NBA News: Derrick Rose Vents Frustration After Losing To The Cavs

"It seems like we're not even competing," Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls said.

Yahoo Sports reported that the Chicago Bulls have been a favorite to be among the top team in the Eastern Conference in the current NBA season, especially after they acquired Pau Gasol from the Los Angeles Lakers and the return of Derrick Rose after a three-year injury hiatus. However, the Bulls are not well in the meantime, having lost six of their past eight games.

Derrick Rose was utterly frustrated with his team's performance after the Bulls succumbed to LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers 108-94.

He said in a Chicago Tribune article, "Everybody has to be on the same page. Until then, we're going to continue to get our ass kicked. We're not communicating while we're on the floor to one another. Everybody is quiet. Trust plays a part, but communicating on defense in a team sport is huge."

He added, "We've got to give a better effort. It seems like we're not even competing. It's [expletive] irritating."

ESPN reported that Rose does not believe that the Bulls are still in their adjustment stage, considering that they have new members like Gasol, Aaron Brooks and Nikola Mirotic. He even stressed that they are already midway through the season and that there are no excuses. When asked who he thinks is not on the same page, he replied everyone.

During their game at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland on January 20, 2015, the Bulls apparently lacked the teamwork and energy. They only shot 37.5 percent from the field although their three-point attempts were better at 50 percent. They had a 25-point deficit, a 19-7 deficit in second-chance points and a 54-40 rebounding deficit, allowing all Cavs starters to score double digits and allowing their opponents 20 offensive rebounds.

Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau was equally frustrated. He said in the same Chicago Tribune report that they have to decide when things will be enough. Thibodeau said that the team is not playing well in any aspect of basketball. Players are not rebounding and are committing turnovers. He added that currently, they have been able to ward off injuries but are not a multiple-effort team and lack concentration. The players are not doing their jobs and they have to improve.

Pau Gasol also said in the same ESPN report that communication is the key if the Bulls want to stay competitive.