Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers lashed out at his team following Thursday’s 93-86 loss to the Chicago Bulls, questioning his players’ toughness and focus after they let a double-digit lead slip away in the second half at the United Center.

“I had to use two timeouts in the first half to remind us that we actually had an NBA game to play and that we needed to play,” a ruffled Rivers told reporters in Chicago. “I thought that was the worst loss for us this year, with the way we approached the game.

“Then in the second half, I just thought Chicago, they were too tough for us. Their toughness made us let go of the ropes. You could see it; we wanted to use all the excuses all night. I just thought Chicago was too tough for us tonight.

“I think this team has shown great resolve, but right now, that’s twice now [the Celtics have struggled in Chicago]. They get into it, they get frustrated, and our guys let go of the ropes. Bottom line, we’re not going to go a lot of places playing with that type of mental toughness. Chicago’s tougher than us right now.”

via Chris Forsberg of ESPN Boston