Derrick Rose Gives Chicago Bulls Fans Yet Another Reason to Love Him

Derrick Rose suffered through one the worst individual performances of his career in Thursday's crucial victory over Miami.

Rose's outing could be described in one word: rusty.

He went 1-13 from the field, consistently looking out of sync with his jump shot on his road to a career-low two points.

Because Rose couldn't shake the rust, Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau, who tends to ride whoever is playing well on a given night, made the bold decision to sit Rose late in the fourth quarter and overtime.

Thibodeau's decision undoubtedly paid off, as backup point guard C.J. Watson was the spark that led the Bulls to what was arguably their biggest win of the year.

But any NBA or sports fan in general couldn't overlook what took place at the end of Thursday's game. Rose, the reigning MVP, was benched. While he has been battling injuries and there was perhaps some reason in playing him less minutes, it was definitely not foreseen that the reigning MVP would be riding the pine at the game's most pivotal moments.

This was not foreseen because this is not how modern professional sports work. In a sports world full of egos and pride, you just don't see superstars being benched because of all the potential negative hoopla that could follow. We all know that superstar athletes tend to grow displeased in such situations, and many aren't afraid to voice it. 

But Derrick Rose is different. He actually affirmed his benching, Yes, affirmed. 

Think of all the routes D-Rose could've taken in addressing this.

He could've boldly questioned it, citing that he's the league MVP and is always deserving to be on the floor late in ball games. 

He could've mildly questioned it, voicing vague displeasure over the decision.

He could've declined to comment, and thus skirted around the topic which inevitably hints at displeasure.

He could've even solemnly commended his teammates while exhibiting a posture that is undeniably distraught.

But he did none of those things. 

According to ESPN Chicago, he declared this after the game,

"

I'm fine, man, Rose said of coach Tom Thibodeau's decision to sit him down the stretch. Anything to win. Where he felt that lineup was going to win the game, it won the game, and I can't complain about anything.

"

In stating this, affirming his benching and magnifying the win over his individual play, Rose defies the egotistic logic that is so often prevalent in pro sports. He embodies humility and sees himself in proper perspective. He grasped that his game was not up to par last night and that the "Bench Mob" was better suited to grind out the victory.

What's more, Rose's overall mentality and support of his teammates fuels the Bulls. 

Joakim Noah, who was also on the bench late in the game, praised Rose for how he handled the situation (via ESPN): "When your leader is a team-first guy, it trickles down to everybody. It shows what kind of character he has. We're trying to win here. It was a great team effort."

Rose's refreshing humility has a way of unifying and driving this team all the more, and you can't argue with the results. The Bulls now sit at 45-14 and will very likely snag home-court advantage throughout the entire playoffs.

Expect D-Rose to return to his usual self very soon, after the rust wears off and he regains his timing. But even in his lowly performance on Thursday, there was still something monumental to take away from who he is. 

He's simply a humble leader and possesses the exact type of character that brings out the best in himself and his teammates. Chicago fans, the character and humility of D-Rose is yet another reason to love this guy.

He's legitimately the total package.