The re-return of Derrick Rose has been the subject of much debate. We’d always wondered what might happen if Derrick Rose came back. Like, really back and not just back for a handful of games. Back back.

We got glimpses of it during the FIBA World Cup in Spain this summer, but if his performance against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Monday evening’s preseason game is any indication, Derrick Rose is back for real. He finished the first half with 20 points on 8-for-12 shooting from the field, including three makes from beyond the three-point line. For context, he hasn’t scored more than 17 points in any one game this preseason.

If there were any questions about his explosiveness after injuring his cruciate ligaments repeatedly, there shouldn’t be anymore. He blew by the entire Cavs defense multiple times as though their feet were all glued to the floor.

Oh yes. The deadly quickness that terrorized defenses three years ago is definitely back. Ask Kyrie Irving. Rose spun Irving like a top in the third quarter and laid it in before Irving even knew he was gone.

Now, like always, all Rose has to do is stay this way. Healthy and effective. No one wants to see any more season-enders for the former league-MVP. That looming fear of injury couldn’t have been better illustrated than by the entire Bulls bench running to help Rose up after finishing a slash to the basket.

(Thanks to Ricky O’Donnell for the Vines.)