It was a good night for New York Knicks fans who watched their team take a 2-1 series lead over the Cavaliers with a Derrick Rose sighting to boot.
Derrick Rose has seen just over two minutes of action for the Knicks this calendar year, all 2:21 coming in a Feb. 25 game against the Pelicans. He’s a long way from the league MVP he once was, but the Knicks have still sung his praises as a leader in the lockerroom.
So it was fitting on Friday night as New York hammered the Cavaliers in Game 3 that Rose got a standing ovation from the fans when he checked into the game.
Madison Square Garden erupted with cheers as he took the floor for the first time in months for his first playoff appearance since 2021.
Knicks fans were pumped to see Derrick Rose in Game 3
Fans loved to see Rose back in the game, in part because of his absence and in part because his entrance truly signaled a sure victory.
Rose didn’t have much to do in the waning minutes of the game. He played three minutes, going 0-for-4 from the floor. His best moment was that alley-oop to Obi Toppin for his lone assist.
The Knicks may call on Rose at other points during the playoffs, but for now that was a nice moment for the 34-year-old.
New York enjoyed excellent outings from Jalen Brunson and RJ Barrett, who led the team with 21 and 19 points respectively. While Brunson went 10-of-18 from the floor, Barretty hit 3-of-6 three-point attempts.
Cleveland was held to just 79 points with Donovan Mitchell’s 22 leading the way on 9-of-19 shooting.
The Knicks now have a 2-1 lead in the series with Game 4 coming up on Sunday in New York.
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