Patrick Beverley says the upcoming Play-in game is just another day at the office
Patrick Beverley
© Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Don’t get it wrong; Chicago Bulls guard Patrick Beverley knows the urgency of the upcoming Play-in game versus the Toronto Raptors. After all, a loss there would end their campaign and send the franchise into an offseason filled with more questions than answers.
However, being the grizzled veteran that he is, Beverley refuses to get caught up in it and is adopting a mindset that the Play-in game is just another day at the office.
Deflects credit
The hard-nosed guard has built a career out of being resilient and tenacious—Beverley’s mindset has translated to winning in each of his stops in the NBA. Whether it was Houston, Los Angeles, or Chicago, he’s brought a winning attitude to each franchise, and it has rubbed off on his teammates. In fact, the Bulls have a 14-9 record since he arrived in the Windy City, sparking a late-season run toward the Play-in.
Beverley, though, refuses to take any credit, saying he’s just been fortunate enough to play for great coaches who trust him enough to put him on the floor.
“I got lucky I got some real good coaches,” Beverley said. “Hall of Fame coach, Doc Rivers. Coach Finch, I think his numbers historically have been some of the best offensive numbers that the NBA has seen. I credit my coaches. I’m just out there trying to do what I do.”
“It’s basketball. It’s about putting the ball in the hole and stopping other people from putting the ball in the hole,” Beverley added. “I’ve been fortunate in my career to play with a lot of great players, Hall of Fame players. I’ve been fortunate to be coached by Hall of Fame coaches.”
Not fazed by the moment
Whether it’s the regular season or the postseason, Beverley says he never fails to have fun. This helps him alleviate some of the pressure of the moment off of his teammates.
“I’m just fortunate to play postseason, still have fun with the game. It’s a lot of pressure on a lot of people. Just a regular game, baby. Just a regular game,” said Beverley.
“I’ve been playing this game since I was a kid. The game really doesn’t change. The people in it does. The speed of it changes. The amount of 3-point attempts changes. But it’s still the same game. Being selfless. If you’re supposed to cut, cut. If you’re supposed to pass it, pass it. Just being a basketball player,” Beverley added.
