Bulls supporters describe Rose's most recent reception as "unreal."

 By the time the fourth quarter of Friday's game against the New York Knicks reached its middle, Chicago Bulls supporters watching their team lose by 23 points had given up on trying to motivate their squad. B

Even the scattered jeers that erupted after the Knicks increased their lead to as many as 30 eventually subsided.

Instead, the loud few who persisted until the last buzzer turned their attention to another strategy to make the most of their investment: forcing Derrick Rose into the game for the final few seconds.

As the chants resounded from the rafters of the United Center,

We need Derrick!

The last six games of the Knicks' rotation have seen Rose on the outside looking in. Tom Thibodeau has chosen to play Miles "Deuce" McBride and other younger players in the backcourt over Rose, the 34-year-old former MVP, who has handled his end-of-bench leadership position with class.

But as the Knicks were closing out a victory, Thibodeau's heart melted at the notion of Rose getting his customary hometown welcome. So he inquired as to whether the player, with whom he had so much expertise, was prepared to don the uniform.

When questioned about that exchange following the game, Thibodeau replied, "I can't repeat what he said." But he was giddy.

Rose added: "I'm unable to repeat what he said at this time since they allegedly threatened to fine him. But I let them know I'm prepared."

Rose then entered the game at the 3:31 mark of the fourth quarter to chants of "MVP" as he ran out of the visitors' tunnel to a loud standing ovation. The crowd increased once more after he made his first three-point try.

It was incredible, Rose said. "I attempted to contain it. But it means a lot to always be appreciated in that manner. We worked hard here. I'm relieved that I was permitted to enter."

Rose claimed that although he was too preoccupied to turn around and look at his fiancee and children who were in the stands at the time, he did eventually spot them after the final buzzer.

"They sobbed. They were both applauding and crying "Rose smiled as she stated. "Talking about someone chopping onions and something like that."

With his 2016 trade to the Knicks, Rose's illustrious but ultimately troubled Bulls tenure may have come to an unceremonious end, especially because that deal marked the beginning of a flimsy mid-career phase that included stays in Cleveland, Minnesota, and Detroit.

But he still expresses his admiration for the Bulls organisation, the city of Chicago, and its supporters. even after all these years.

"Always. Always, "When asked if he was shocked by the reception, Rose responded. "You never know how significant or how much the way we performed back then simply had an impact on people. It was surreal to arrive here and experience all the love that we did.

"That is why I have never disparaged the franchise or its employees. There was just love while I was here. Before the game, I ran across former Bulls general manager Pax (John Paxson), but I didn't get a chance to run into Bulls President and CEO Michael (Reinsdorf).

Pax, who was trustworthy the entire time I was here, and the way their family gave me such a lot of affection. It was all I needed.

Thibodeau is the best at comprehending Rose's strong ties to the franchise and the community.

"For him, this is his home. He likes New York, and I'd say it's his adopted home," Thibodeau said. But I believe that coming back here has significance for him. He meant a lot to this organisation, but so does the organisation mean a lot to him.

This week, the team defeated the Bulls twice and left Chicago. And every result, even the OT heartbreaker and the second-half thrashing, was disheartening for the current group of players.

However, the scoreboard was obscured by nostalgia for those brief seconds at the end of the fourth quarter.