Derrick Rose Accepts Blame for Chicago’s Game 4 Loss

The Bulls are now on the brink of elimination, and DRose — who couldn’t get past LeBron James’ defense — says it’s his fault. From the Chicago Tribune: “Maybe if he would have made his typical quick move to the basket, Rose would have won the game and tied the series 2-2 going back to Chicago. Instead, James seemed to make it a personal challenge to keep the MVP from being the hero. ‘The MVP has a lot of energy,’ James said after the game. ‘I just tried to bring my intensity defensively. … Our team defense tried to key on him all game.’ When it counted the most, Rose didn’t find himself up against Mike Bibby or Mario Chalmers. It was James and Dwyane who took on the hefty defensive challenge of slowing down Rose in the clutch. And it worked. ‘Tonight definitely was on me,’ Rose said. ‘I had two opportunities to end the game. Couldn’t do it. If anything, learn from it.’ Rose finished 8 of 27 from the field for 23 points, was 1 of 9 from the 3-point range and had seven turnovers. He was 1 for 5 from the field in the fourth quarter and was 0 for 3 in overtime with a turnover. Over the last three games, the guy known for being a closer couldn’t find a way to finish. Rose shot 2 for 13 from the field in the fourth quarter and overtime of the last three playoff games. Twice in the final minute of regulation, Rose couldn’t convert one-on-one isolation plays while guarded by James. And throughout the quarter, James seemed to give Rose fits with his size and Rose simply couldn’t find enough space to create. ‘He already played 40-something minutes when we made the (defensive) switch, and he stepped up to the challenge,’ Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. ‘That’s as tough a cover as you have in the league. (Rose) is so explosive and clever with the ball. It really takes a team effort.’ Then Wade jumped into the mix guarding Rose and denied the ball on a couple of possession. Wade preserved the victory when he blocked a driving layup attempt by Rose in overtime with the Heat up 97-91.”