Anyone watching the wild Chicago Bulls game yesterday saw one of the greatest performances in playoff history from Nate Robinson and the Bulls. It was edge of your seat excitement, but long after the game had ended a thought came to mind. That could've been Derrick Rose. It could've been his moment. However, as Nate's legend grows the memory of Rose seems to shrink.
The announcer's were comparing Nate's 4th quarter heroics to those of Michael Jordan. At one point during the excitement they even called for a statue of Nate to be set out front the United Center next to the one of MJ. That won't happen because that spot is reserved for Rose.
Fans have long believed Rose to be the one who would return the Bulls to their former glory. Yet on Saturday, Nate was the guy with the ball in his hands single handily bringing the Bulls back from certain defeat, his team down 14 and with less than three minutes remaining in Game 4 of the round one playoff match up with the Nets.
Now the Bulls lead the series 3-1 without Rose. He sits on bench, cleared to play, but still unable or unwilling to take the floor. All the while his teammates pull out win after win with gutsy tooth and nail performances. Each player; from Kirk Hinrich to Carlos Boozer is playing like each game could be their last.
And watching Joakim Noah gut it out through an injury just makes one wonder. Why Derrick, why? Noah played 38 minutes last night, fighting through pain in his foot caused by plantar fasciitis. He was only supposed to play 25. He made big shots, and despite fouling out helped lead the team.
It's hard for any Bulls fan to see a game with Rose on the bench, but what's worse is wondering when he'll come back. Rose has said he'll return when he is ready, but fans have been left guessing when that will be. The problem for the star point guard is that he left the door open for a return. So, Bulls fans have to hope it'll be sooner than later, and that's the hardest part.
When he comes back, the fans will welcome him with open arms as they should. Rose is making the smart decision by not coming back until he feels ready. Still, Robinson's performance on Saturday was enough to almost make fans forget about the MVP point guard sitting at the end of the bench in a suit. For now at least, the team belongs the Mr. Excitement. Nate Robinson.
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