:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/3395651/136282812.0.jpg)
The Chicago Bulls hit the road to take on the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday night, and head coach Tom Thibodeau spoke about the multitude of problems the Clippers present in a report from Aggrey Sam of CSNChicago.com on Friday.
Jamal Crawford is averaging a team-best 20.5 points per game coming off the bench, one example of Los Angeles's depth that has aided them in their 6-2 start to the season, which has included wins over the Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs and Los Angeles Lakers.
Here's Thibodeau, from Sam's report, talking about the Clippers' strength in numbers:
"They're explosive. When your leading scorer is coming off the bench, it says a lot. [Jamal] Crawford's playing great for them, but obviously their depth's a huge asset. Six guys average in double figures, well-balanced. [Blake] Griffin and [DeAndre] Jordan put a lot of pressure on you inside, and they're skilled. Caron Butler, tremendous. Matt Barnes, energy. [Ryan] Hollins, energy off the bench. So, we've got to be ready for the challenge."
The Bulls, off to a 5-3 start using an all-hands-on-deck approach without offensive spearhead Derrick Rose, who continues to rehab from his torn ACL suffered in the first round of the playoffs last season, feature a balanced attack of their own, as five players are averaging double figures in points.
Thibodeau talked about the confidence he has in his team going on the team against an elite opponent:
"We're going to use everybody. That's why you have a team. We'll see how the game unfolds. But I feel good about our team. We just have to be ready to play. You're on the road, so you have to be ready from the start. You have to set a tone. We know how good they are, we know how explosive they are."
The Bulls and Clippers tipoff in the Staples Center at 8 p.m. CT on Saturday.