As expected, Bulls interim coach Jim Boylan opted to start Tyrus Thomas over Joakim Noah in Thursday night’s win over Miami in place of Ben Wallace, who left the team after a death in the family.
“I was looking for a matchup with Shawn [Marion], someone who could run the floor with him and try to match him athletically,” Boylan said.
Thomas obliged with three spectacular first-half blocks, victimizing Marion on a dunk attempt and again on a fast-break layup that Thomas pinned from behind. He finished with 10 points and 12 rebounds.
Thomas’ athleticism and highlight-reel blocks and dunks continue to draw oohs and aahs from the United Center crowd. Those who see Thomas in practice have a more grounded view.
“He has to play with energy,” Boylan said. “He can’t feel his way through the game. He has to play hard. He’s getting better. I think he understands where his strengths are and that’s around the basket.
“I’ve been saying it over and over and over again. But the other stuff is gravy. If he gets a couple of 15-foot jumpers, that’s fine. His main workload is at the rim. When he’s there and active at both ends, he’s a good player.”
Thomas said his goal is to become a more all-around player.
Walking wounded
Thabo Sefolosha missed Wednesday’s practice and disclosed Thursday he had been battling a sore left groin for more than a week. The second-year guard, who started his 17th straight game against the Heat, said he never contemplated missing a game.
“I have to play,” Sefolosha said. “We have guys out and I also have to take advantage of my opportunity.”
Sefolosha averaged 12.1 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.4 steals in his previous 16 starts. In that stretch, his minutes increased to 33 per game, which he said could have exacerbated his injury.
“I’ve had a lot of responsibility at both ends,” said Sefolosha, who chased Dwyane Wade on Thursday. “But I wouldn’t trade any of it.”
Nifty fifty
Add the United Nations to a list including Bulls management that wants to see Luol Deng return from his left Achilles’ tendinitis soon.
Deng, who sat for the 16th time with his injury, has pledged $50 for each basket he makes to the UN’s ninemillion.org campaign, which raises money for Sudanese refugees’ education.
Layups
Aaron Gray dislocated his left ring finger in the first half and didn’t return. … The Bulls wore their red road uniforms in a nod to Valentine’s Day. … Heat coach Pat Riley will learn over All-Star weekend if he’s a finalist for the Hall of Fame. “It would be a great honor,” Riley said. “I’ve had a lot of great players.”
