Gavin Liu, G11, BASIS International School Shenzhen

“You could not have scripted a better ending to this game!” Timberwolves announcer Dave Benz said after the final buzzer announced Minnesota’s 128-125 win over the Utah Jazz on Oct. 31, 2018. Before this game, Rose was pushed up to the starting five, since Jimmy Butler wasn’t available to play. In the face of a strong young player, Mitchell, Rose responded tough and strong. At the end of the first quarter, Rose had scored 13 points, grabbed two rebounds, and dished out four assists. The Timberwolves led by 32-25.

After warming up in the first quarter, Rose was completely unstoppable in the second and third quarters. He had 35 points by the end of the third quarter. This was the first time in more than 2,500 days that Rose had been so highlighted. The fourth quarter was extremely intense. The Timberwolves were outscored 6-0 by the Jazz after blowing a five-point lead through the first three quarters. Again, Rose stood up to save the day. He scored six points in a row and made the final two game-winning free throws in the clutch. In the end, Rose scored 50 points for the first time in his career. After the game, Rose could not contain his emotions. He covered his head with a towel, and all his teammates came to embrace him. No one left the arena, and the MVP chants reverberated up and down the hall. As Rose removed his towel, his eyes were red and filled with tears.

Fans were crying, the commentators were crying, and Rose was crying. From being the youngest MVP to earning only US$2.4 million as a minimum salary player; from being the successor of Michael Jordan in the Chicago Bulls to coming off the bench in Minnesota, perhaps only fans who have seen him through the tough years can understand how difficult it has been for him. I remember how he scored 36 points in the playoffs against the Celtics. I remember how he led the post-Jordan Bulls to their first 60+ wins in one season. I remember how he was fearless against the Heat’s big three in the playoffs. However, when Rose scored 50 points, none of that mattered. What defines Rose as a player isn’t his MVP season, but this game that will go down in Timberwolves and NBA lore as legendary.

Rose’s story isn’t one of a genius blessed by fate; it has been a story of both disappointment and endurance.

I wish that we could be like Rose and know what we want in our life, instead of just accepting what life gives us.

This is my wish for Rose:

“May you journey through thousands of miles and remain young at heart. May you tame the wind and waves, always standing tall and proud!”