Chicago Bulls have had to deal with a lot of distractions the last few days, when he had to concentrate on how to beat the Miami Heat in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Whether it's excessive, perhaps misquoted Derrick Rose comments on steroids are rampant in the NBA or Joakim Noah, using a homophobic insult then exchanged words with a fan or heat on the bench in Game 3, transactions outside of court have probably tried to play a role of preparation for the Bulls game Tuesday night.
Fortunately, Tom Thibodeau, omniscient, and always thinking the Bulls head coach has developed a solution to quell the fears that people have that might interfere with Chicago, while trying to tie the series: he told his players not to think about issues off the field and focus on the task at hand.
Brilliant!
"It's been all year - he always wants us to stay focused on our work and our job is to come here and try to get better every day," Rose told the Chicago Tribune. "Fun out of court, I know I could not care less what happens, especially now that we are in the series. Our biggest operation is to get out here and play hard tonight. "
Thibodeau also shared some of that vision with the rest of the team, including a backup power forward Taj Gibson.
"(Thibodeau) simply says that never mind that, do not think about the details," Gibson told the Tribune. "I do not think everything is said. He said remember when you won Game 1, as everyone says you're the best you'll do well. And now, they say. So stay focused on the task, focus on you and his teammates. Just walk through the fire.
"You hear all the time, but must close completely, turn off your phone and stay away from negativity."
If the Bulls were able to put the distractions behind them this week, there are good chances they can return to Chicago Thursday with the classic series.