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.