Hamilton getting his timing back
Richard Hamilton finally started looking like his usual self in the third quarter of Thursday’s win over Boston. He committed 5 turnovers on Monday against Houston, then missed 6 of 7 shots in the first quarter against the Celtics.
In the third quarter, though, Hamilton produced 7 points, 2 assists and hit 3 of 5 shots.
“Everything’s timing with me right now,” he said. “We don’t get that opportunity in practice to go up and down, play 5-on-5. Tonight, I was able to get to my bread and butter. That’s what I call it. If I get to certain spots on the floor, I expect to make them. I missed them and it frustrates me.
“It’s one of those things, I expect to make every time I shoot it. It didn’t go in. I just tried to stay with it, stay aggressive. I just tried to bring energy in the second half.”
Lucas plugs Baylor:
It’s been quite a school year at Baylor, with a national title for the women’s basketball team, the men’s team being ranked in the top 10 most of the year and Robert Griffin III winning the Heisman Trophy.
Bulls guard John Lucas III spent two years at Baylor before transferring to Oklahoma State.
“I’m happy for them,” Lucas said. “I still keep in contact with some of my professors there.”
For everyone wondering, ‘Why Baylor?’ Lucas said the Waco, Tex., school isn’t as dull and sleepy as it’s sometimes made out to be.
“I didn’t think it was boring,” he said. “I had a blast. I have fun everywhere I go, really. But I loved the campus. I wasn’t far away from home (in Houston). The campus is nice. The city — I like fishing, I like jet skiing, so you have access to all that out there. I haven’t been back in awhile, but I’ve heard it’s really up and coming.”
Watson sticks with shot:
Point guard C.J. Watson, after shooting 21.9 percent from the field in his previous four games, hit back-to-back 3-pointers in the third quarter to put the Bulls ahead of Boston.
Overall, Watson shot 5-for-16 from the field with 6 turnovers, but refused to use nagging elbow and ankle injuries as an excuse.
“It’s tough, but I’ve just have to fight through it,” Watson said. “It’s a short season. Everyone’s banged up on our team.”
Thibs gets more support:
Before Thursday’s game, Celtics coach Doc Rivers called former assistant Tom Thibodeau one of the top two candidates for coach of the year, along with San Antonio’s Gregg Popovich.
“When you’ve been with someone and you win a championship together, you’re always tied together,” Thibodeau said of Rivers. “He’s a guy I talk to quite often. He’s been great to me. So it’s been pretty good. He’s a good friend.”