Hinrich, Deng remain doubtful for Game 3
MIAMI — So far, there are no indications Kirk Hinrich or Luol Deng will be returning to the Bulls lineup for Game 2 against Miami on Wednesday.
Deng remained in Chicago on Tuesday and probably needs more time to recover from an illness and bad reaction to a spinal tap administered last week.
“He's feeling a little better, but he's probably going to be home another day,” Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said after a video session at the team hotel. “We haven't decided yet (about playing in Game 2), but we're trying to weigh whether it's better for him to start doing activity back home.”
Hinrich offered an update on the calf bruise that has kept him out of four straight games.
“The swelling and stuff is looking better, the coloring is looking better,” he said. “But as far as functioning right now, like moving, I'm having lots of trouble. I'll keep getting treatment and go from there.”
The Bulls were 7-18 without Hinrich this season until winning Game 7 in Brooklyn on Saturday, then the series opener at Miami.
“I'm really happy to be part of this team,” Hinrich said. “We've faced adversity all year. It's just really fun. I mean, it's not fun to watch, but it's fun to watch the guys go out there and play like that.”
Butler tries to relax:Jimmy Butler is the first NBA player to log 48 minutes in three straight playoff games since Allen Iverson in 1995, according to ESPN. No one since 1977 has played all 48 in four straight games.On Tuesday at the Bulls' hotel, Butler seemed normal enough, though he did sit down in a well-cushioned chair during interviews.#8220;Rest and spend time with my teammates,#8221; Butler said when asked his plans for the day off. #8220;Have fun. This is a once-in-a-lifetime deal. Dream come true, you've got to enjoy every moment of it. When you have your day off, you definitely have to rest, but also have fun and just enjoy it. It's Miami weather. It's warm outside.#8221;Asked if he dreads or enjoys getting matched up with LeBron James, and sometimes Dwyane Wade, Butler didn't hesitate.#8220;I enjoy every moment of it. That's what you want when you're little,#8221; he said. #8220;You want to play against and be on teams with those guys, because those are the guys you watch on TV. They're the best and you want to go against the best. That's what you should want as a competitor.#8221;Nate nominated by teammate:Nate Robinson did not speak with reporters Tuesday because of the 10 stitches in his upper lip. Teammate Joakim Noah took it upon himself to nominate Robinson for an all-time basketball honor.#8220;You tell me what player under 6-foot, ever, is better than Nate Robinson?#8221; Noah asked.When Calvin Murphy was mentioned, Noah admitted he didn't who that was. Murphy averaged 17.9 points during 13 seasons with the Rockers from 1970-83.#8220;Is he a guy, when you see the picture, it's black and white?#8221; Noah asked with a smile. #8220;If you're comparing (Robinson) to a guy who played in the 70s, he's doing pretty good.#8221;Bull horns:Jimmy Butler added this thought about playing all 48 minutes: #8220;It's definitely tough, but it's all about your mental state. If you know in your mind that you can do it, your body will follow.#8221; ... According to ESPN, Nate Robinson is the first player in 15 years to record at least 11 points and 6 assists in the fourth quarter of a playoff game. ... A correction from Monday's game story: Since Feb. 3, Miami is 39-1 against the rest of the league and 2-2 against the Bulls.BKN27282701The Bulls bench, from left, Derrick Rose, Vladimir Radmanovic, Marquis Teague, Nazr Mohammed and Daequan Cook cheer on their teammates during their 93-86 victory over the Heat in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinal series in Miami.Associated PressBKN