The NBA Playoffs continue Thursday with two deciding games as the Brooklyn Nets look to tie their series with the Chicago Bulls at 3-3, as well as the Denver Nuggets in their series with the Golden State Warriors.
Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich is listed as doubtful for Game 6 against the Nets, but has ditched the walking boot he wore to protect his severely bruised left calf, according to the Chicago Tribune.
"I'd have to improve some definitely," Hinrich said. "I'm taking it day-to-day and trying to throw everything at it (treatment-wise) to try to improve it as quickly as possible."
Hinrich didn't practice Wednesday and limped to the podium to talk to reporters. He's admitted the swelling has decreased but remains throughout his lower leg.
"I'm still walking very gingerly," Hinrich said. "I haven't tried to run or cut or jump or anything yet. I'm hoping it improves a lot. ... It's just one of those things where I took a good shot and it's preventing me from moving very well."
The Nets enjoyed Hirich's absence with a 21-9 edge in fast-break points in Game 5.Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau pointedly said that's not simply because the Nets were potent in transition.
"You can't allow the frustration of something not going your way to impact the next play," Thibodeau said. "If something's not perfect or a call is missed, you can't afford to make your point to an official during a live ball. There's an appropriate time to make your point. But you have to get back and move onto the next play and be ready to go.
"That's the challenge. Games are emotional, but you have to keep your concentration, you have to maintain discipline and you have to stay within the team concept."
Meanwhile, out west after a chippy Game 5, Nuggets guard Ty Lawson doesn't expect much of a retaliation from the Warriors in Game 6, according to the Denver Post.
All the controversy stems from Warriors coach Mark Jackson accusing Nuggets of dity play, specifically citing Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried against Stephen Curry, but also mentioned the Nuggets' overall harassing of his star, whom Lawson guarded most of the game.
Schedule:
Nets-Bulls will air at 8 p.m. ET on TNT
Nuggets-Warriors will air at 10:30 p.m. ET on TNT
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