After a rusty effort from the Bulls back-court in their first game against the Cavaliers, both Allstars came back strong against the Nets. Derrick Rose scored 15 points on 5-11 shooting, and Jimmy Butler filled up the stat-sheet with 24 points, six assists, four rebounds, and two steals. Derrick Rose likes the chemistry between the two, but he wants Butler to shoot as much as possible.
“I love the way Jimmy’s playing but I want him to shoot more. I guess he knows what he’s doing. He’s a pro. He’s a grown man. So I’m going to let him gear his game. He has a good pace how he’s playing. He’s coming down with the ball in his hands, making decisions, making plays. He looks great doing it. He just needs to get more comfortable doing it.” – Derrick Rose
“We’re a really unselfish team, to a fault sometimes. We’ll have a good shot and give it up because there’s so much space.” – Jimmy Butler
“Right now, I can’t see (well) so I’m getting in the lane, being creative, shooting floaters, trying to get contact. Usually, when I have the ball and create, the defense is so keyed into me that a lot of guys are open for shots. That’s why I want Jimmy to shoot more 3s like he did tonight. He can shoot those shots. Sometimes, he just chooses not to.” – Derrick Rose
Derrick Rose has only attempted two total three-pointers so far this season, but a lot has to do with his blurry vision. Rose is doing his best to get closer to the hoop for a floater or a trip to the free-throw line. Compared to last season where Rose took every opportunity possible to launch a three-pointer, his game looks much smoother with him playing inside the arc as opposed to outside.
The duo might be changing their name to the trio as Nikola Mirotic has started the season strong averaging 18.5 points per game with nine rebounds per game. Only time will tell how much longer Nikola Mirotic can play at this high level, but he’s making his case for an early candidate for Most Improved Player.
