April 01--Taj Gibson always has been known as a warrior, someone who puts the team first and plays through pain.
That reputation went to a new level Thursday when the Bulls announced Gibson has a fractured rib. Gibson, who missed Thursday's game against the Rockets, later revealed X-rays showed the fracture following Monday's loss to the Hawks.
Gibson played the first half Tuesday in Indiana anyway.
"We needed to get a win," Gibson said.
Gibson said "without a doubt" when asked if he'd play again this season. Whether doctors overrule him is unknown, but Gibson certainly sounded like someone willing to try.
"We're trying to make a playoff push. Until it's all said and done, I'm going to get ready to play," Gibson said. "It's a pain tolerance thing. It's real enflamed. Gotta calm it down because right now my muscles are spasming around it. It's a pretty big sized fracture.
"I kept trying to push the X-ray off because I wanted to play, try to help the team. But as soon as we got it, it showed up right quick. It wasn't even hard to spot. It was a nice size. They were like, 'Are you OK?' I'm like, 'I'm fine. We got a game tomorrow.' It hurts. But I'll be OK. Every day is a struggle. It's hard to laugh. It's hard to sneeze. But I'm optimistic."
Derrick Rose started against the Rockets but is still battling an extremely bruised left elbow that is limiting him. Rose said he won't be able to dribble or pass much with his right hand.
