Bulls GM Forman backs Thibodeau after Rose injured

DEERFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Chicago Bulls general manager Gar Forman is backing coach Tom Thibodeau, saying he had no problem with the decision to stick with Derrick Rose late in the playoff opener against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Forman says Sunday there is “absolutely no issue there,” even though the result was a season-ending injury.

The league’s reigning MVP, Rose tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee with about 1:20 left in Saturday’s 103-91 victory – a huge blow for a team eyeing its first championship since the Michael Jordan era.

Now, the Bulls will try to get by without their superstar, beginning Tuesday with Game 2 in Chicago, and there’s no guarantee Rose will be ready for the start of next season.

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