The game started off right with a monster Tyrus Thomas throw down. 2 baskets later Ty hit a wide open 18 foot jump shot. The Nets refused to guard Thomas outside of 15 feet and he did not hesitate to pull the trigger once. He finished the game a mere 5-16 with only the 1 dunk.
Vinny showed little patience with his starters as the Bulls bench came into a 1 point game early after the starters squandered a 10 point lead. When the starters checked back in with 5:11 to go in the first half, the bench had extended the lead to 6 points. The starters were unable to hold the lead and ended the half down by 1.
With the Bulls again getting off to a very slow start in the 3rd quarter, Vinny went to the bench with 7:26 seconds left in the quarter and the Bulls down by 6. With 6:10 seconds to go in the quarter the Nets took a time-out and the Bulls second string had a secured a 4 point lead. At the next stop in the action with 2:10 to go, the Bulls extended the lead to 9 with Kirk Hinrich scoring 5 consecutive points.
The fourth quarter was ugly in every aspect for the Bulls. Harris blew by the Bulls Rookie defender and Tyrus Thomas and Ben Gordon traded bad shots. Harris finished the game on a pull up 26 footer in Captain Kirk's face and checked out to a standing ovation with 42 points. The Bulls did not have a chance as Harris was a beast. Not even John Paxson would have traded him for Jason Kidd.
John Salmons played a quiet but very effective 31 minutes going 4-6 from the field and 5-6 from the line for 17 points. Kirk Hinrich was the only Bull who finished the game with a positive efficiency rating at +10. Finally, the Bulls Bench finished the game shooting 46.4% from the field while the starters shot only 40%.
Sidenote: Yi is the worst player in the NBA
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Magic in the Air
The Bulls did everything right shooting a season-high 56.5 percent, scoring their most points at home this year as well as the most points of a Magic opponent this season. They also dropped 91% of their freethrows which sealed the game down the stretch.
Ben Gordon had the hot shooting hand early finding shots within the flow of the offense. The Magic countered by putting the ball in Derek Rose's hand which forced the rookie to take 20 shots, of which he was good on 11. The Bulls and Magics starters traded buckets for most of the game keeping it close, but the revamped Bulls bench was the key to victory.
With both defined roles and more talent, the Bulls new 2nd unit had it clicking on all cylinders Tuesday Night. Equipped with 3 former starters, the reserves showed the ability to mesh with solid team defense and consistent ball movement. Kirk Hinrich ran circles around JJ Backne creating mismatches for the Magic Defense allowing Tim Thomas to spread the court. Thomas played a very efficient game with 17 points on 5 of 8 shooting, and 4-6 from downtown. He finished the game at a +19 efficiency.
Brad Miller showed why he was brought in for the playoff stretch by holding Dwight Howard to a mere 4 points, while Howard put in 22 over Joakim Noah. Though the young Noah could not stop Superman, he did play a solid offensive game going 4-4 from the field and an all but pretty 6-7 from the stripe. Hopefully Joakim learned something from the veteran Miller who battled all night for post position relegating Howard to shooting 7-10 foot jumpshots where he is far less a threat.
Kirk Hinrich's defense off the bench was also vital late in the game. In a 3 minute span he stole an inbound pass, stripped Courtney Lee on a breakaway lay up and caused a Magic backcourt violation - all resulting in Bull's points and a potential 12 point swing. Captain Kirck was rewarded by closing out the game as the Bulls stopper in the backcourt.
Overall the Bulls just played better team basketball out shooting, out scoring, out rebounding and out passing the 3rd seeded Magic all the way to an impressive victory. The Bulls can really open things up here with the next 2 games against New Jersey and Washington. The Bulls are currently chasing the depleted Bucks by 1 game for the coveted 8 seed in the Eastern Conference. Tip off is tonight at 6:30 from the Meadowlands.
Ben Gordon had the hot shooting hand early finding shots within the flow of the offense. The Magic countered by putting the ball in Derek Rose's hand which forced the rookie to take 20 shots, of which he was good on 11. The Bulls and Magics starters traded buckets for most of the game keeping it close, but the revamped Bulls bench was the key to victory.
With both defined roles and more talent, the Bulls new 2nd unit had it clicking on all cylinders Tuesday Night. Equipped with 3 former starters, the reserves showed the ability to mesh with solid team defense and consistent ball movement. Kirk Hinrich ran circles around JJ Backne creating mismatches for the Magic Defense allowing Tim Thomas to spread the court. Thomas played a very efficient game with 17 points on 5 of 8 shooting, and 4-6 from downtown. He finished the game at a +19 efficiency.
Brad Miller showed why he was brought in for the playoff stretch by holding Dwight Howard to a mere 4 points, while Howard put in 22 over Joakim Noah. Though the young Noah could not stop Superman, he did play a solid offensive game going 4-4 from the field and an all but pretty 6-7 from the stripe. Hopefully Joakim learned something from the veteran Miller who battled all night for post position relegating Howard to shooting 7-10 foot jumpshots where he is far less a threat.
Kirk Hinrich's defense off the bench was also vital late in the game. In a 3 minute span he stole an inbound pass, stripped Courtney Lee on a breakaway lay up and caused a Magic backcourt violation - all resulting in Bull's points and a potential 12 point swing. Captain Kirck was rewarded by closing out the game as the Bulls stopper in the backcourt.
Overall the Bulls just played better team basketball out shooting, out scoring, out rebounding and out passing the 3rd seeded Magic all the way to an impressive victory. The Bulls can really open things up here with the next 2 games against New Jersey and Washington. The Bulls are currently chasing the depleted Bucks by 1 game for the coveted 8 seed in the Eastern Conference. Tip off is tonight at 6:30 from the Meadowlands.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Shorthanded Bulls Short-change Bucks
Hours after the lastest installment of the John Paxson saga, the Bulls went back to business on the hardwood. Playing two big men down the Bulls hoped to rebound from a disappointing loss going into the All Star Break.
The Bucks entered the game as the 8 seed in the East but missing 3 key players, Michael Redd, Andrew Bogut and Luke Ridnour. With Scott Skiles at the helm, this is no excuse to not bring the intensity. The Bucks did just that attacking the basket every chance they had leading to foul trouble for the already depleated frontcourt.
The Bulls needed a spark from somewhere and got it from the two men most impacted by the days prior trade, Kirk Hinrich and Luol Deng. Luol started the game by taking the Bulls first five shots and ended the first quarter in double figures. Watching Deng go to the basket reminds us why he received a hefty contract prior to this season. Deng finished the game with 21 points on 9 of 17 from the field.
With an uncertain future, Hinrich left everything he had on that court. Captain Kirk scored a career high 31 points on 8-14 from the field dropping 5 treys. More importantly his defense absolutely shut down the likes of Ramon Sessions and Charlie Bell who combined to go 8-25 from the field. While rumors lurk over Kirk's head, this reporter believes his backcourt defense is irreplaceable. Kirk had 4 steals, all leading to Bulls conversions.
Ben Gordon and Derek Rose each added 18 points, but it took Gordon 15 shots to get there, many of these wild off balance shots that we are accustomed to seeing from the undersized guard. Aaron Gray quietly pulled in 7 rebounds off the bench filling in nicely for Noc and Gooden's minutes. Gray will likely see a large drop in tick with the entrace of Brad Miller on Friday when the Bulls take on the streaking Denver Nuggets. The defense of Kirk Hinrich will be intrical to stopping Chauncey Billups and the fast paced Nugget offense. Let's hope the former franchise point guard is still checking in with 4 minutes to go in the first quarter.
The Bucks entered the game as the 8 seed in the East but missing 3 key players, Michael Redd, Andrew Bogut and Luke Ridnour. With Scott Skiles at the helm, this is no excuse to not bring the intensity. The Bucks did just that attacking the basket every chance they had leading to foul trouble for the already depleated frontcourt.
The Bulls needed a spark from somewhere and got it from the two men most impacted by the days prior trade, Kirk Hinrich and Luol Deng. Luol started the game by taking the Bulls first five shots and ended the first quarter in double figures. Watching Deng go to the basket reminds us why he received a hefty contract prior to this season. Deng finished the game with 21 points on 9 of 17 from the field.
With an uncertain future, Hinrich left everything he had on that court. Captain Kirk scored a career high 31 points on 8-14 from the field dropping 5 treys. More importantly his defense absolutely shut down the likes of Ramon Sessions and Charlie Bell who combined to go 8-25 from the field. While rumors lurk over Kirk's head, this reporter believes his backcourt defense is irreplaceable. Kirk had 4 steals, all leading to Bulls conversions.
Ben Gordon and Derek Rose each added 18 points, but it took Gordon 15 shots to get there, many of these wild off balance shots that we are accustomed to seeing from the undersized guard. Aaron Gray quietly pulled in 7 rebounds off the bench filling in nicely for Noc and Gooden's minutes. Gray will likely see a large drop in tick with the entrace of Brad Miller on Friday when the Bulls take on the streaking Denver Nuggets. The defense of Kirk Hinrich will be intrical to stopping Chauncey Billups and the fast paced Nugget offense. Let's hope the former franchise point guard is still checking in with 4 minutes to go in the first quarter.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Bulls make a Blockbuster?
Yes, they did. John Salmons brings to the Bulls something they have not seen at the 2 position since, well, you remember when. Now I'm not saying he's the next 23..... but maybe the next 45. Afterall, he is 6 foot 6"
John Salmons brings to the Bulls the most points of any player involved in the trade. He also brings more points per game than any Bull not named Ben Gordon. The fall-off from Gordon is not much to speak of. Especially since it comes on less shots over more minutes, and did I mention he picks up more boards, dimes, thefts and blocks along the way? He provides a very viable option to start at the 2 guard and stop the likes of VC and Kobe.
Brad Miller brings similar numbers to Drew Gooden but does it in a different fashion. His passing and outside shooting abilities will accelerate the learing process for Derek Rose in the Pick and Roll. And who doesnt like a passing high post with slashers like Luol Deng and Tyrus Thomas? Joakim Noah is still your starter and your future Maaaaaan in the Middle, but it never hurts to have a seasoned veteran off the bench. Especially when its Big Bad Brad banging against the likes of Dwight Howard and KG in the early round of the playoffs.
I will take this moment to bid adeiu to one of my favorite Bulls of all time, Andres Nocioni. When did Noc sit out a game? When did Noc not give it his all? When was Noc ever the Bull you despised for taking a night off? His fire will be missed, as well as his ability to play off Rose, but his contract will be gladly sent to the Sunny Coast with him. Enjoy your new toy Maloofs, Pax will spend that money on something much better in 2010... or so we can hope
John Salmons brings to the Bulls the most points of any player involved in the trade. He also brings more points per game than any Bull not named Ben Gordon. The fall-off from Gordon is not much to speak of. Especially since it comes on less shots over more minutes, and did I mention he picks up more boards, dimes, thefts and blocks along the way? He provides a very viable option to start at the 2 guard and stop the likes of VC and Kobe.
Brad Miller brings similar numbers to Drew Gooden but does it in a different fashion. His passing and outside shooting abilities will accelerate the learing process for Derek Rose in the Pick and Roll. And who doesnt like a passing high post with slashers like Luol Deng and Tyrus Thomas? Joakim Noah is still your starter and your future Maaaaaan in the Middle, but it never hurts to have a seasoned veteran off the bench. Especially when its Big Bad Brad banging against the likes of Dwight Howard and KG in the early round of the playoffs.
I will take this moment to bid adeiu to one of my favorite Bulls of all time, Andres Nocioni. When did Noc sit out a game? When did Noc not give it his all? When was Noc ever the Bull you despised for taking a night off? His fire will be missed, as well as his ability to play off Rose, but his contract will be gladly sent to the Sunny Coast with him. Enjoy your new toy Maloofs, Pax will spend that money on something much better in 2010... or so we can hope
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