While the Celtics had numerous other issues to tackle during practice yesterday, one notable concern was figuring out how to make Rose wilt. Boston will need an answer in Game 2 tonight at TD Banknorth Garden to even the best-of-seven series.
"It's just going to be fun out there," Rose said. "I know there's going to be a little more attention on me."
The Rose the Celtics saw Saturday was definitely much improved from the one they previously had seen.
Rose averaged 14.3 points, 4.7 assists, and 2.3 rebounds as the Bulls went 1-2 against the Celtics in the regular season. The 6-foot-3-inch, 190-pounder, however, played two of those games before New Year's Day and was in foul trouble in a St. Patrick's Day win. Rose, 20, also dealt with the challenge of being handed the starting point guard position over veteran Kirk Hinrich at season's start.
"He's just more confident," Celtics coach Doc Rivers said. "He's making shots now from the outside, which you have to live with, with his speed and power. I think what happened is [a change in] trust from the rest of the players. You could see it with the Bulls, they were almost fighting him. Why should we give this guy the ball and let him run with the team? Now they know why and they allow it.
"You can see his whole team, they rally around him. He's such a unique rookie in how he carries himself in general with his teammates. He's so humble. He always talks about his teammates and that makes him trusting."
The scout said the Bulls aided Rose's development by making their offense much simpler.
"Early on you could see [Rose's] inexperience and his inability to run a team," the scout said. "But he has made significant strides as a floor general. That has really helped him. They just want to keep it simple and run to his strengths. It's basic as hell.
"He has inexperience in terms of running a team. He dribble drives down the middle of the floor and says, 'My athletes are better than yours and you can't guard me.' It's really that simple. Spread the floor and attack.
