"If I didn’t have that game, I would've probably been out a year after that game" - Derrick Rose looks back on the game that saved his NBA career

In 2018, Derrick Rose was at the fourth stop of his NBA career, a career that was trending downwards due to his inability to stay healthy. But just when it seemed he no longer had anything left in the tank, he scored his career high to propel the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 128-125 victory against the Utah Jazz.

Looking back, Rose said that milestone served as a pivotal moment in his career for more reasons than one.

“That game was perfect timing because Jimmy didn’t play, Jeff didn’t play, and it was just one night, it was Halloween night, when the game stamped me back in the league. If I didn’t have that game, I would’ve probably been out like a year after that game, so after that game, it reestablished me back in the league and I was able to play extra five to six years,” the legendary point guard said during his recent visit to Manila, Philippines.

Rose found a spot on the Wolves

Before the beginning of the 2018-19 NBA season, Rose averaged just 5.8 points in nine games for the Timberwolves — he was traded there after his 16-game stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Minnesota gave him another chance by offering him a veteran minimum during the summer, which he gladly accepted.

Then, eight games into the season, Rose exploded for 50 points against the Jazz. He shot 19-of-31 from the floor, 4-of-7 from three and 7-of-11 from the free throw line, and had four rebounds and six assists.

This performance made the Timberwolves fans optimistic about Rose having a productive season ahead. And that’s exactly what happened — he averaged 18.0 points in 51 games and was even considered among candidates for the Six Man of the Year award.

“You know how it is. People think you’re only supposed to get that 50-piece in your prime. But to get it then, at the end of my career? That took people back like, ‘Damn, he still got some left in the tank.'” Rose said.

The Wolves didn’t make the playoffs that year. However, Rose’s performances earned him a two-year $15 million contract with the Detroit Pistons in the summer of 2019.

If it weren’t for his scoring explosion against the Jazz, Rose believes his career would’ve ended in 2018. That’s why, amongst the plethora of games he’s played in throughout his career, he still considers that performance his favorite.

More than just a throwback game

Rose’s throwback game also served as a reminder of the player he once was.

It’s rare for a superstar to attain their career-high after their prime seasons in the league. That’s why Rose looks at that game as a reward for not giving up on his NBA journey.

“You have to be delusional to make it in your craft or whatever craft you’re in,” he said.

Rose’s career may go down as one of the most unfortunate in NBA history due to injuries. However, he’s made peace with it. Deep inside, he knows that he did everything he could to overcome adversity and attain success when the odds were no longer in his favor.

Fast forward to today, and Rose is months away from having his jersey retired by the Chicago Bulls, the franchise that drafted him first overall in 2008. So it’s safe to say his persistence paid off.

This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Sep 21, 2025, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

“If I didn’t have that game, I would’ve probably been out a year after that game” – Derrick Rose looks back on the game that saved his NBA career

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