Derrick Rose's fans were again left worried after the Chicago Bulls point guard exited the game on Thursday due to a left hamstring injury. Despite the injury, the Bulls emerged the winners 100-93 over the Toronto Raptors on November 13, 2014.
On Thursday night's game, ESPN reported that Rose left the game with under two minutes left in the fourth quarter and no longer returned. He slipped and fell on a drive and turned the basketball over before walking gingerly back to the bench.
Rose did not seem too worried about the injury. He said in another ESPN report, "I guess it's cramps in my hamstrings. But I think it's minor, and they decided to pull me out."
In the same ESPN report, he added, "I don't know, man. Just missing two years, now you're you're just going to fall for no reason I guess, man. Just trying to work every day, put in consistent work every day. And don't lose any confidence with these setbacks."
The point guard also stated that he will treat his hamstring with ice and muscle stimulation. He cannot confirm yet whether he will play on November 15 against the Indiana Pacers.
A lot of basketball fans have been criticizing Rose since his return to Chicago, after missing almost two seasons due to injuries on both knees. He missed four games in the current season so far due to sprained ankles.
However, Rose has been showing his old form in the past few games. On November 13, 2014, he scored 20 points in 30 minutes of playing time. He also had three rebounds and four assists. He shot 5-for-14 from the field and had five turnovers.
Before Thursday night's game, Thibodeau said about Rose, "He's navigating through coming back off of 2 1/2 years off. It's a lot. I think everyone has to take a step back and be patient and let him go through this process. He's going to be special again, just be patient."
Joakim Noah, center for the Bulls, defended Rose's critics. He said, "Every time something happens to [Rose], people act like it's the end of the world, and that's f---ing so lame to me."