© Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
Billy Donovan says Chicago Bulls will now learn what they're made of as they face adversity
It's not like this message has not been heard in the Chicago Bulls' locker room before because it certainly has. In a disjointed season that has seen far more downs than ups, the word "adversity" has been thrown around a lot from within the organization.
However, with a 9-14 record and 10 losses in their last 14 games, head coach Billy Donovan reminded everyone that facing another round of adversity could make or break their season.
Rough season
The Bulls have been here before. They lost four straight games in an arduous two-week stretch in early November that was capped off by a heartbreaker to the rebuilding Orlando Magic. They momentarily gained a foothold with huge wins over Eastern Conference powerhouses Boston and Milwaukee but have since dropped four of their last five games.
As the losses continue to pile up, it's become increasingly clear that not only has the team been confronted with physical adversity due to a long list of injuries, but they have also faced psychological adversity as each player struggles to find their rhythm in the current system.
"Well, these are the moments you've got to able to work together and pull together and pull yourself out of it. To me, it's very, very easy to play and compete at a really high level when things go well. To me, you find out what you are as a team by how much adversity you can endure and withstand," said Donovan.
Bulls must take initiative
It's one thing to keep talking about adversity; it's another to rise and do something about it. The Bulls need to take the initiative to turn things around. Whether starting the game strong or defending the three-point line with aplomb, the Bulls need to show that they can work together and fight through the hard times.
There is still plenty of time for the Bulls to get back on track, but as Donovan said, it will take a unified effort from everyone to make it happen. From front office personnel to coaches and players alike, only then can they truly learn what they are made of and start winning again.
"I know the character of the locker room and the guys, and I know how much they care, and I have belief we can do it," Donovan said. "But we are going to have to pull ourselves out of it. We've obviously dug ourselves somewhat of a hole. We can be as frustrated as we want; that's not helping anything. We're going to have to find ways to help each other be better."
