Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau has the right to be angry lately.
More so than usual, that is.
He actually called off practice earlier this week after his team lost for the sixth time in eight games. The Bulls' energy seems lacking, and there are rumblings his job is in jeopardy--though that seems hard to fathom considering the success he's had.
The Bulls opened a stretch of three games in four nights Thursday desperately needing a win. How was he feeling during his team's tilt with defending champ San Antonio, a 104-81 Bulls win? We have some guesses.
THIBS ANGRY: Tony Snell, who started Thursday because of injuries to several Bulls launched six 3-pointers. He missed them all. That will get you glued to the bench, Tony.
THIBS AMAZED: No one passes the ball like the Spurs. Think Patrick Kane in sneakers, only there are five of them on the floor at all times. Even when they lose, they lose in style.
THIBS HOPEFUL: 3-pointers, acrobatic layups, blinding ball-handling skills Derrick Rose had it all working Thursday. A very good sign in the wake of the injuries that will not be named. He led the Bulls with 22 points and five assists.
THIBS PROUD: Newly minted All-Star starter Pau Gasol was money from the top of the key, nailing four jumpers from that very spot. He could have gone to the Spurs in the offseason. Crisis averted.
THIBS CONFUSED: A crowd of more than 21,000 was announced Thursday night, but more than half the fans headed for the exits with several minutes remaining. Is beating the traffic really that important when your team is up 20?
THIBS VINDICATED: The Bulls coach loves defense more than Richard Sherman loves the spotlight. So to see his team block eight shots and hold the Spurs to 37 percent shooting is like the Seahawks cornerback getting Jimmy Kimmel's job. Only with slightly more profanity.
Chris Sosa is RedEye's sports editor. @redeyesportschi