Derrick Rose on Bulls' recent struggles: 'It's f---ing irritating'
Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose expressed his frustration and ripped his teammates after the team’s 108-94 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday.
Cleveland led by 15 at halftime and stretched the lead to 23 to start the third quarter. Chicago shot only 37 percent, were out-rebounded 54-40 and gave up 46 points in the paint.
Rose scored 18 points in the game and was asked afterwards what the team's problem has been.
"Everybody has to be on the same page," Rose said to ESPN.com. "Until then, we're going to continue to get our ass kicked."
"It's just the whole team," he added when asked who wasn't on the same page.
Chicago has lost four of its last five games, giving up at least 105 points in each loss, and the team plays seven of its next nine games on the road.
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Part of the reason for the struggles, Rose said, is the lack of effort on the defensive end. Chicago is giving up 102.7 points per 100 possessions this season, which ranks 12th in the NBA. Last season, the Bulls finished second in the NBA in that category.
"I think communication is huge," Rose said. "We're quiet when we're out there, and it's leading to them getting easy baskets. We got to give a better effort. It seems like we're not even competing, and it's f---ing irritating."
The Bulls are 27-16 this season, 4 1/2 games ahead of Cleveland in the Central Division.
- Scooby Axson
