Hoiberg doesn't think he's any angrier
Before Wednesday's game at the United Center, Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg had a chance to respond to Taj Gibson's claim from the previous day that Hoiberg has gotten angrier in practice.
"Maybe. But this wasn't the first time I yelled at them yesterday, let's get that straight." Hoiberg said with a laugh. "We've had some pretty good conversations, some heated conversations during the course of the year."
Hoiberg would admit to having some intense practices after the all-star break and reminding his players to find the right level of toughness, especially when battling for rebounds.
"Getting back from the all-star break, we got after them right way and I feel like our guys have responded to it," Hoiberg said. "We've had two of our better, at least, offensive games. Defensively is right now where we need to make improvements. We're just getting out-toughed out there. So that was a big emphasis in practice yesterday. We worked on a lot of toughness drills. I hope it carries over."
Rose makes the call:
Derrick Rose stressed it was his decision to skip Wednesday's game with right hamstring tendinitis.
"When you look at my situation, what I've been through, it's like the norm," Rose said before the game. "My body's got to get used to moving the way I want it."
Rose is having one of his best stretches since his knee injuries began. He averaged 26 points and shot 57 percent in the previous three games.
"I love the way I'm playing," Rose said. "I feel like I'm playing to win. I feel like I'm in a good mood, great place mentally. Just trying not to risk all of it by going out there by just going out there and playing crazy."
Bulls take Holiday:
Justin Holiday made his Bulls debut in the first quarter of Wednesday's contest and knocked down a 3-point about 15 seconds after checking into the game.
Holiday, 26, is a 6-foot-6 swingman from Washington. He was acquired from Atlanta for Kirk Hinrich a few minutes before the trade deadline struck on Feb. 18.
Holiday played just under seven minutes in the first half and the 3-pointer was his only basket before intermission.
Bull horns:
Pau Gasol has been under the weather the past two days and coach Fred Hoiberg wasn't sure before the game if Gasol would play against Washington. Gasol started and played his usual minutes. … Hoiberg said Jimmy Butler spent more time shooting jump shots, but still isn't moving laterally on his left knee strain.