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Rose just happy he’s not feeling Heat’s pain

The Bulls were flying home to Chicago while the story of Miami Heat players crying in the locker room after Sunday’s loss spread across the sports nation.

Miami coach Eric Spoelstra offered that bit of news after the Heat dropped its third straight close game to the Bulls 87-86. LeBron James and Dwyane Wade missed shots in the final six seconds.

Before playing New Orleans on Monday, Derrick Rose wasn’t concerned with tears were shed in Miami.

“There’s not much to say about that. That’s just how they’re feeling down there,” Rose said. “Right now I think we’re past that game and just worried about a team (New Orleans) that’s playing good basketball.”

He claims he never watches ESPN’s SportsCenter, but Rose has noticed the intense scrutiny that follows the Heat after every tough loss.

“That’s crazy. Every game, people really look into the reason why you lost,” Rose said. “I’m just happy I’m not in their position.”

Crying story changes:

A day after informing the world about crying in the Heat locker room, Miami coach Eric Spoelstra changed his story and blamed the media for blowing it out of proportion.

According to the South Florida Sun Sentinel, Spoelstra amended his comment Monday to say there was no bawling or whimpering, just red eyes and hung heads.

“I think this is a classic example of sensationalism, just looking for a headline,” Spoelstra said in the Sun Sentinel. “Guys were very emotional about it in the locker room. Heads were down, glossy eyes, but that’s about it. I think everything else is probably an exaggeration.”

Spoelstra went on to express shock that the crying story made every newspaper, along with about 45 minutes of analysis on ESPN.

“I think you guys could probably be a little bit more creative,” he said.

If Heat players were bothered by Spoelstra sharing too much information, they didn’t admit it.

“Spo is the captain of the ship and we’re going to stay behind whatever Spo says,” LeBron James said. “It doesn’t matter.”

Second opinions:

Luol Deng on Miami’s complaints that he wasn’t really fouled by Mike Miller on the play that led to the game-winning free throws: “I really felt like I got fouled. I didn’t even flop. I was really pushed.” …

Orlando coach Stan Van Gundy on the Heat getting frustrated by negative attention in the media: “My suggestion would be if you don’t want the scrutiny, you don’t hold a championship celebration (last summer) before you’ve even practiced together.”

Bull horns:

The Bulls have won 10 straight games against teams with the eight best records in the NBA. Since early December they’ve knocked off Oklahoma City, the Lakers, Boston, Dallas, San Antonio, Orlando twice and Miami three times. … Ex-Bulls and Hornets guard Jannero Pargo was at Monday’s game. … The Bulls will honor the 1991 championship team at Saturday’s game.