Everyone was surprised when Rose chose to shoot a three instead of taking the safer layup.
"Is he really that bold? A three right off the bat?"
"He could've just gone for the layup."
"He hasn't played in ages. That shot selection is just baffling."
But Rose's decision had been carefully considered.
There was only one Westbrook inside the three-point line. Even if Rose missed, Westbrook could grab the rebound.
And as it happened, Rose's three from the left wing was perfectly on target. It swished straight through without even touching the rim.
The lead was down to 14.
There were five and a half minutes left in the game.
On the next possession, Lauri of the Pelicans drove to the basket and leaped for a slam with nobody guarding the hoop.
But the Pelicans seemed cursed. His uncontested dunk under the basket somehow bounced high off the rim.
As the ball nearly went out of bounds, Westbrook dove for it and managed to save it.
Rose dribbled straight down the court.
He went to the left wing again, to the exact same spot as before.
Michael Joe saw him and rushed over to contest the shot.
But this time, Rose didn't go up.
He faked, then drove straight to the basket.
Caruso had already rushed to the hoop, though.
If Rose had been younger, he would've gone straight for a Forced Dunk over Caruso.
But time spared no one, and no one could deny the years. Rose couldn't jump nearly as high as he once had, so he couldn't dunk over him.
He could only use a double-clutch to evade Caruso's block, curl around beneath the basket, and finish with a simple Hook Shot on the other side of the rim.
The lead was down to 12.
On the