Thomas: It was not a protest
Tyrus Thomas vowed to apologize to teammates and learn from his mistakes after being suspended two games for missing Wednesday's practice.
But he repeatedly insisted that the unexcused absence was not to protest his playing time.
"Of course, everyone would love to (play more), but that wasn't the reason for me missing practice," Thomas said prior to Thursday's win over Cleveland. "I didn't come to practice for personal reasons. … I'll deal with the consequences."
Thomas did have a good line when asked for specifics on why he skipped practice.
"It wouldn't be personal then if I tell you," he replied. "It was reasons I felt were acceptable; the team didn't. Like I said, I'm dealing with the consequences."
Though general manager John Paxson would not comment on the issue, the Bulls seemed to be under the impression that Thomas executed a sit-down strike, hence the two-game suspension.
The previous night, Thomas played just nine minutes and collected 4 fouls against Memphis. He played 25 minutes at Cleveland on Sunday, but only 9 against Washington last Friday.
One theory is that Thomas' behavior is fallout from the Bulls trading away all of the team's veterans in the Feb. 21 deal. Veteran Adrian Griffin, who's now in Seattle, was thought to be a positive influence on Thomas, and the second-year forward had P.J. Brown as a personal mentor last season.
Thomas sat on the bench during Thursday's game and seemed to engage with his teammates. Coach Jim Boylan stressed that once the suspension ends, the slate will be clean.
"Tyrus is part of our basketball family," Boylan said. "When something like this happens, just like in any other family, there's discipline that's doled out."
Call for advice: Despite all the bumps in the road he has endured since becoming head coach, Jim Boylan was able to show a sense of humor about the Tyrus Thomas suspension.
Referencing an earlier incident with Joakim Noah this season, Boylan joked that the Bulls originally docked Thomas for one game, then Ben Wallace and Adrian Griffin called and asked him to switch it to two games.
On a more serious note, Thomas said he had a nice conversation with Boylan on Thursday afternoon.
"We actually, I'd say, broke some barriers," Thomas said. "We talked about a lot of different things -- personal, basketball. (If an issue comes up) at least call and just talk to somebody and not be so secluded to myself like I usually am."
Noah beats Big Ben: Joakim Noah clapped his hands excitedly after winning the opening tip against former teammate Ben Wallace.
Noah spoke earlier this week of admiring Wallace's uncanny knack for getting to jump balls quickly and pumped his fist in the locker room when the jump-ball victory was mentioned.
Bull horns: The Bulls shot the first 11 free throws of Thursday's game. Cleveland didn't get to the line until the 6:21 mark of the second quarter when Joe Smith split a pair. … Thabo Sefolosha missed his fourth game with a groin strain, while Cavs center Zydrunas Ilgauskas stayed home with a sore back.
Tonight's tipoff
Bulls vs. Boston Celtics at TD Banknorth Garden, 7 p.m.
TV: Channel 9, ESPN
Radio: WMVP 1000-AM
Update: The Celtics improved their record to an NBA-best 47-12 by defeating Detroit 90-78 Wednesday. They've won six straight overall and nine in a row at home. The Bulls are 0-2 against Boston this season, including an ugly 107-82 road loss Dec. 21, Scott Skiles' second-to-last game as coach.
Players to watch: Paul Pierce is Boston's leading scorer at 20.4 ppg, while Kevin Garnett's 18.7 scoring average is his lowest in 10 years.
Next: Detroit Pistons at the Palace of Auburn Hills, 7 p.m. Sunday
-- Mike McGraw