K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune reports that the Bulls are trying to keep it together. After losing to the Nets in East Rutheford, team captains Jalen Rose and Fred Hoiberg took time out to council Jay Williams and Jamal Crawford.
After a heated exchange between Jamal Crawford and coach Bill Cartwright during the game, Rose and Hoiberg gathered Crawford and fellow point guard Jay Williams for a post-shower meeting to air frustrations and boost confidences.
"It was just a meeting of the minds, making sure we're pulling in the same direction at the same time," Rose said.
Crawford took exception to being pulled in favor of Williams after committing a turnover midway through the second quarter. Crawford yelleed at Cartwright as he left the floor, Cartwright fired back. Crawford only played one minute in the third quarter, but played all of the fourth as the Nets had build a 24-point lead.
"It's frustrating," Crawford said. "I want to play."
"It wasn't a big deal for me," Cartwright said. "We'll see if it is for him."