Fansided

NBA Schedule 2017-18: 5 games with the most revenge potential

By Philip Rossman-Reich

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 06: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder looks on against the Indiana Pacers during the game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on February 6, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Pacers defeated the Thunder 93-90. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 06: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder looks on against the Indiana Pacers during the game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on February 6, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Pacers defeated the Thunder 93-90. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Jimmy Butler, Tom Thibodeau, Minnesota Timberwolves
BLOOMINGTON, MN – JUNE 29: Tom Thibobeau introduces Jimmy Butler of the Minnesota Timberwolves to the public during a press conference at the Mall of America on June 29, 2017 in Bloomington, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Feb. 9: Minnesota Timberwolves @ Chicago Bulls

By the time Tom Thibodeau was let go from the Chicago Bulls, it was clear their relationship had deteriorated. The hard-driving coach had worn out his welcome there, driving so many players seemingly into oblivion. Players still seemed to love him, but management had soured.

It is no coincidence it seems the Bulls have floundered since letting Thibodeau go. Their defense slipped considerably and the Bulls struggled to make the playoffs.

via GIPHY

Thibodeau caught on with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Everyone knew that would be more of a project as he tried to get a young team to grow and learn how to play defense. His patience would get tested. He definitely wanted to push the pace of his rebuild with young players like Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins waiting to flourish. Few saw the Timberwolves striking so quickly.

They acquired Jimmy Butler directly from the Chicago Bulls, vaulting the Minnesota Timberwolves into a new tier. Minnesota, all of a sudden, has expectations to succeed and make the playoffs.

But even the stoic Thibodeau (stoic at least off the court… on the court, he is something else) and Butler will likely relish their visit to Chicago. They will get their chance to exact some revenge.

Both Thibodeau and Butler built a lot of success in Chicago that seemed to get torn down before they were done. Now that they are together again — arguably with a more talented team than they ever had in Chicago — they surely will have this game circled, and look to beat down the franchise that turned their backs on them.

It will help too that Chicago is not expected to be particularly good. The Bulls are in full rebuild mode. That could lead to a very ugly performance. . . and a very happy homecoming.

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