Jalen Rose is known for his analysis and commentary in today’s NBA, with the former NBA star often insightful in breaking down the game. However, what a lot of younger fans perhaps don’t remember is that Rose used to be a very good player as well, averaging over 20 points per game during 4 seasons in his playing days. Rose played for the Bulls, Nuggets, and Knicks, but by far, his most successful days in the league came when he was part of the Indiana Pacers.
In the late 90s, the Pacers, led by Reggie Miller, were emerging as a powerhouse in the Eastern Conference. In those days, there was just one top dog in the East. Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls were in the middle of clinching their 2nd three-peat. And while no team took MJ to 7 games in the NBA Finals, the Indiana Pacers gave them a real run for their money in 1998 during The Last Dance.
The two teams met in the Eastern Conference Finals, and while the Bulls took a 3-2 series lead, the Pacers fought back and almost took the series in Game 7. The Bulls held firm, but there was one decision that the Pacers coach, Larry bird himself, seemed to regret right after the game ended, involving Jalen Rose.
Jalen Rose Was Angry With Larry Bird For Benching Him Against The Bulls In 1998
Rose was in the game in the 4th quarter, with the game being too close to call. However, despite him having made a couple of shots, Bird chose to bench him, and the Pacers eventually lost. Rose shared the story on the All The Smoke podcast, also sharing it on his Instagram.
“In that game, 4th quarter, I made two straight shots. And they called timeout. And in that timeout, he took me out the game. I was pissed and I ain’t go back in. So I basically took a shower pill. Jumped on the bus. Like I was pissed.
“And I felt like I was gonna sit in the back and not talk to the coaching staff. And I was like ‘Oh damn, Larry already on here,’ you know what I’m saying? And I’m like, a kid mad at their parents, let me just walk past and not say anything. He was like, ‘Jalen’. I was like, ‘All right, coach.’ He had a beer in his hand and he was like, ‘I f**king should have got you back out there.’ And I was like, I’m not gonna say anything. I just let it go right there and then.”
For any player, getting taken out after they’ve made a few shots can be frustrating. But when it’s Game 7 against the Bulls, that likely felt even worse. Ultimately, it’s hard to say that they might have beaten MJ and his team even with Rose in, but Larry apologizing was a huge move, something very few coaches have ever done.
