The Chicago Bulls faced the Nets at Barclays Center on Monday in a meeting of teams with very different aims.
Lionel Hollins, the Nets’ coach, spoke of his desire to have his players adopt a single-game focus and not worry about the big picture as they were trying to complete a steep climb to an improbable playoff berth.
“We have to play well and compete in that particular game, and what happens after that happens,” Hollins said. “If we’re good enough, we’re in. If we’re not, then we’ll pack up and go home for the summer and try again next year.