Old Pro vs. All Star

LaMarcus Aldridge's career-high 42 points was the headline of last night's Blazers/ Bulls game. Props for the high score but really, what NBA player worth his bling can't drop a career-high on Carlos Boozer?

The truly compelling match-up was at the point, where the old pro Andre Miller schooled the young All-Star Derrick Rose. How can that be, when Rose out-scored Miller 36 to 27? Look at each player's complete line:

Minutes played: Miller (42), Rose (38) EDGE: Rose (per-minute production)
FG: Miller (7-11), Rose (14-27) EDGE: Miller (efficiency)
3PT: Miller (0-0), Rose (1-6) EDGE: Miller (shot selection)
FT: Miller (13-13), Rose (7-8) EDGE: Miller (drained two with 30 seconds left)
REB: Miller (6), Rose (1) EDGE: Miller
AST: Miller (11), Rose (6) EDGE: Miller
STL: Miller (4), Rose (0) EDGE: Miller
BLK: Miller (1), Rose (0) EDGE: Miller
TO: Miller (3), Rose (4) EDGE: Miller
PF: Miller (2), Rose (2) EDGE: even
+/-: Miller (+10), Rose (-11) EDGE: Miller
PTS: Miller (27), Rose (36) EDGE: Rose

No one would expect the older and slower Miller to be able guard the younger and quicker Rose, so it isn't surprising that Rose out-scored Miller (by taking 16 more shot attempts). What is surprising is the team's net points while that player is in the game, represented by the +/- symbols. The Blazers were +10 with Miller on the court, while the Bulls were -11 with Rose. That's a major factor when you're talking about point guards! Rose got the better of Miller earlier in the season in Chicago, but last night the Rose Garden belonged to Miller.