In the absence of injured starter Rip Hamilton, Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau opted to start backup shooting guard Marco Belinelli in place of the accomplished veteran, keeping second-year swingman Jimmy Butler in his familiar bench role. Belinelli scored six points in just over 24 minutes of action, while Butler scored four points, but snagged nine rebounds and played the entire fourth quarter, including helping spark a run, along with Nate Robinson that gave the Bulls the lead in the final frame.
We have more than enough, Thibodeau said afterwards, delivering one of his trademark phrases. I thought Marco gave us some good minutes, Jimmy gave us some good minutes. We have enough. We have to do better.
Belinelli was serviceable, in the sense that he didnt make obvious mistakesthough missing his first two free-throw attempts didnt exactly get him off to a great startand Butler definitely picked up his play late, but neither provided what Hamilton, a 13.9 points-per-game scorer, brings to the table. In a defensive struggle, the 34-year-old veterans ability to score against a set defense, as well as in transition, was sorely missed.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Chicago sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
Rip definitely helps us a lot, but no excuses, Joakim Noah said. It was a game that was definitely winnable. We let it slip away.
Nate Robinson added: It was tough. His presence is missed, but at the same time, Marco came in. He played his expletive off and every guys going to be ready to play. When somebody goes down, well have another guy to step in and Marco did a hell of a job tonight.