Coach K happy Chicago fans cheered Thibodeau

6:00 PM ET

CHICAGO — For the first time since being fired by the Chicago Bulls last summer, Tom Thibodeau received a big ovation at the United Center on Friday night as he made his return with Team USA.

Thibodeau, who coached the Bulls to a 255-139 regular-season record over five seasons, is an assistant coach on Mike Krzyzewski’s staff. Krzyzewski, Duke’s head coach and a Chicago native, was pleased to see Thibodeau received so warmly.

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“He’s the best as far as preparation and [being] a team player, and the fans appreciate it,” Krzyzewski said after Team USA’s 80-45 exhibition win over Venezuela on Friday. “[The reaction] was great. I love the fact that my town gave the guy who gave them his heart and soul for the number of years he’s been here and acknowledged that. That’s a great, great thing. I’m proud of my city for doing that.”

Bulls All-Star and Team USA swingman Jimmy Butler was sitting next to Krzyzewski on the dais after the game.

Krzyzewski was upset that his long answer about Thibodeau had not allowed Butler, who grew into one of the best two-way players in the game under Thibodeau, to comment.

“It’s OK,” Butler said, smiling. “You got it. You said …

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