Derrick Rose says he's not getting 'superstar' respect from NBA refs
By Neil Hayes nhayes@suntimes.com March 12, 2012 10:42PM
Bulls guard Derrick Rose reacts after he thought he was fouled going to the basket and no call was made in the second quarter of the Chicago Bulls 104-99 win over the New York Knicks Monday March 12, 2012 at the United Center. | TOM CRUZE~Sun-Times photo
Updated: April 14, 2012 8:15AM
Derrick Rose’s frustration was obvious. He drove to the basket again and again and drew contact, but no fouls were called. At one point, he complained to the officials about the Knicks setting illegal screens. Again, no call.
The difference in a closely contested game at halftime was free throws. The Knicks got to the line 21 times in the first half and converted 15. The Bulls were 7-for-11 and trailed 50-48.
“I was mad because they weren’t calling any calls the whole game,” Rose said when asked about the angry look on his face after an emphatic dunk with 6:02 left. “That’s probably the reason why.” When asked if he thought his comments would draw a fine from the league, Rose said: “I could care less right now.”
Rookie Jimmy Butler played 29 minutes, did a solid job defending Carmelo Anthony and had eight points, two rebounds, a steal and several hustle plays in his best all-around performance of the season.“Jimmy was great, great energy as well,”
Joakim Noah said. “We really needed his energy.
‘‘There were a lot of loose balls out there he got for us. Those are things you might not see in a stat line, but he affected the game tonight. I’m proud of the rookie.”
His kind of town
When Tyson Chandler walked into the United Center, it was as an NBA champion.
The former Bull, who won his ring with the Mavericks before signing with the Knicks before this season, said he’s finally able to fully appreciate what Chicago has to offer.
“It’s weird because just even coming to the city [Sunday], I realized how much I enjoy this city now that I’m away,’’ Chandler said.
‘‘Now that I’m older, I’m able to appreciate the city. I was way too young when I came here. I recognize the culture and everything that the city has to offer. It’s definitely one of my favorite cities.”
Walking wounded
Luol Deng (wrist), Rip Hamilton (shoulder) and C.J. Watson (ankle) didn’t play against the Knicks.
Although Deng, Hamilton and Watson didn’t participate in the shootaround Monday morning, it’s possible Deng and Watson could return for Wednesday’s game against the Heat.
“C.J. is getting closer,” Thibodeau said.
‘‘Another day will be good for him. It’s the same with Lu.”
