Post Up: D-League Dreams

by Holly MacKenzie / @stackmack

Is there a better basketball feeling than seeing Derrick Rose explode to the hoop, blowing past everyone, rise up and score a layup?

So, so, so good to see him healthy.

No joke, that was the start of my Post Up…. before SUNDIATA GAINES.

Couldn’t script that. Sorry, Derrick, but there is something nicer than seeing you get your explosion back.

Buzzer-beater +D-League call up + this video +3-3 fgs in nine minutes + reaction of the Jazz bench = One smiling girl. Like, for real, this silly smile just won’t leave my face and I’m okay with that.

After LeBron was quiet through the first half, he –of course– went off in the fourth, scoring 20 points in the quarter, including back-to-back three-pointers that had him sauntering to the bench like he had the world and the win underwraps.

This wasn’t so as the Cavs allowed the Jazz a sliver of light that Gaines turned into a whole lot of sunshine. Sundiata Gaines, who was called up during the D-League showcase in Boise to a 10-day contract, hit a game-winning 3-pointer at the buzzer. It was the first 3-pointer of his five-game NBA career and was his third make in three attempts in his nine minutes of playing time.

Wow. Wow. Wow.

I can’t really express it in words, you’ve got to see it for yourself.

I think my favorite quote came from Jerry Sloan who said, “I found myself trying to jump.” when asked how excited he was to see the rookie hit the shot.

It’s crazy to think of how Bron owned that fourth quarter and the game until missed free throws down the stretch by his teammates allowed a unknown to steal the shine.

Sometimes, everything works out in a way you could never ever imagine, yet you  know instantly it’s absolutely right. This moment was one of those times.

I’m so damn happy!

Now, about Rose. He looked good. Noah looked good. Salmons made me continue to long for Ben Gordon back in a Bulls uni and the C’s looked tired on the second night of a back-to-back, although I thought they’d be rested, considering that they had blown out the Nets in the first Q on Wednesday night.

Seriously though, the Bulls won 96-83 and that’s all you need to know about this one. No KG or Sheed for the C’s, a great game Noah, Rose looks to be getting back and Perk was a beast in the loss.

Also, Eddie House is ridiculous.

Now, back to Sundiata.

It’s gonna be a great day.