Boylan hopes Thursday was a learning experience for Thomas

In explaining why he started Tyrus Thomas in place of the absent Ben Wallace on Thursday, Bulls coach Jim Boylan made it clear he felt Thomas could learn something from guarding Miami forward Shawn Marion.

"Shawn's an all-star player," Boylan said before the contest. "So Tyrus really needs to be on top of his game. There is no time to relax out there, there is no jogging up and down the court. He's got to play with some energy. He can't feel his way through the game. He's got to get out there and play hard, that's the whole thing."

One of the most common complaints from Bulls fans this season has been Thomas' inconsistent playing time. Boylan once again emphasized he'd like to see the second-year forward focus on doing his damage near the basket.

"Whatever helps the team, that's what you've got to work on and focus on," said Thomas, who had 10 points, 12 rebounds and 4 blocks against the Heat. "It has to be about the team right now because of the situation we're in."

Boylan was also asked if he'd like to see Thomas develop sort of a Dennis Rodman attitude where it becomes a personal mission to grab every rebound.

"We'd certainly like to see him get on the offensive glass and have that kind of hunger and desire that Dennis had to chase every ball," Boylan said. "Make that his signature. If he can get that done, I would certainly welcome that."

Gray bends backward: Aaron Gray left Thursday's game late in the first half after dislocating his left ring finger. The top half of the finger was bent straight backward until Gray called timeout and trainer Fred Tedeschi popped it back into place.

"Imagine your hand flat and then half of one finger sticking straight up," Gray said in the locker room. "It was crazy. It was freaking me out a little bit."

Gray was quickly taken for X-rays, which were negative. The Bulls said the rookie center was available to return in the second half, but did not.

"I don't know for sure (how it happened)," Gray said. "But it was not fun. (Tedeschi) popped it back in with relatively little pain. It's good now."

Deng plans donation: Luol Deng announced a plan to contribute $50 for every basket he scores this season to the ninemillion.org campaign sponsored by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. The program is designed to allow displaced refugee children a chance to receive an education.

Deng is trying to raise money to build a school in southern Sudan. Before Thursday's game, CharitaBulls donated $10,000 to the cause.