X-Rays Negative On Rose’s Ankle

Added on May 03, 2011 by Scott in

NBA

Bulls MVP point guard Derrick Rose received a scare last night when his left ankle twisted awkwardly after landing on Hawks guard Jamal Crawford’s foot. X-rays were negative, which should ease some of the pain from the Game 1 103-95 loss. However, this is the second time in ten days Rose has sprained the ankle, raising concerns he might be breaking down.

Rose first injured the ankle in Game 4 of the opening round series versus Indiana. He came back for Game 5 three days later and scored 25 points in eliminating the Pacers. He netted 24, dished ten assists and grabbed five rebounds on Monday, but appeared to lack some of his signature quickness.

He dismissed the notion of not playing in Wednesday’s Game 2, expressing confidence the Bulls training staff will get him ready.

“I’m not worried about that,” he said. “I think my body is in good hands with my trainer. They do a good job making sure I get treatment every day, all day. I should be all right.”

There’s little doubt Rose will take the court, but the cumulative effect of two ankle sprains combined with the daily postseason grind has to be taking a significant toll. With Carlos Boozer still bothered by a turf toe, the Bulls can ill afford Rose to be hobbled when trying to dispose of an extremely talented Hawks team.

Atlanta’s dynamic backcourt of Joe Johnson and Jamal Crawford dropped 56 in Game 1, and both are averaging over 20 points per game in the playoffs. Stopping them on two healthy ankles is difficult enough. If Rose doesn’t heal fast, it could signal an end to what has been an incredible season in Chicago.

A season that resulted in a much-deserved MVP for Rose and a Coach of the Year Award for Tom Thibodeau. The Bulls finished with a 62-20 record. The 22-year-old Rose averaged 25.0 points, 7.7 assists and 4.1 boards in only his third NBA campaign.

Source: ESPN.com