Derrick Rose retires: A look at 5 of the former 2011 MVP's best NBA performances

#3, Rose outduels LeBron James, hits game-winning 3-pointer in Game 3 of Cavs-Bulls series in 2015

Derrick Rose was four seasons removed from his MVP year when the Chicago Bulls faced the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2015 playoffs. He no longer had the same explosiveness following an ACL injury in 2012 and a torn meniscus twice in 2013.

Rose, however, outdueled LeBron James in Game 3 of the Bulls-Cavs showdown. “D-Rose” had 30 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, one steal and one block. The icing on the cake was the game-winning shot 3-pointer that pushed Cleveland to a 99-96 win.

On defense, Rose helped limit Kyrie Irving to 11 points and four rebounds. The injury-plagued veteran arguably put on his best performance in the 2015 playoffs in that game.

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#2, Bulls overwhelm Heat in Game 1 of 2011 Eastern Conference finals behind Derrick Rose

The 2011 Eastern Conference finals were the pinnacle of Derrick Rose’s career. He would never again advance that far.

In Game 1 of that series, he led the Chicago Bulls to an overwhelming 103-82 victory, the largest winning margin in that head-to-head showdown. Rose’s numbers did not jump out, finishing the game with 28 points, six assists and one rebound.

Rose, however, played with poise and confidence against the Heat’s Big Three of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. Miami slowed down Chicago's star point guard but Rose played within the system to lead the Bulls’ win.

The Heat’s superior roster and firepower eventually wore down the Bulls. Chicago might have lost the series in a sweep if not for Rose’s impressive Game 1 showing.

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#1, Derrick Rose showed he was the real deal in his playoff debut

Derrick Rose’s arrival helped the Chicago Bulls to a 41-41 record and the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs in 2009. Chicago’s reward for returning to the postseason was the defending champion Boston Celtics led by Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen.

Rose, who was expected to win the Rookie of the Year award, proved that he was ready for the big stage. He had 36 points, 11 assists and four rebounds. The speedy guard made 12-of-19 shots and ran rings around Boston’s vaunted defense.

Derrick Rose fouled out before the game went into overtime in the Bulls’ 105-103 victory. Chicago lost the series 4-3 but five of the games were decided by three points or less. Rose was still a rookie but his impact on the team was undeniable. It might have been the best game of his career considering the stage he was playing on as a rookie.