Derrick Rose Game-Winner vs. Cavs Called 'Lucky Shot' by Tristan Thompson
The Chicago Bulls took a 2-1 series lead over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night thanks to a clutch, buzzer-beating three from Derrick Rose. Cavs forward Tristan Thompson had another description for the shot: lucky.
Chris Haynes of the Northeast Ohio Media Group passed along comments from Thompson after the crushing loss in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. He clearly wasn't impressed with the game-winning shot:
"I contested. It wasn't like he just walked in and took a three. That's all you can really ask for. It was a lucky shot. He hit it off the glass. It's tough.
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Although Rose probably didn't intend to bank the shot in, creating enough space to get the attempt up before the buzzer was a challenge. He showed some vintage quickness to run along the perimeter before pulling up for the long-range effort.
His overall play in Game 3 was just as important as the shot. He finished with 30 points, seven assists and seven rebounds. The point guard, who's fought through numerous injury setbacks in recent years, looks like he's finally returning to top form.
That's troublesome news for the Cavaliers. They lost Kevin Love to a shoulder injury and are now stuck trying to defend a reinvigorated Rose.
Thompson wasn't happy with how Friday's game ended. Perhaps his comments will add a little extra intensity to an already-terrific series. Game 4 is set for Sunday afternoon.
