBA Rookie of the Year today. Although this award has seemed like a foregone conclusion since about halfway through the season, when it became obvious that gunners like OJ Mayo and Eric Gordon weren't going anywhere with their awful teams, it's great to see Rose get some more of the recognition he deserves. NBA.com has his top ten plays here.
And oh my goodness, does he deserve it. So far, this first round series between Chicago and Boston has been incredible. I didn't get to watch Game One, although I was getting constant text message updates from Noffke - "105 103 9 seconds left rose just fouled out", that were keeping all of the Bulls fans at Mother Bears on their toes. Derrick drops 38 and dishes 11 dimes. Unbelievable. (Picture is of Rose with another of my favorite Chicago sports stars)
I did get to watch Game Two. Wow. Bad result for the visiting team, but what a game!
There are so many guys, young and veteran, that are looking good. Rose in Game One was just one example. For the Celtics, Rajon Rondo is an absolute monster at the point. He got Derrick into quick foul trouble in this most recent game, saddling him with two early ones, then promptly did the same thing to Kirk Hinrich when he got in. Despite a tweaked ankle, Rondo played basically the entire game and had a triple double.
Ray Allen and Ben Gordon got into a shootout for the ages, culminating in Gordon's double-covered fallaway deuce to tie the game and then Allen's huge three to win it in regulation. A celebration like this would have been appropriate for either guy, though Gordon's "bullseye" was pretty awesome.
The big men for both teams are playing out of their minds. Kendrick Perkins and Big Baby Davis owned the offensive boards on Monday. Meanwhile, Davis' old LSU teammate Tyrus Thomas and his fellow Bulls big man Joakim Noah put on a shot-blocking clinic. If you like young big men performing well, this is the series for you.
If you prefer vets, well, maybe not. Brad Miller looks solid inside, not so good handling the ball. Kevin Garnett looks sharp on the bench wearing a suit.
The next couple of games are at the United Center in Chicago and I wish I could go! Hopefully the Baby Bulls can defend home court and get back to Boston with a 3-1 series lead. That wouldn't be a guarantee against the defending champs, but it would be awfully nice. Standing Room Only tickets are going for $35 on stubhub. Chicagoans, please jump on this and take some pictures so that I can live vicariously through you!
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