Derrick Rose Makes Surprise Appearance in Knicks’ Game 3 Win Over Cavs

• The New York Knicks defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 3 on Friday night
• The Knicks now hold a 2-1 lead in their best-of-seven series against the Cavs
• Derrick Rose made a cameo appearance in Game 3, sending Knicks fans into a frenzy 

The New York Knicks moved closer to their first playoff series win since 2013, recording a 99-79 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 3 on Friday night.

The Knicks took control in the second half, stretching their lead to 27 points in the fourth quarter.

Madison Square Garden was already rocking, but the party was just getting started. Fans went wild when Derrick Rose checked into the game in the closing minutes.

Fans were chanting the former league MVP's name early in the fourth quarter, with the outcome already beyond doubt.

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New York coach Tom Thibodeau gave in to their request, putting Rose in with 2:30 left in the contest.

Fans give Rose standing ovation

Knicks supporters gave the former league MVP a standing ovation upon his entry.

It has been a difficult season for Rose, who played for only the second time since January. He was removed from the Knicks’ rotation in December last year.

He averaged career lows of 5.6 points and 1.7 assists in only 27 games this season, per Heavy.

Thibs laud Rose's impact

Thibodeau paid tribute to Rose after the game, saying:

“The guy has been around. He’s been great for us. Particularly, we’re a very young team. And to have a guy like that around, it’s invaluable.”

Thibodeau added that even though Rose is not playing, he still had a great impact on all their guys.

Rose failed to score in his brief appearance in Game 3, missing all of his four shot attempts. He did contribute to one highlight play, throwing an alley-oop pass to Obi Toppin.

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Garland's Game 2 heroics

Sports Brief recently reported on the Cavs’ win over the Knicks in Game 2.

Darius Garland starred in Cleveland’s 107-90 victory, scoring 32 points. He did most of his damage in the first half, dropping 26 against New York.

Garland joined LeBron James and Kyrie Irving as the only Cleveland players with more than 25 points in a playoff half over the last 25 seasons.