Derrick Rose returned to action for the New York Knicks and says his back is fine. Rose missed two games after suffering back spasms in their 114-103 win over the Miami Heat.
An MRI revealed no structural damage to Rose's back but the Knicks were wise to take precautionary measures with him. He has a long history of injuries and the Knicks can't afford to lose him, not now that they've won 11 of their last 15 games.
Rose came logged 34 minutes in their 118-112 win over the Los Angeles Lakers who also just got back Nick Young and D'Angelo Russel from injuries. He scored 25 points on 12-16 shooting and didn't look like he was experiencing any pain at all.
Rose's style of play is explosive and those who imitate him without proper training will most likely also get injured anytime. Throughout the years, he has gone through so much adversity just trying to get back to the court, "This is the most information I ever got in my career about my body and how I need to maintain how I'm playing and maintain my strength," Rose said.
When asked about his confidence after suffering another injury, Rose calmly said he's confidence is as high as ever despite missing two games. With Carmelo Anthony locked in and the continued progress of Kristaps Porzingis, the Knicks will be a force in the east if he can say healthy.
Rose's presence was badly missed by the Knicks in their blowout loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavs tore apart the Knicks defense and closed out the Knicks' driving lane. Rose is so good at driving down the lane and the game could have been different had he played.
The last time the Knicks made a playoff appearance was in the 2012-13 season where they reached the Easter Conference Semi-Finals but lost to the Indiana Pacers. They have a legit chance of making the playoffs this season and Rose will be vital in making that happen.