A rare, rare, feel good, come from behind win. Bulls were well on their way to tossing this away in the 3rd, but they came through tough in the end. Deng got hurt in the first half and it was a blessing. We needed some heart and guts to win this one.
Kudos to Tyrus for passing up some open jump shots. He should still do it more, but he blew our last game by trying to shoot and he seems to have learned a lesson.
Finally, kudos to Rose and Gordon for once again being our heroes. Rose in particular, showed the kind of aggressiveness on the offensive end that we need from him to win games like this.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Orlando home
One of the Bulls better efforts. They were on their way to their usual 3rd quarter collapse, but they pulled themselves back up and finished off a good Orlando team. The Bulls simply shot well and that will win games. Everyone except Deng seemed to be hot.
Speaking of my favorite bad player, I remember that one of Tim Thomas's comments the first time he did his stint with the Bulls was that he thought he was better than Deng but wasn't given the minutes to prove it. Of course, that was a jerky thing for Thomas to say and he is a bit of a fool, but he was clearly better than Deng in this game, and he played a minute more than him. If I was the coach, I'd think about working him into the starting unit and reducing Deng's already reduced minutes.
Speaking of my favorite bad player, I remember that one of Tim Thomas's comments the first time he did his stint with the Bulls was that he thought he was better than Deng but wasn't given the minutes to prove it. Of course, that was a jerky thing for Thomas to say and he is a bit of a fool, but he was clearly better than Deng in this game, and he played a minute more than him. If I was the coach, I'd think about working him into the starting unit and reducing Deng's already reduced minutes.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Trades
Now that the dust has settled, I'll try to weigh in on the trades. First, when I mentioned the Amare trade to Michele, she said that he was too injury prone. I thought about it and agreed. I would have loved to give up Tyrus, Noah, etc for Bosh though. Then Amare gets injured the day after the trade deadline and is likely out for the year!
Now, for the trades they did, they weren't too exciting but I guess it is better than nothing. I think Miller for Gooden is mostly a wash, although Miller is a better passer. Hate to see Noc leave, but his contract is high compared to what he gives us. Salmons has more upside, but also more downside. Really, the whole success of these trades will fall on whether Salmons improves or backslides.
Praise to the highest that we unloaded Hughes, and I knew that the Knicks would be the only team silly enough to take him. We got basically nothing back in return, but maybe Tim Thomas will decide he wants to play as a Bull this time around.
It's funny, when we swapped Wallace for Hughes I knew Hughes was no good but I was so happy to get rid of Wallace that I didn't care. Now we have the same situation with Hughes for Thomas. I know he isn't good, but I'm very, very happy to make that trade.
Getting rid of Thabo for basically nothing is fine with me, as he's pretty worthless. Ideally, we would have gotten rid of Deng, Tyrus, and Noah, but I knew those were unlikely. Finally, I'm glad we kept Hinrich. We need a solid backup guard and I think he's playing better of late.
Worst news of all was Paxson saying he isn't going to step down after all. He probably sees that even with all of his bungling the Bulls have a good shot at the 8 spot.
Now, for the trades they did, they weren't too exciting but I guess it is better than nothing. I think Miller for Gooden is mostly a wash, although Miller is a better passer. Hate to see Noc leave, but his contract is high compared to what he gives us. Salmons has more upside, but also more downside. Really, the whole success of these trades will fall on whether Salmons improves or backslides.
Praise to the highest that we unloaded Hughes, and I knew that the Knicks would be the only team silly enough to take him. We got basically nothing back in return, but maybe Tim Thomas will decide he wants to play as a Bull this time around.
It's funny, when we swapped Wallace for Hughes I knew Hughes was no good but I was so happy to get rid of Wallace that I didn't care. Now we have the same situation with Hughes for Thomas. I know he isn't good, but I'm very, very happy to make that trade.
Getting rid of Thabo for basically nothing is fine with me, as he's pretty worthless. Ideally, we would have gotten rid of Deng, Tyrus, and Noah, but I knew those were unlikely. Finally, I'm glad we kept Hinrich. We need a solid backup guard and I think he's playing better of late.
Worst news of all was Paxson saying he isn't going to step down after all. He probably sees that even with all of his bungling the Bulls have a good shot at the 8 spot.
Miami - home
Didn't take long for the Bulls to ruin the good mood from the last game. They tossed this one away in the very worst way. Gordon did his best to be the hero again by converting a huge three point play at the end of the game. Then Hinrich stole the ball from Wade to seemingly seal the win.
But wait! First Thabo tosses the inbound pass to Wade instead of calling for a timeout! Then, the Bulls let Marion score a dunk at the buzzer despite having a foul to give!! Unbelievable!
Usual gutless wonders (Deng!) should also take a fair bit of blame. Very ready for the trade to come.
But wait! First Thabo tosses the inbound pass to Wade instead of calling for a timeout! Then, the Bulls let Marion score a dunk at the buzzer despite having a foul to give!! Unbelievable!
Usual gutless wonders (Deng!) should also take a fair bit of blame. Very ready for the trade to come.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Detroit home
Bulls were well on their way to following their second half collapse script when Detroit started screwing up and the Bulls started hitting some shots. Wallace and Hamilton were having their way, seemingly scoring every time down the court. Then the Pistons self-destructed, taking bad shots and throwing the ball away. Even more improbably, the Bulls took advantage of the opening.
This game was a perfect example of why Ben Gordon is far more valuable than Luol Deng. Deng was MIA during his insipid 29 minute stint. Meanwhile, Ben, despite his obvious ball-handling problems (5 turnovers) was once again, THE MAN, converting a huge 4-point play at the end of the game.
Rose was pretty solid the whole game. Tyrus was good on offensive, but he stupidly threw the ball away 5 times and played little defense. Noc and Hinrich were fine. Thabo was useless. Noah was his usual clod-self, but not nearly as bad as usual.
This is the third game in a row that the Bulls caught a team without their best guard. Chris Paul, Jason Terry, and Alan Iverson. Plus, teams in the east playoff hunt have been hit hard by injury with Brand and Redd out for the year. Bulls have been very lucky.
Right now Bulls are 1.5 games behind the 8th spot. Hard to say whether it is better or worse for them to get in. This Pistons game was a nice present though.
This game was a perfect example of why Ben Gordon is far more valuable than Luol Deng. Deng was MIA during his insipid 29 minute stint. Meanwhile, Ben, despite his obvious ball-handling problems (5 turnovers) was once again, THE MAN, converting a huge 4-point play at the end of the game.
Rose was pretty solid the whole game. Tyrus was good on offensive, but he stupidly threw the ball away 5 times and played little defense. Noc and Hinrich were fine. Thabo was useless. Noah was his usual clod-self, but not nearly as bad as usual.
This is the third game in a row that the Bulls caught a team without their best guard. Chris Paul, Jason Terry, and Alan Iverson. Plus, teams in the east playoff hunt have been hit hard by injury with Brand and Redd out for the year. Bulls have been very lucky.
Right now Bulls are 1.5 games behind the 8th spot. Hard to say whether it is better or worse for them to get in. This Pistons game was a nice present though.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Dallas away
Door was wide open for the Bulls because Jason Terry broke his hand and Dallas was off a bit. Really, the Bulls should have won it in regulation and Rose was the goat here because he let Jason Kidd hit an open three pointer when that was about the only thing that could keep the Mavs in the game. Can't be too hard on Rose though because overall he played well and far outplayed Kidd.
Gordon was hitting some shots from outside and Tyrus played well offensively. Deng was wretched, especially during the stretch. The big problem was defensively, as the Bulls couldn't come up with any stops in OT. As usual, the opposing teams front court gets to feast - in this case, Dirk Nowitzki. Now Dirk can be a handful for good defensive teams too, so I could somewhat excuse his 44 points, but the Bulls had to put Noc on him because Tyrus and Noah can't guard anyone, and that isn't going to make the Bulls winners.
The east is wide open at the bottom of the playoff hunt, so the Bulls could still sneak in. It's a false goal though because this team isn't going anywhere. So, Bulls fans can only wait and hope for the roster blow-up.
Gordon was hitting some shots from outside and Tyrus played well offensively. Deng was wretched, especially during the stretch. The big problem was defensively, as the Bulls couldn't come up with any stops in OT. As usual, the opposing teams front court gets to feast - in this case, Dirk Nowitzki. Now Dirk can be a handful for good defensive teams too, so I could somewhat excuse his 44 points, but the Bulls had to put Noc on him because Tyrus and Noah can't guard anyone, and that isn't going to make the Bulls winners.
The east is wide open at the bottom of the playoff hunt, so the Bulls could still sneak in. It's a false goal though because this team isn't going anywhere. So, Bulls fans can only wait and hope for the roster blow-up.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
New Orleans away
A good game for the Bulls, but you have to keep in mind that the Hornets are shell-shocked with Paul being injured. I know LBJ will win the MVP this year, but you've got to give props to Paul when his team needs him so badly.
This win follows our "Gordon/Rose both play well" scenario. The big guys redeemed themselves somewhat though. Noah really bounced back. After looking like he shouldn't be on the court in a neighborhood pickup game, he almost looked like he could play in the NBA. Tyrus played with good energy early, as he sometimes does. We moved the ball well at times.
Bulls got lucky and played NO at the right time, but at least they made the most of the opportunity.
This win follows our "Gordon/Rose both play well" scenario. The big guys redeemed themselves somewhat though. Noah really bounced back. After looking like he shouldn't be on the court in a neighborhood pickup game, he almost looked like he could play in the NBA. Tyrus played with good energy early, as he sometimes does. We moved the ball well at times.
Bulls got lucky and played NO at the right time, but at least they made the most of the opportunity.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Houston away
Bulls followed the "crappy big men, third quarter collapse" script for this one. It's one of their primary themes for the season. Ming and Scola completely dominated inside. McGrady was his usual lazy self, but brought his pulse up from time to time by blowing by Deng.
Looking at Deng's 28 point box, you'd think he had a good game, but he didn't. Offensively, he was far better than usual, and his shot was falling, but he was terrible defensively and folded when the Bulls needed a run. Noah was absolutely pathetic. All the big men were bad, but he was just awful. He doesn't belong in the NBA. Thabo was on the court for over 16 minutes and I didn't really notice him. I don't think Houston did either.
Rockets did not play well and still won easily. The "winning streak" was an illusion. Bulls have the same problems as they've had all year.
Looking at Deng's 28 point box, you'd think he had a good game, but he didn't. Offensively, he was far better than usual, and his shot was falling, but he was terrible defensively and folded when the Bulls needed a run. Noah was absolutely pathetic. All the big men were bad, but he was just awful. He doesn't belong in the NBA. Thabo was on the court for over 16 minutes and I didn't really notice him. I don't think Houston did either.
Rockets did not play well and still won easily. The "winning streak" was an illusion. Bulls have the same problems as they've had all year.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Sacramento Phoenix away
It's funny, I lambaste the Bulls their terrible play, then Jerry does the same thing. I point the finger at Paxson and Jerry says that the one person who isn't to blame is Paxson. Hmm. Then the Bulls somehow manage to win three road games in a row, albeit against teams in disarray.
Another thing to comment on is that Yahoo sports had an article last week about how Deng was finally being productive for the Bulls. Are they kidding me? Yes, his numbers are up, but he's still pretty gutless. I guess it is all relative though and he is playing better than he was.
I think Gordon is the main reason we won three in a row though. He's been their go-to guy throughout. And Rose is playing pretty well too, especially in the Phoenix game. Hinrich had two good games in a row after two bad ones.
We'll see. Bulls have some tougher games ahead at Houston and New Orleans. That will show what they are made of.
Another thing to comment on is that Yahoo sports had an article last week about how Deng was finally being productive for the Bulls. Are they kidding me? Yes, his numbers are up, but he's still pretty gutless. I guess it is all relative though and he is playing better than he was.
I think Gordon is the main reason we won three in a row though. He's been their go-to guy throughout. And Rose is playing pretty well too, especially in the Phoenix game. Hinrich had two good games in a row after two bad ones.
We'll see. Bulls have some tougher games ahead at Houston and New Orleans. That will show what they are made of.
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