Yes, there are questions, mostly just Derrick Rose’s game of Operation litany of injuries. But crazy as it sounds, the Bulls are in a better spot than last year. They’re more experienced, they have a better shooting guard and they remember how they went out last year. As long as Rose can play, whether it’s passing or scoring, this team has a legit shot.

And I’m not just saying that because I dream of going to Oklahoma City or San Antonio in late June. (I would like to go to Los Angeles though.)

Thursday’s game was seemingly meaningless — OK it was miserable. But while Rose missed his 27th game, his teammates failed to get the memo that good teams were supposed to tank their finale. Without Rose, Luol Deng and Kyle Korver, the Bulls beat a lousy Cavaliers team 107-75 as six players scored in double figures, led by garbage-time gunner John Lucas III’s 25. In a game that meant nothing, Chicago had 60 rebounds and shot 52.9 percent.

As Tom Thibodeau is wont to say, the Bulls had more than enough to win with. It’s a cliche because it’s true. Thibodeau never made an excuse all season, and his attitude permeated throughout his locker room.

“We’re a brainwashed bunch,” Korver said earlier this month.

via Jon Greenberg of ESPN Chicago