Portland Postgame Thoughts

by 1958ChiTown on Jan 3, 2008 10:42 PM CST

(1) How many times is Gordon going to do the same stupid sh*t at the end of games? Ten? Fifteen? Twenty? How many times is he just going to pound the ball and then try to take an ill-advised three? How many times is he going to get the ball stolen on a key end of game possession? He committed fatal turnovers in both the Orlando game and the Portland game. I know he kept us in both those games with his offense, but Jesus Christ man, use your brain down the stretch. Try something different. Protect the ball;

(2) Nocioni has lost his offensive touch. I don't know if he is hurt, tired, or just in a slump, but he is useless when he can't knock down open threes;

(3) Yes, Aldridge can shoot a jumper off the high screen and roll. But that is just about all he can do. He can't rebound well for a man his size. Defensively, he did absolutely nothing to prevent the Bulls (especially Joe Smith) from scoring in the lane. Offensively, he can't finish under the rim (rejected several times). And finally, he has no post game to speak of at all. So if the Bulls were looking for a post presence, he isn't it;

(4) Tyrus once again didn't get much of a chance to play. Did he perform so poorly in his stint that he didn't deserve any additional minutes?;

(5) Smith is playing extremely well, but I don't know if his body can withstand all of the minutes he is absorbing;

(6) Most importantly, how bad is Luol's injury? What did they say on TV? If Lu is out for any extended period of time, the season is essentially over no matter what else happens.

The Bulls seem incapable of beating a decent team. And they can't protect the home court, which is really beginning to erode the patience of the UC crowds.

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Bah

I really have no words for anything, i see trades happening...

funny sir charles said that portland wouldnt make it to the playoffs, but the bulls would...wonder after this game he changes his mind. Damn!

im trying hard to become the next kirk hinrich, therefore im doing nothing more than being the next chris duhon.

by piccolomair on Jan 3, 2008 10:48 PM CST reply actions

BG will keep

losing the ball at the end of the games as long as the coach has him do it. They need to try something else cause that isn't working.

If Luol had been able to play this game would have ended differently. The guys on CSN just called his injury a strained achilles. Does not sound good to me.

One thing they aren't doing is getting blown out by 20 some points like they were last month.

Win, just win.

by sue369 on Jan 3, 2008 11:00 PM CST reply actions

Losing is losing

as winning is winning. Sadly its the way it works. Besides that this was the Portland Trailblazers, despite thier new little string of wins, they are nothing but over achievers, much like our bulls, except our bulls are simply under achieving. If this was the spurs or maybe even boston, it would mean something to lose in double over time.

I suppose my problem is this, i have just been waiting for playoff time, telling myself that everyone will play the way they should during the playoffs. I mean Kirk and bg both getting 25 points, luol deng throwing in another 20, nocioni another 15...basically the good we believe this team could do, all of them doing it at once during the playoffs. That is what i THOUGHT, but orlando and now portland just showed that the bulls cant shift to another gear at will. Meaning watching them is like playing roulette. Theres no telling what will happen, there is no consistency, there is no strategy, no skill. Mind you our players are talented, but no one seems to rise to the challenge. Ben Gordon WANTS to rise to the challenge, but as history has shown time and time again, most likely he will not.

On the other hand, i dont think a rebuilding is in order, but trades are. We need a real Closer, we need someone who can just finish a game. IS luol deng the answer? Ben gordon nor hinrich are. I think thats what really makes this league, the closers. Tim Duncan, Garnett, Kobe, D-Wade, Melo, Lebron, Steve Nash...yes these guys are superstars, but they are because they can finish a game. They have such a huge ego that they wont lose, it goes beyond anything any of our players possess. It doesnt have to be the final point, but in some way the dicatate that last shot, they make the right decision, they do the impossible, they leave nothing back.

uhhh im rambling. Sorry....

It doesnt have to be someone

im trying hard to become the next kirk hinrich, therefore im doing nothing more than being the next chris duhon.

by piccolomair on Jan 3, 2008 11:16 PM CST up reply actions

I'm with you on Portland

they were completely unimpressive. The Bulls gave this game away to an inferior team, at home.

So at least the Boylan love-fest can now fuck off forever, and we can look at this team for what it is.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 3, 2008 11:21 PM CST up reply actions

Not meaning to single you out

But theres been alot of cursing today, i guess thats what sudden realization does to a person.

im trying hard to become the next kirk hinrich, therefore im doing nothing more than being the next chris duhon.

by piccolomair on Jan 3, 2008 11:42 PM CST up reply actions

hmmm

I think there's a place for expressive cursing, but I admit that's a gray area. There's certainly no non-cursing rules though. As long as you don't do it for no reason like our old (hopefully retired) friend colossus.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 3, 2008 11:48 PM CST up reply actions

One inferior team,

lost to another. At home.

by EdNealy on Jan 4, 2008 8:40 PM CST up reply actions

Well, that is just ignorant whining...

"I'm with you on Portland, they were completely unimpressive. The Bulls gave this game away to an inferior team"

Inferior?
Portlands record = 20-13
Chicago's record = 12-19
Inferior?
Portlands best win streak = 13
Chicago's best win streak = 2
Inferior?
Chicago's has 3 wins against teams with a winning record(25% of total wins)
Portland has 10 wins agains teams with a winning record(50% of total wins)

Should I go on, or have I made my point?

"Portland was completely unimpressive"

Really???

Did you watch Brandon Roy? Did you even watch the game?? Roy ended with 25 points 11 assists 6 boards and ZERO turnovers. I dont know why you vent on how "unimpressive" the blazers were when it took Joe Smith scoring 24 points on 9-13 shooting just to get your bulls to overtime. I am sure you can count on him nailing mid-range jumpers and shooting at a 70% clip like he did against portland during the first 4 quarters. I have waited for you to give Brandon Roy some credit, but it isnt happening. I expected more from the person that represents and writes this fairly popular blog. Bag on your team all you want but it doesnt make sense to write complete inaccuracies about other teams just to make yourself feel better about your own srtuggling team...

by rudy4prez on Jan 4, 2008 10:54 PM CST up reply actions

ummm

"Bag on your team all you want but it doesnt make sense to write complete inaccuracies about other teams just to make yourself feel better about your own srtuggling team..."

I think admiting that an inferior team beat ur team would make u feel a hell of a lot worse, not better. If we wanted to feel better about our team we would say...damn we went into overtime with that kick ass team portland...damn, they are like the best team in the league and we went toe to toe!!! DAMn, after that we can definetly take boston!!!....

I wish that was the case...but u may want to read a bit around before snapping at us for insulting ure team...we insult our players far more than ures anyway... for some odd reason.

im trying hard to become the next kirk hinrich, therefore im doing nothing more than being the next chris duhon.

by piccolomair on Jan 5, 2008 6:26 AM CST up reply actions

apparently you dont understand the meaning of...

inferior.

When matt says the bulls "lost to an inferior team", that implies that the bulls are better than the said inferior team. This is false. Period. This is only one of the inaccuracies I was speaking of. Your guys rip on your own team because you have every right to(I was there 2 years ago), the bulls are underperfoming big time and would be lucky if they were not considered one of the 5 worst teams in the league. I saw you barely squeaked by Sacramento tonight, at home no less. Another quality win for the bulls!!! You are really striking fear in the eastern conference, let me tell ya...

Dont call a team that has won 16 of 17 games inferior to your 13 total win team. Give the blazers and Roy credit for beating the INFERIOR BULLS...

by rudy4prez on Jan 6, 2008 1:47 AM CST up reply actions

I'll give the Blazers credit

when they win a playoff series.

Not going to hold my breath on that one.

by RogersPark Kris on Jan 6, 2008 10:29 AM CST up reply actions

Fair enough

but I bet the blazers could sweep the over the hill heat with an old shaq and a injured Wade. If thats what you are hanging your hat on, I would buy a different hat rack. The heat were just as terrible at the end of last year(when Wade came back too early from injury), as they are this year...

by rudy4prez on Jan 6, 2008 3:57 PM CST up reply actions

What the hell?

I guess you were just noticing and not condemning all that cursing.

by alec on Jan 5, 2008 9:47 AM CST up reply actions

yep

;-)

im trying hard to become the next kirk hinrich, therefore im doing nothing more than being the next chris duhon.

by piccolomair on Jan 5, 2008 1:05 PM CST up reply actions

The BG Turnover

In the Magic game and this game Ben Gordon turned the ball over at the top of the key with nobody behind him due to excessive dribbling and little to no movement from the rest of the team. Should the team move? Probably. But Ben Gordon cannot be asked to hold the ball, run the clock, and then create if he cannot protect the basketball.

We've lost three games now as a result of Ben Gordon turning it over in the final minute of the game on a crucial possession to protect the lead.

by NBA Observer on Jan 4, 2008 9:28 AM CST reply actions

But

BG has stated he wants the ball at that time. He wants to be the go to guy. Maybe Boylan should tell Ben that's not working and look for other options at that critical time.

Win, just win.

by sue369 on Jan 4, 2008 9:49 AM CST up reply actions

Ben thinks he's Billups

No Ben. You are Rip Hamilton. You have average handles and an above average dribble penetration game, but these factors really don't help you reach the level of Rip since he gets to the free throw line. Can Ben Gordon grow 4 inches?

I don't know what we can do with Gordon. He turned down 10 mil per and he's pretty much the same exact player he was last season.

by NBA Observer on Jan 4, 2008 9:55 AM CST up reply actions

"Other options"

Uhhh..WHO??? Both Kirk and Lu are too soft and scared to take the last shot. So who does that leave, Noce?? LOL...please sue get real

I agree with you somewhat, just giving BG the ball and having everyone else stand and watch is pathetic...if anything, the staff should, I don't know, maybe draw up an actual PLAY.

I guarantee that if you substitute Ben taking the last shot at the end with any other player on the team, the result will be the same. It's not who's taking it, it's the play.

by ScottieCartwright on Jan 4, 2008 10:34 AM CST up reply actions

Even Duhon

got to the line last night in that situation. I am pretty sure Kirk or Lu could do just as well as BG in those situations. Maybe when we figure out what the real reason TT can't get in the game, we can figure out why BG keeps getting the ball as the clock runs down.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 4, 2008 10:37 AM CST up reply actions

It's working so

well with BG isn't it? You don't know if you don't try.

Win, just win.

by sue369 on Jan 4, 2008 10:53 AM CST up reply actions

i just said

that I agree with you, that it ISN'T working well with Ben...my point is that I doubt it would work with anyone else either.

I think they HAVE tried in the past, and it hasn't worked.

by ScottieCartwright on Jan 4, 2008 11:08 AM CST up reply actions

Then they should

keep trying.

Win, just win.

by sue369 on Jan 4, 2008 12:06 PM CST up reply actions

You mean try harder?

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Jan 4, 2008 1:15 PM CST up reply actions

Keep trying

until they find something else that works.

Win, just win.

by sue369 on Jan 4, 2008 1:25 PM CST up reply actions

i think

what you mean by "something else" is Kirk right?

by ScottieCartwright on Jan 4, 2008 2:25 PM CST up reply actions

What the hell is

your problem? No, Kirk is not the answer.

Win, just win.

by sue369 on Jan 4, 2008 2:34 PM CST up reply actions

obviously

this is affecting you WAY more than it is me...this convo no longer holds value (did it ever?) I bid you a good day...

by ScottieCartwright on Jan 4, 2008 2:43 PM CST up reply actions

whatever

Win, just win.

by sue369 on Jan 4, 2008 2:56 PM CST up reply actions

I think that's an NBA-wide epidemic

a lot of teams just give it to a guy at the end of games and stand around. And it always results in off-balance jumpers with a low chance of success.

But the Bulls have even less reason to do so, as Gordon isn't even Paul Pierce let alone Kobe Bryant.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 4, 2008 10:14 AM CST up reply actions

My dad dislikes the NBA...

...for that one type of play that happens a couple of times every games.

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Jan 4, 2008 10:21 AM CST up reply actions

It's Mike Redd's signature play

and he blows it most of the time.

What's with teams that do this? Unless you have Michael Jordan, it's stupid.

by KT on Jan 4, 2008 10:51 AM CST up reply actions

I tyhink there is another reason that NBA teams

tend to rely on that play at the end of games: theoretically, it syhould reduce the chance of a turnover. If you draw up a play and move the ball around, you increase the probabiliy of a tipped ball or an errant pass or a steal. If you leavei it one guy's hands, you should at least get the final shot...unless that guy is Ben Gordon.

"We goin' to the 'ship!" - LSU IS IN THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!

by 1958ChiTown on Jan 4, 2008 1:12 PM CST up reply actions

Am I drunk?

Sorry for the horrendous typing.

"We goin' to the 'ship!" - LSU IS IN THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!

by 1958ChiTown on Jan 4, 2008 1:19 PM CST up reply actions

I liked your point

For the bulls though, they may have a better chance running a play rather than letting bg just pound and shoot. I think the organization should really just realize that.

im trying hard to become the next kirk hinrich, therefore im doing nothing more than being the next chris duhon.

by piccolomair on Jan 4, 2008 6:04 PM CST up reply actions

#3 on Aldridge

He finished with 13 boards. I am not sure how anyone comes to the conclusion that Aldridge cant rebound after watching him grab 1 less board than Ben Wallace, who basically only plays because of his rebounding. In fact, Aldridge played 3 less minutes than Wallace so their per minute rebounding rate is basically identical for the game. I admit Aldridge needs to become a better rebounder, but it shouldnt have shown in this game. Plus we have a guy named Oden that might help Aldridge out in that department.

Your assertion that Aldridge did nothing to stop Smith from scoring in the lane is completely false. Look at this shot chart: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/shotchart?gameId=280103004

You will see that 8 of his 11 made shots were taken outside of the paint, and 7 feet away or farther. Next time we play you, please let Joe Smith take mid-range jumpers, I beg you to stick with that offense for the blazers sake.

Aldridge needs to work on his post game, this is true, sort of. But maybe checking out the game where he had 36 points on 12 of 17 shooting is in order. Here is the shot chart: http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/shotchart?gameId=271231026

6 of his 12 makes came from inside the paint and he got to the line 14 times. I assure you he wasnt put on the line 14 times because he kept getting hit on the elbow while shooting his jumper. He was in the post working people into the air and drawing fouls. But hey, if you want tryus thomas, you got him...

by rudy4prez on Jan 4, 2008 11:21 PM CST reply actions

umm

during the game, on the local radio station, at half time, they interviewed ure blazers coach...he pretty much talked about how they want aldridge to get better in the post, he is really good with his face to the back up and on the perimeter, and he causes big men to come out of the post which helps the team, but they wish he was better in the post. Thats pretty much what ure coach said, he also said that it wasnt a big deal since they would eventually have oden in the post and that would make aldridge more valuable. But i think ure coach also realizes that aldridge is not a great post presence.

Also i think people have commented on this site how some wish we could have had roy to replace gordon, dont know if that will make u happy, but i dont think anyone thinks roy is a crappy player, aldridge might be over rated, but with oden he should be a good fit. Ur blazers have been on a nice winning streak so u should be happy, but streaks dont make a team impressive...this bulls team has had a few streaks of its own in the past, and it still ceases to impress...i can feel it..ure gonna snap at this comment for some reason.

im trying hard to become the next kirk hinrich, therefore im doing nothing more than being the next chris duhon.

by piccolomair on Jan 5, 2008 6:22 AM CST up reply actions

snap? nah

I admitted that aldridge needed to work on his post game. Its there, just not on a consistent basis, I guess thats what I meant when I pointed to the utah game. In any case, not very well stated by me.

I do have to disagree that streaks dont make teams impressive. 16 wins in 17 games is impressive, I dont care if your the spurs, let alone the 3rd youngest team in nba history. Thats just me though.

I really do like the bulls and I feel the pain of their struggles. It doesnt seem like they can get more than one or two players going on any given night, but I suspect the ship will be righted soon enough...

by rudy4prez on Jan 6, 2008 7:33 AM CST up reply actions