To say Derrick Rose has had a rough few years would be an understatement. The former league MVP saw his run in Chicago come to an unceremonious end, played one disappointing season with the New York Knicks, then signed on to join a star-studded lineup in Cleveland last year, only to end up taking a leave of absence from the team before eventually being traded.
When he signed on with the Minnesota Timberwolves late last season, it was seen as a coach doing a favor for his former star player. But Rose never lost faith in himself, telling The Undefeated’s Marc Spears, “anything that comes my way I am going to grab it.”
He did that in a big way Wednesday night, scoring a career-high 50 points to lead the Wolves to a 3-point win. He made the go-ahead basket with 30 seconds left, then gave Minnesota a 3-point cushion with a fair of free throws with 13.8 seconds left to reach the 50-point mark.
Rose’s 50 points are the fourth-most scored by an NBA player this season, and tied for the second-most ever scored by an NBA player on Halloween. Rose recapturing the form that earned him league MVP honors in 2010-11 also captured the attention of his NBA colleagues on Twitter, who expressed their excitement upon seeing the 29-year-old Rose look like his prime self again.
That boy @drose is out here straight HOOPING!!!!
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) November 1, 2018
Every Basketball fan in the world should feel good for DRose. Tonite was an example of never giving up on yourself and when others believe in you. Amazing things can happen. I’m smiling like i scored 50! Congrts to a good dude!
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) November 1, 2018
D🌹!!! Incredible. He’s overcome so much. I couldn’t be happier to see him ballin. @drose
— Scottie Pippen (@ScottiePippen) November 1, 2018
Have a night DRose!! Inspiring for anyone who went through injuries (and more)!
— Jeremy Lin (@JLin7) November 1, 2018
Man couldn’t be more happy for d 🌹. Can only imagine the emotions after what he’s gone through. Well deserved. Hard work is undefeated 🙌🏾
— CJ McCollum (@CJMcCollum) November 1, 2018
Great to see D Rose dominate!!! https://t.co/CMrx9ye6nz
— Al Horford (@Al_Horford) November 1, 2018
@drose LEGENDARY!!!!! Happy for you bro!!!!!!
— Tristan Thompson (@RealTristan13) November 1, 2018
50 ball for D. rose. Unreal. Happy for him!!! Legends never die
— Evan Turner (@thekidet) November 1, 2018
What a night for D Rose! He deserves it more than anyone after everything he fought through 💪💪💪!
— Nikola Vucevic (@NikolaVucevic) November 1, 2018
I’m happy for D Rose. Always loved that guy.
— Wilson Chandler (@wilsonchandler) November 1, 2018
DERRICK ROSE 🌹 50-Ball !!!!!!! @drose
— Bam Adebayo💥 (@Bam1of1) November 1, 2018
@drose you are inspiring man ! WOW
— Evan Fournier (@EvanFourmizz) November 1, 2018
@drose wow man! A true definition of perseverance, good days, bad days, struggles! The man never stops. Respect brother! #thesunalwayscomesout #Godsplan
— Bismack Biyombo (@bismackbiyombo) November 1, 2018
I still love Derrick Rose
— Francis Kaminsky III (@FSKPart3) November 1, 2018
Happy for @drose man awesome to see!
— Myles Turner (@Original_Turner) November 1, 2018
Derrick fn Rose @drose happy for you boy and that’s why you love the @NBA
— Jason Terry (@jasonterry31) November 1, 2018
It’s great to see #Drose playing like he has this season…
— Marreese Speights (@Mospeights16) November 1, 2018
Rose’s 50-point night came against the Utah Jazz, the team that released him after acquiring him from Cleveland in a multi-team trade at last season’s trade deadline. Rose never suited up for the Jazz, and spent nearly a month out of the league before being picked up by Minnesota. In addition to his 50 points, Rose also blocked a potential game-tying 3-point attempt by Dante Exum in the final seconds to preserve the Timberwolves’ win. Rose is now averaging 18.8 points per game, his most since 2011-12 — the last season before his torn ACL.