In casual conversations, Derrick Rose has been joking for weeks that he might need to draw a technical foul to increase his trips to the foul line.
When one finally came, courtesy of official Jason Phillips, Rose scored on a three-point play less than two minutes later in Monday’s victory over the Pacers.
“I don’t like to see anyone get technicals,” coach Tom Thibodeau said. “But it didn’t appear like it was overly demonstrative. And at the appropriate time, he has to make a point to the officials.
“Derrick is very respectful of the game and officials. When he’s complaining, usually it’s legitimate.”
Rose ranks 30th averaging 5.1 free throws per game, well behind league leader Dwight Howard at 11.8. It’s the first technical Rose has received at any level.
“High school, grammar school, college, ever,” Rose said.
Rose argued a no call in the second quarter. Technicals now cost $2,000.
“It had to be a charge or a block,” Rose said. “It kind of got to me, knowing that everyone was driving and they weren’t calling calls. You just have to fight through it and I have to hold my composure next time.
“I said it was some BS. It took him awhile to give me the tech. I thought it was over with. I guess it got to him. I was running back downcourt and he called it. Hopefully I don’t get any more techs because I need that money. There’s a recession out here.”
And, yes, Rose, who makes $5.546 million, was kidding.
“D” it up: The Bulls have held four of five opponents below 40 percent shooting and, quietly, have risen to a tie for third in opponents’ field-goal percentage at 43.3 percent.
“We’re doing a better job of getting back, containing the ball, helping in the paint and closing out to the 3-point line,” Thibodeau said. “We’re becoming more of a multiple effort team.”
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