Bulls-Warriors celebration thread

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 8, 2008 12:30 AM CST in News Comment 141 comments

It's late and I thought I'd pass on doing a quick recap, but that game was pretty invigorating. Yes, the Bulls are gunning to the playoffs, so wins matter. Getting a win with Hinrich, Gordon, and Deng out is very big, especially on the road, and against a good team.

This started out as `the Duhon game'. It usually happens once a year when Chris Duhon hits a bunch of threes (I believe in one of such instances he set the franchise single-game record). Tonight he was doing much more than that, in a career-high 34-point performance. Especially considering such a heavy-minute game just the night before, it was a commendable night for the most reviled player in this blog's history.

And then in the 4th quarter, Tyrus Thomas was the man. Even when sitting on 0-3 from the field for the longest time (some ill-advised jumpshots), he was a shotblocking presence throughout. And when he did heat up offensively it got to the point where they were running isolation plays for him in the closing minutes. For the (supposedly) unskilled Tyrus Thomas. And he did what he usually does when he's going well: use his superlative first step to get fouled (the Warriors were fouling all night, Joe Smith 13-14 from the line!) or get to the rim. And for good measure he even hit a jumper in that stretch.

I won't even get into the negatives: this team, in the middle of a disastrous season, put up great efforts on back-to-back nights against Western Conference playoff contenders. Plus Tyrus played a bunch and led the team to victory. And Chris Webber proved he still sucks. That's a good night.

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Bigger titties: Chris Webber or Eddy Cury?

by Big D on Feb 8, 2008 12:39 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

that's a toughie

or a softie, depending on your point of view. :)

Man, Webber looked old.

But Tyrus! Holy cow. Boylan running plays for him, and they work. Good times.

by KT on Feb 8, 2008 12:50 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It's about time.

Does this make Boylan a genius for going to him in the clutch? Or an idiot for not doing this sooner? I'm leaning toward the latter.

"Duhon, don't make that garbage-time jumper... Save it for the next game!"

by bullhockey on Feb 8, 2008 10:21 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Do you think

it was Boylan running plays for Tyrus, or Tyrus playing the 4 and saying I'm winning the game give me the ball. If it was a play then I'm happy but in my opinion it would of happend all game if he would of played strictly the 4. When he is playing the 3 he is useless. I just don't know how many "plays" were ran for Tyrus and am not willing to credit Boylan %100 that much based on previous games. I may be wrong but am just happy he was able to contribute when the team really needed him.

I vote for Thomas to play, play more and play regularly.-Sam Smith

by tyrus4prez on Feb 8, 2008 10:44 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Tough call

Most teams have an unwritten rule of offense to exploit matchups. Peitrus and Harrington were guarding Tyrus down the stretch. These guys are perimeter defenders. Naturally, Tyrus was calling for the ball on almost every possession and rightfully so.

The biggest factor to me for young players to break out in the NBA is confidence. The pros and vets are experts at breaking down your pysche to make you defeat yourself. Last night Baron Davis made some comments to Tyrus after the first of two free throw attempts. TNT guys briefly mentioned it. Baron Davis came right now and hit a 3 after Tyrus missed that 2nd attempt. But the rest of the game every time Davis drove to the rim Tyrus was there to force a shot adjustment or block the shot. That's confidence.

I like watching Tyrus score. But when he does those things on defense that gets me out of my seat. I'm merely clapping when Tyrus scores unless it's a dunk.

by NBA Observer on Feb 8, 2008 10:53 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

thats true

confidence is a big part of his game and hopefully he keeps improving his game. He seems to really get up for the big games.

I vote for Thomas to play, play more and play regularly.-Sam Smith

by tyrus4prez on Feb 8, 2008 10:59 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't think it was directed from the bench

like you said, Tyrus was calling for it. And even on a career night, Duhon was dribbling for the first half of the shotclock, and was all-too-happy to give up the ball when asked.

The late-game offense wasn't even run that well, there was a lot of bailing out due to the Warriors fouling like mad. Worked though.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 8, 2008 11:10 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Nice warm-up for the All-Star shooting thing

for Du. I'm really glad his big night wasn't wasted so he can enjoy the moment.

Maybe I'll take up hockey.

by wjb1492 on Feb 8, 2008 1:11 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Sam Smith

Didn't even mention anything about Tyrus in the story up on chicagosports.com.

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/cs-080207-chicago-bulls-golden-state ,1,6454851.story

I know when he updates it, it will mention Tyrus, but he was the reason we won in the 4th.

by BullsAttitude on Feb 8, 2008 1:12 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Egregious

I thought Sam was starting to like Tyrus. He was the single reason why we maintained the lead down the stretch.

by NBA Observer on Feb 8, 2008 8:04 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

What's with

Duhon being quoted by Smith saying he's the only guard on the roster with Hinrich and Gordon out of action?

I'm guessing Smith left out the "point" word.

by NBA Observer on Feb 8, 2008 8:06 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

our JV team is pretty decent

but that shouldn't be a surprise; our role players were who we thought they were and they've played great the last two games on the road against two western conference playoff teams.

now it's on the three "stars" of our team + the "Corpse" of a 4-time All-Star/DPOY to play better.

by Orange Juice on Feb 8, 2008 1:13 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

it must be nice

to have your optimism. But Ben Wallace isn't getting any better.

by YaoPau on Feb 8, 2008 1:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

One of the few games i get to watch a year and it

was a fantastic game. Glad to see TT and Thabo play well.(i know most of our pgs were out but we need to take care of the ball better.) But over all great game.

by eross226 on Feb 8, 2008 1:16 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Just Back From The Game

i was sitting courtside...

what can you say.

I hate Duhon as much as the next man, but the kid delivered tonight.

Vet Savvy won the game for us. The coaching staff should be pumping these guys to go to the line as much as possible. Joe Smith delivered.

Until TT TOOK OVER in the last 4 minutes...UNREAL.

That was ghetto ball, but I'm glad I was there to see the best BULLS win of the year so far.

PS Mikael Pietrus is done with the Warriors...nobody on the team would even look or speak to him during timeouts.

PSS. People were BOOING Webber during the intros.

PPS. Coach Tub-O-Lard was out there for a good hour drilling with Noah, Thomas, and Gray before the game started. Funniest part was when he actually tried to go to the rack!

BULLS WIN

by Orlando Woolridge on Feb 8, 2008 1:36 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Huge win!Unbelieveable!

Next game:

Hinrich/Duhon
Thabo/Gordon
Smith/Noce
Thomas/Wallace
Noah/Gray

Can we beat Utah?After this win
my answer is:"YES WE CAN!"

"YES,WE CAN!"-B.OBAMA.

by Azabullsfan on Feb 8, 2008 2:32 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

I wake up this morning wanting to know

how much we lost by - - - and lo and behold we won. I've just read through the game thread. The comments are great. Great way to get a feel for the game. Best game of the year and I miss it. TT showed what he can do during crunch time. Great way to start the day!

by chgobr on Feb 8, 2008 6:37 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

And lest we forget

Noah had 10 rebounds...in 15 minutes of action. Gah!
He looked really good in the 1st quarter. He was attacking the basket (and yes, turning it over once or twice) but was protecting the basket and had a couple tip outs that won't get counted as boards. To see him, Thabo and Tyrus get more minutes would be a Blog-a-bull wet dream!

by Old Skool Sloan on Feb 8, 2008 8:32 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

I was obnoxiously begging

for Boylan to put Noah back in the game late.

Joe Smith, as nice of an ofensife game he had going, was doing nothing to defend the paint. When TT and NOah were both back there, they really disrupted any G.S. action driving.

"No, no. Stop talking to me. Someone might notice," Paxson squeaked.

by alec on Feb 8, 2008 8:42 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Go with Joe

I think Boylan stuck with Joe Smith because of free throw shooting. I was asking the same question down the stretch as I was figuring Smith would start to show fatigue and a running Warriors team would make him look really old. But once we set up in the half court Joe was terrific. He hit those important free throws too.

Nellieball is known to hack the worst free throw shooter on the floor to try and comeback. He employed it against us in Chicago on Ben Wallace. He also did it with the Nets fouling Josh Boone. I think he would have done the same with Noah.

by NBA Observer on Feb 8, 2008 9:59 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

that's now 3 games in a row

he's only played for 15 minutes. I truly can't stand Boylan. You can all now count me in as a Boylan "hater."

by Freethefro on Feb 8, 2008 11:41 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Breaking news!

From the ESPN game notes:
"Rapper Nas and LPGA Hall of Famer Juli Inkster attended the game, sitting two seats apart."

Ladies and gentlemen, the worldwide leader in sports.

by Old Skool Sloan on Feb 8, 2008 8:37 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

the two were separated

by Fuzzy Zoeller

by YaoPau on Feb 8, 2008 1:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

If only Tyrus...

...had something more than the big flashy plays. Because they don't matter, ya know.

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Feb 8, 2008 8:38 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Would we win that game if Hinrich played?

by runio on Feb 8, 2008 9:22 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

I think you're in the wrong diary

Goodbye Viktor, and Godspeed.

by bullshooter on Feb 8, 2008 9:30 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Duhon

flashed back to his high school glory days last night.

If he only played HALF as aggressive as he did last night, he wouldn't get bashed so much. The part that had me crackin' up was at the end of the 3rd, when he hit the layup as time expired...then as he walks back to the bench, he starts yelling "AND 1, AND 1!!" Hiliarious!

I'm not going to go crazy and be all pumped up after one good offensive game (like the Kirk and Viktor lovers do around here), but there's no reason that Duhon can't give you at least 10 and 6 assists a night. That's only 5 points a HALF...you can't do that?! He's pretty decent working around and through the screens, which makes his drive effective.

Granted, every night they won't be playing a porus defense like GS, but it still shouldn't stop him from trying to do certain things.

by ScottieCartwright on Feb 8, 2008 9:30 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

I was wondering who was going to be

the first guy to take a dump on this win.

Goodbye Viktor, and Godspeed.

by bullshooter on Feb 8, 2008 9:31 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

where did

I take a dump on the win??...Can you even read?? I was actually giving Du some props for his Gordon-like offensive burst.

by ScottieCartwright on Feb 8, 2008 9:34 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

you took a slap at him

Goodbye Viktor, and Godspeed.

by bullshooter on Feb 8, 2008 9:35 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

you're an idiot

stop trying to start shit up when there is nothing to start. All I said is that I wasn't going to go crazy over one game. I still gave Du his props though...if you can't see that then there's no point in trying to explain anything else to you.

by ScottieCartwright on Feb 8, 2008 9:37 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

whatever fanboi

there's no reason that Duhon can't give you at least 10 and 6 assists a night. That's only 5 points a HALF...you can't do that?!

Goodbye Viktor, and Godspeed.

by bullshooter on Feb 8, 2008 9:39 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

how is that a slap?

That a compliment! Damn, your dumb kid! Please go find whatever plane Viktor is on and go join him...you're useless now...wait, my bad, you've ALWAYS been useless

by ScottieCartwright on Feb 8, 2008 9:40 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

whatever fanbio

how is that a slap? c'mon.

Goodbye Viktor, and Godspeed.

by bullshooter on Feb 8, 2008 9:43 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

again, you're an idiot

come on chief...it's friday...let the idiocy go for just ONE day. Kick back, relax, grab a coke and a smile and shut the fuck up

by ScottieCartwright on Feb 8, 2008 9:49 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Is that Italian for

fanboi?

"No, no. Stop talking to me. Someone might notice," Paxson squeaked.

by alec on Feb 8, 2008 9:51 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

even if it

was a "slap" (which it wasn't)...so what, who cares! Are you his personal guardian now?

by ScottieCartwright on Feb 8, 2008 9:55 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Scottie, you should know by now

that one of Bullshooter's roles on the site...I think Matt may have assigned it, but it was before I arrived so I can't be sure, but to be safe I should probably put it in caps: Guardian and Protector of the Innocents.

As such, he will brook no criticism of his helpless little pet chicks. So beware, forewarned is forearmed.

"No, no. Stop talking to me. Someone might notice," Paxson squeaked.

by alec on Feb 8, 2008 10:43 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

For crying out loud

it's a victory celebration diary. Can't we go one diary without being reminded that Duhon plays mediocre at best 90% of the time?

Goodbye Viktor, and Godspeed.

by bullshooter on Feb 8, 2008 11:35 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm with you bullshooter.

Besides, I've detected a subtle shift in your recent posts...as though your contra-bot has been malfunctioning. And I gotta tell ya, I like the new you.

"No, no. Stop talking to me. Someone might notice," Paxson squeaked.

by alec on Feb 8, 2008 11:54 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

contra-bot

is programmed to auto-target fanboi's.

Goodbye Viktor, and Godspeed.

by bullshooter on Feb 8, 2008 12:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

how

did you design it to ignore yourself?

by ScottieCartwright on Feb 8, 2008 12:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It's always on you

and never gets a chance at anybody else anymore. You're like the blackhole of fanboiism.

Goodbye Viktor, and Godspeed.

by bullshooter on Feb 8, 2008 12:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

i get it

kinda like how you're the blackhole when it comes to the utter garbled, nonsense that you call comments...i think we're on to something.

by ScottieCartwright on Feb 8, 2008 1:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

shame on you

that's a slap at Du

by ScottieCartwright on Feb 8, 2008 12:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Taking a dump

and Duhon usually go hand in hand.

by RogersPark Kris on Feb 8, 2008 9:41 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

exactly

you'd think it'd be so obvious that we wouldn't even need to bring it up.

Goodbye Viktor, and Godspeed.

by bullshooter on Feb 8, 2008 9:44 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

One of the guys at the Daily Herald

really hated Skiles; so much so, that I stopped reading it, figuring I knew in advance what every story was going to be about. Well, now that Skiles is no more, and I'm back to reading the DH, I can't remember if it was McGraw or Rozner.

Based on today's column, I'm thinking it was probably Rozner. He writes as though it's all about word quotas. His column is so unsatisfying it's as though he intends it that way--as though he half-expects his editors to not even read his stuff, just count the words.

That out of the way, here's what he says (after 3/4's of a column of garbled nonsense):

It is not inconceivable for the Bulls to return largely intact next year and, if healthy, compete for the No. 3 seed in the East, even if Paxson merely keeps together the core of Deng, Gordon, Kirk Hinrich, Joakim Noah, Tyrus Thomas and Thabo Sefolosha.
Assuming Paxson finds himself a new coach and a low-post, offensive presence, there is still time for this group of Bulls to become a threat in the East.
Maybe, just maybe, this is not as bad as it seems, and perhaps this is not the time for Paxson to panic.
After waiting too long to make some obvious moves that would have advanced the cause, maybe the best move now is the least obvious, the one a patient front office would embrace.
Maybe, instead of panicking, the Bulls ought to do the one thing they've proven to do well: wait.
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=130849

Leaving aside the fact that he pines for a low-post presence, while all the players he names as "core" are built for speed...I do seriously begin to wonder if the best thing now actually is to play the waiting game. Every one of our guys has shown that, given the opportunity, he can play, and play effectively.

As of yesterday, Noah had climbed up to the number 4 spot on Thorpe's top rookies. Thomas is getting big 4th Q minutes--and producing. Thabo is now officially installed as a starter.

Maybe the best thing to do is gradually let these guys gel. Maybe Paxson and Boylan really do have a plan...and maybe that plan really is beginning to pay dividends.

"No, no. Stop talking to me. Someone might notice," Paxson squeaked.

by alec on Feb 8, 2008 9:52 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

play my draft picks or I'm out

May play a small role in the thinking of Paxson. The staff is getting help with the injuries to the "core".

by NBA Observer on Feb 8, 2008 10:01 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Uh huh.

Paxson merely keeps together the core of Deng, Gordon, Kirk Hinrich, Joakim Noah, Tyrus Thomas and Thabo Sefolosha.

That's what I want, sort of.

Maybe the best thing to do is gradually let these guys gel.

A few of us have been saying that for quite some time.

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Feb 8, 2008 10:03 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Wow. How long did it take you to reach this

conclusion? Don't get me wrong. I'm glad you're finally able to see what should have been obvious all along. It should have still been obvious when Hinrich, Gordon, and Deng were awful, when Thabo and Tyrus couldn't get off the bench, and when Noah wasn't showing up on time that the best plan was still to keep those six lottery picks together. I guess I'm not impressed that your light bulb finally turned on. Although, you get do credit for questioning the inclusion of the low post scorer nonsense.

by Scotter on Feb 8, 2008 10:14 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm looking for a quote from Sue...

well, I can't find one that fits exactly, so I'll make one up:

"I don't care what you think about my light bulbs."

"No, no. Stop talking to me. Someone might notice," Paxson squeaked.

by alec on Feb 8, 2008 10:28 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm so disappointed

I didn't get a trading anecdote from your personal life in your reply.

by Scotter on Feb 8, 2008 10:45 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't feel I know you well enough

to get so intimate...to me, your voice just melts in with the welter, not quite emerging from the low grade static of nasty-for-no-reason commentary so prevalent on blogs in general.

You must first distinguish yourself before you can rightly expect to be picked out of the crowd. And for that, you must first have something to ofer.

"No, no. Stop talking to me. Someone might notice," Paxson squeaked.

by alec on Feb 8, 2008 11:03 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm not sure how much seniority matters...

...but you haven't been around near long enough to criticize sbulls in that manner. If you could have provided 1% of the basketball insight that sbulls has (and that's probably generous, w/o hyperbole), and less with your ridiculousness, whatever the hell it is, you might be better taken around here.

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Feb 8, 2008 11:36 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Not that it matters.

I just find it the most wonderful of ironies that you, of all people, are criticizing what sbulls has to "offer" this site. Check the archives.

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Feb 8, 2008 11:38 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

If he chooses to indulge in nasty asides,

so be it. Normally, I just turn it into fun, but repeated personal attacks sometimes must be shown for what they are. I've said enough times that I respect the superior basketball savvy of most everybody here. By this time, there should be no mistaking that.

Admittedly, what I offer is different.

"No, no. Stop talking to me. Someone might notice," Paxson squeaked.

by alec on Feb 8, 2008 11:51 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Erroneous comments?

Your attempt to show "what they are" was slightly amusing to me. I mean, in the "so laughably wrong" sort of way.

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Feb 8, 2008 11:59 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That's what I'm here for...

Your laughs are all that matter to me. Truly.

"No, no. Stop talking to me. Someone might notice," Paxson squeaked.

by alec on Feb 8, 2008 12:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Let's call him Dr.Sbulls.

"YES,WE CAN!"-B.OBAMA.

by Azabullsfan on Feb 8, 2008 11:58 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It was intended to be as nasty as you apprarently

took it. Your original comment simply struck a nerve this morning.

Admittedly, I haven't been very prolific since you showed up here. I'm sure you probably passed me in word count in your few months here. But I tend to have a pretty consistent view point, and I lost interest in constantly repeating myself. Matt, HSCS, and a few others usually articulate my viewpoint well enough that I don't feel the need to say the same thing differently.

by Scotter on Feb 8, 2008 12:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I've long since forgotten

my original comment. Honestly, I don't know what I could have said that was at all mean-spirited. You have me opening another BaB link to search through my comments.

But it doesn't really matter. I don't mind getting made fun of. More often than not I ask for it. I'll be the first to admit I've blundered. I've made comments in poor taste. I've critiqued the political correctness of posts...when it really isn't my business at all.

But I will admit, I do get surprised when people direct what really feels like nastiness toward me; and sometimes, rather than just letting it go (which would probably be the smart thing to do), I respond--what I think is--in kind.

So, if I mistook the usual 'alec is an idiot' attack for something of a more personal nature, I aplogize. I'd much rather have friends than enemies.

"No, no. Stop talking to me. Someone might notice," Paxson squeaked.

by alec on Feb 8, 2008 1:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

sBulls

don't worry man, I'll set up a secret splinter site where I'll join a chosen few to exchange lovenotes made out to Tyrus :)

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 8, 2008 1:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Regarding Sue

She was kinda angry yesterday and quit before the game and missed the best Bulls win so far.
I feel bad for you,Sue.

"YES,WE CAN!"-B.OBAMA.

by Azabullsfan on Feb 8, 2008 10:45 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I recorded

it and watched the fantastic win this morning. :-)

Never went to church camp but I did go to Girl Scout camp. If you ever need help making a campfire I'm your girl. :P

by sue369 on Feb 8, 2008 12:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Uufffff...I am glad :-)

But watch the game knowing final result cannot be compared to excitment of LIVE,right?
PRICELESS!;-)

"YES,WE CAN!"-B.OBAMA.

by Azabullsfan on Feb 8, 2008 2:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

If I didn't

get up at 4 a.m. I would have watched it live. I will watch it live tomorrow night.

Never went to church camp but I did go to Girl Scout camp. If you ever need help making a campfire I'm your girl. :P

by sue369 on Feb 8, 2008 2:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Wait,

"the most reviled player in this blog's history"? Noc doesn't exist anymore?

by Petor on Feb 8, 2008 9:52 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

it's a lifetime achievement award

I certainly can't stand Nocioni more in terms of the present.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 8, 2008 10:11 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

what about eddy curry or chandler?

and du doesn't hold the franchrise record

2 years ago jizzle went 9/9 from 3's meaning 27 points....du broke his career high of 26 last night

by milesgmsu on Feb 8, 2008 10:01 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Young is fun

I'm feeling hopeful that the Bulls are finding a new identity, with Duhon, TT, and Noah all contributing. Let's hope that as the big names come off of injury that the play is more spread around.

I don't know what to think of Gordon anymore. I think for a long time everyone was holding their breath, waiting for him to break through and become a star. Now I think they know it's unlikely, and we need to figure out what his role is or trade him. He shot 0-7 free throws with two of them airballs... that's embarrassing!

by BJarmstrong on Feb 8, 2008 10:23 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

I'm a little confused

by your second paragraph.

"No, no. Stop talking to me. Someone might notice," Paxson squeaked.

by alec on Feb 8, 2008 10:32 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Gordon should be seeing this

And Boylan too, realizing they don't need Ben to just wack up some wild shots at the end of the game whenever one is close.

A lot of big shots were hit today from Tyrus, Thabo and Joe.

Not only are the Bulls seeing what the youngsters are like when given playing time, but FINALLY able to see what it's like without having to depend on Gordon at the end of every 4th quarter

by Option27 on Feb 8, 2008 10:36 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

By the way . . .

It was Wallace who shot 0-7 from the FT line.

Gordon did not play, remember?

by Option27 on Feb 8, 2008 10:37 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

i think it's cool

how you kinda combined Ben Gordon and Ben Wallace into the same person...priceless

by ScottieCartwright on Feb 8, 2008 10:38 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

i guess we know now

why BJ didn't get the GM job after all...

Goodbye Viktor, and Godspeed.

by bullshooter on Feb 8, 2008 10:40 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

If you're talking about Gordon

he is of the best in NBA from free throw line.
Wallace is who missed frees.

"YES,WE CAN!"-B.OBAMA.

by Azabullsfan on Feb 8, 2008 10:40 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Ben Gordon is Monta Ellis lite

Ellis is better at getting to the rim which leads to FT attempts. Ben's probably the better overall shooter, but Monta's quickness and playmaking ability make him a slightly better defender.

Monta was 11-12 last night. His only miss was a tough reverse layup that rimmed out.

If Chicago is in the lead I think Gordon closes the game at SG. If we are behind, I think Thabo closes the game at PG with Kirk at SG.

by NBA Observer on Feb 8, 2008 10:46 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

i would think

if we are behind Gordon would finish the game at SG to provide more offense and if we are ahead Thabo and Kirk for defensive purposes...

I vote for Thomas to play, play more and play regularly.-Sam Smith

by tyrus4prez on Feb 8, 2008 10:50 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Thabo at PG and Kirk at SG?

I was hope you accidentally reversed those positions. If not, you once again need to do more NBA observing.

by Scotter on Feb 8, 2008 10:52 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

the view around here

Is not the view around BAB that Kirk excels when he plays the SG and Thabo plays the PG to handle the ball handling duties to set up the half court? I think so.

This is to what I am referring.

by NBA Observer on Feb 8, 2008 10:56 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Thabo is not a strong enough ball handler

to handle the PG ball handling duties.

by RogersPark Kris on Feb 8, 2008 10:58 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

He has done fairly well at PG the few times he

has been paired with BG.

Not great, but competent.

LSU 38 OHIO STATE 24 - LSU IS THE NATIONAL CHAMPION AND I AM THE KING OF BOURBON STREET!!

by 1958ChiTown on Feb 8, 2008 10:59 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Thabo handling the ball with Gordon on the floor

actually makes sense. Play the less effective offensive player out of position.

by Scotter on Feb 8, 2008 11:08 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

and put the ballhandling in the hands

of the more competent ballhandler.

Goodbye Viktor, and Godspeed.

by bullshooter on Feb 8, 2008 12:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Thabo turns over the ball far more than Gordon

What's the converse of your lame 'fanboi' nickname, as in someone constantly shitting on Gordon?

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 8, 2008 12:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

nevermind, you let us in on it above

"fanbio"

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 8, 2008 1:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

you're right

I fell into knee-jerk slam BG mode for no good reason. It's tough to carry on two different conversations and be objective in one while bashing a fanboi in the other. My bad.

Goodbye Viktor, and Godspeed.

by bullshooter on Feb 8, 2008 2:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

seriously

do you ever get tired of yourself? It has to be the worst knowing that you don't believe a word of anything that you type

by ScottieCartwright on Feb 8, 2008 2:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I only get tired of you Scottie

mostly because you always say the same thing...

Goodbye Viktor, and Godspeed.

by bullshooter on Feb 8, 2008 3:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I still hold out hope for him

to work some at the point, but he was a bit exposed last night. Reggie mentioned it a couple timees on the TNT broadcast.

"No, no. Stop talking to me. Someone might notice," Paxson squeaked.

by alec on Feb 8, 2008 11:11 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Thabo's errors last night,

in terms of point guard play, actually had a lot to do with not being aggressive enough. Davis et al were pressuring the ball and going for steals - Thabo could have gone by them easily, and the two times he did, it was very effective. He's got the handle to play point, just not the experience. If someone presses you, go by him - he'll learn that. Finding the line between being aggressive enough and under control is what a lot of players struggle with at the point.

Upshot: I think the errors in Thabo's point guard play can be rectified.

by Freethefro on Feb 8, 2008 11:53 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Last night

Watching the turnovers brought a question to my mind. How many turnovers do the Bulls' guards commit when Ben Wallace is on the floor versus when Ben Wallace is off the floor?

Breaking a press, the half court trap, and ball pressure on the point guard needs to have 4 other quality players that can space the floor, receive a pass, and move the ball quickly back to a ball handler or a shooter.

by NBA Observer on Feb 8, 2008 1:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

insightful question

and i think Thabo also suffered from literally having no other guard - during that one particularly bad stretch - to pass to.

by Freethefro on Feb 8, 2008 1:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The somewhat consensus

view around BaB is that Kirk is really a PG and not a SG. Just because he doesn't play like Maurice Cheeks, doesn't mean he's not a PG. There's no reason to play both guys out of position.

by Scotter on Feb 8, 2008 11:05 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

eh?

"Monta's quickness and playmaking ability make him a slightly better defender."

I assume that's a typo.

Defensively Ellis looks good going for steals, but he is very slight as a SG, even moreso than Gordon.

Offensively, Ellis is damned good. Gordon does have the significant edge in 3-point shooting.

Why have Gordon on the bench when behind? wouldn't you need points?

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 8, 2008 1:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Gordon on bench when behind

It really depends on how much you're behind, but if it is under 10 points and the opponent has quick guards with strong handles Ben Gordon is worse than the corpse. He cannot stop average scoring guards. Elite guards make Ben Gordon look like D-League material.

My take is Gordon is the type of player that helps extend leads or brings you back from down big.

Gordon this season has blown at least 4 games by himself in which Chicago had a lead and eventually needed him to make a basket but he failed and turned it over.

by NBA Observer on Feb 8, 2008 2:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

there are very few lock-down perimeter defenders

Gordon's lack of defense at the SG is a lot less imporant than Wallace's (not so) random spurts of immobility. Plus, someone else is guarding the 'elite'-ier guard.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 8, 2008 2:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Willie Green

drives right past Gordon for easy layups.

Can Gordon limit any guards in the NBA not named Adrian Griffin?

Actually, Griffin could score at will on Gordon.

by NBA Observer on Feb 8, 2008 3:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm sure some

of us could score at will on BG.

Never went to church camp but I did go to Girl Scout camp. If you ever need help making a campfire I'm your girl. :P

by sue369 on Feb 8, 2008 3:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

lol

0_0;

by cranscape on Feb 8, 2008 4:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

might as well pile on

what??? :)

I vote for Thomas to play, play more and play regularly.-Sam Smith

by tyrus4prez on Feb 8, 2008 10:47 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

If Bulls will play like yesterday

against Utah and won't get blown.I will take it as a "moral victory".
And then if they actually beat Hornets(Tyson-Noah match up.Wow) and Heat(welcome Shawn)We'll watch
All-star contest with a much better mood.

"YES,WE CAN!"-B.OBAMA.

by Azabullsfan on Feb 8, 2008 10:56 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Never really thought of it that way,

but I can't say that I've ever taken not getting blown as a moral victory.

"No, no. Stop talking to me. Someone might notice," Paxson squeaked.

by alec on Feb 8, 2008 11:17 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

All I want for this game

Is TT playing like yesterday with Noah and Thabo
on the floor for significant amounts of time.
Hanging in the game all the time.
And hey,a win would be a perfect bonus!

"YES,WE CAN!"-B.OBAMA.

by Azabullsfan on Feb 8, 2008 11:23 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

nevermind

"No, no. Stop talking to me. Someone might notice," Paxson squeaked.

by alec on Feb 8, 2008 11:25 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

seriously

is it me or does everyone seem to be argueing about nothing on this thread. It's a celebration thread!! Let celebrate, not attack each other for once. It's Friday the weekend is near, Bulls got thier first non-Detroit big win!!! It's a celebration thread so...........

I vote for Thomas to play, play more and play regularly.-Sam Smith

by tyrus4prez on Feb 8, 2008 11:51 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

right on

somebody toss me a beer.

Goodbye Viktor, and Godspeed.

by bullshooter on Feb 8, 2008 12:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

how about

we just have hscs pee in your mouth and call it even?

by ScottieCartwright on Feb 8, 2008 2:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That's uncalled for.

Never went to church camp but I did go to Girl Scout camp. If you ever need help making a campfire I'm your girl. :P

by sue369 on Feb 8, 2008 2:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think I agree

but my eyes are starting to cramp up from all the rolling they've been doing reading the bickering. ;)

That was an awesome game, and I was smiling the second I woke up remembering it even being a few hours short on sleep.

Maybe I'll take up hockey.

by wjb1492 on Feb 8, 2008 12:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

WOW!!!

That was a great game last night. Duhon stepped up big time. TT was awesome in the 4th. Very nice to see. Thabo struggled at times bringing the ball down court. Let's go for four or five in a row.

Never went to church camp but I did go to Girl Scout camp. If you ever need help making a campfire I'm your girl. :P

by sue369 on Feb 8, 2008 12:21 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

So aside from deng

Gordon and Hinrich should be back in utah right? Ive been looking forward to the matchup between hinrich and williams....sorry its completely off topic but i was just wondering what others thought about that game and the matchups...

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

by piccolomair on Feb 8, 2008 12:41 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

According to the trib this morning

Gordon's the only one with a chance to play in Utah and that seemed tenuous at best.

by CrashDavis on Feb 8, 2008 12:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Hmm

Then what are the chances duhon will have another "good" game?

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

by piccolomair on Feb 8, 2008 12:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

hinrich looked uncomfortable even sitting

on the bench, I don't think he'll be back soon.

Goodbye Viktor, and Godspeed.

by bullshooter on Feb 8, 2008 1:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I wonder why he's not back in Chicago

the travel alone can't be good for the ribs, right?

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 8, 2008 1:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

seriously

Deng too. Just go home and rest. The air travel does not help the healing.

by NBA Observer on Feb 8, 2008 1:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Deng and Hinrich are captains right?

they go down with the ship...

Goodbye Viktor, and Godspeed.

by bullshooter on Feb 8, 2008 2:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Ice and rest

are the treatment for bruised ribs. Football players stick on a ton of padding to protect the ribs from being hit again, but that's kind of hard for a basketball player.

My mom had bruised ribs from a bad fall - her body took the blow. She could do normal things but the doc had her wear fairly thick padding. It hurt to take deep breaths, but basically the pain was just there all the time, and she could do just about anything she wanted as long as the ribs were protected, and she wasn't doing something that would tax her breathing. So, no, air travel won't hurt the ribs. Getting hit there again will.

And Wally must have really hit him hard!

by KT on Feb 8, 2008 2:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Wally was cheap-shotting

everyone in sight.

"No, no. Stop talking to me. Someone might notice," Paxson squeaked.

by alec on Feb 8, 2008 2:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Kirk was holding his

side during the game last night. I saw an interview with him Wed. night and he said it hurts to cough, laugh, etc. I think he looks pretty tough, and the black eye doesn't help.

Never went to church camp but I did go to Girl Scout camp. If you ever need help making a campfire I'm your girl. :P

by sue369 on Feb 8, 2008 2:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Changes in air pressure affect injuries

A break or sprain can feel much, much worse in a pressurized cabin.

by snley on Feb 8, 2008 3:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I have to admit, I have mixed feelings

about his sitting out. Although I value Kirk's overall comfort level, and I wouldn't want him to risk a debilitating injury, I am generally a proponent of Novocain for professional athletes.

If he has a pulled muscle in his rib cage that might tear if he couldn't feel it, that would be one thing. But bruised ribs? C'mon. If I may cross-sport for a moment, if a football player were to ask out of a game because of only bruised ribs...he might as well be asking out of the league.

I realize we don't know the extent of Kirk's injuries, and may never know the extent, so it's not fair to call him out...but if it is only bruised ribs, I'd say I'm a little disappointed.

"No, no. Stop talking to me. Someone might notice," Paxson squeaked.

by alec on Feb 8, 2008 1:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

the cross-sporting

went about as well as expected. If only Ditka was a hoops coach, Hinrich would strap it up and get back out there!

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 8, 2008 1:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Seriously, I think Kirk's injury

probably is something more than simply bruised ribs. The fact that they didn't want him to fly after the game meant that maybe they suspected internal bleeding. That said, I do believe any pro coach would expect a player with bruised ribs to, as you say, strap it up and get back out there.

To quote Nietzsche:

"Pain is just weakness escaping the body."

"No, no. Stop talking to me. Someone might notice," Paxson squeaked.

by alec on Feb 8, 2008 1:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Nietzsche

I think you should change your nickname
for philosoball...Oh wait...:-)

"YES,WE CAN!"-B.OBAMA.

by Azabullsfan on Feb 8, 2008 2:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

For the right price.... ;)

by philosoball on Feb 8, 2008 2:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Patented?:-)

"YES,WE CAN!"-B.OBAMA.

by Azabullsfan on Feb 8, 2008 2:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

As patented as Griff's fall-away jumper

in the lane.

by philosoball on Feb 8, 2008 2:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Trademark. ;(

"YES,WE CAN!"-B.OBAMA.

by Azabullsfan on Feb 8, 2008 3:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

i...

haven't heard the name 'aldridge' mentioned once in this thread... what happened to the 'aldridge' love?...

by leeac on Feb 8, 2008 12:47 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Aldridge = soft

by RogersPark Kris on Feb 8, 2008 1:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

If Tyrus played like he did last night

on an every day basis, all that Aldridge talk would be left alone.

by Option27 on Feb 8, 2008 1:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I truly believe

that the Bulls collapse this year was largely Skiles fault. And this team could actually play well together again if they had a good coach who could get them all on the same page.

Early on, Skiles lost the team's respect, and it was evident when the rumors were flying around and in the news about the players "tuning him out" that they indeed DID tune him out.

It's the only logical reason for such a team-wide meltdown....
I find it very hard to imagine that EVERYONE on a team that was as good as it was growing into being the last few years, just all of a sudden turns out to be a group of "posers" and really can't play at all...?

Ehhh....not likely.

And although the "almost" trade for Kobe to start the season DID have an effect on the team - or even more so the "core" players that were being tossed around the trade rumor mill -
It simply further spewed everywhere a can of worms that was already cracked open....and Skiles was at the bottom of it.

All that said -
It might also be the reason Pax isn't making any moves - or at least nothing major.
If he REALLY believes in the players he has, and KNOWS they need a new coach, why WOULD he make any moves when he knows it wouldn't make much difference until the coaching changes?

The only reason we're stuck with Boylan is because there simply was no one out there that would have been much better than Boylan when he fired Skiles.
And we all know that he HAD to fire Skiles....right?

However I don't think even PAX knew that Boylan would get WORSE as time went on....
But he still can't really address that until the season in over now.

Unfortunately, this just means that the season will be what it is....and we will have to wait (yet again) until next season to make the big push.

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Feb 8, 2008 9:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Aldridge

is still a good young player, with a post game, height and athleticism. We're just happy Tyrus had a great game. When Tyrus does well it doesn't make me want to shit on LA. They can both be good players.

(But Ty can be a great one.)

by Freethefro on Feb 8, 2008 1:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

If Tyrus will play like this

for stretch of 10 games,I'll be happy to ask you:
LaMarkus...who?!

"YES,WE CAN!"-B.OBAMA.

by Azabullsfan on Feb 8, 2008 3:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

ty's d led the way

a tremendous defensive effort from tyrus paved the way to a bulls victory. his blocks and rebounds were amazing. and to top it off, he was our go to guy at the end!!! fantastic game! duhon was fouled almost every time under the hoop, should of had like 5 or 6 more free throws, and thabo didn't let those TO's affect him like they might have earlier in the year. the bulls are not there yet, clearly, but these kind of wins confirm at least they are headed in the right direction. now they need to find a rhythm.

by Conor on Feb 8, 2008 2:32 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Finally got to watch the game

That was great!!

Holy shit Webber is slow. He might have even been slower than Griffin!

Go Tyrus!!!

by Jaina on Feb 8, 2008 7:09 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Duhon Really a Cyborg

I was at the game last night for my one annual chance to see the Bulls in person. It was a great game. I'm convinced that was not the Chris Duhon we know, but was a Cyborg programmed to play like a young Isiah Thomas and to look like Duhon.

by Bay Area Bulls Fan on Feb 8, 2008 10:13 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Only on Blog-A-Bull...

Would someone claim that Tyrus Thomas led the Bulls to victory and that duhon had his lucky one game of the year. If you watched the same game, you would realize that T.T. was getting lucky at the end as he drove to the basket with the lack of coordination that resembles the rookie Noch. Duhon was the man and the best plyer on the floor at this game. To say aything else would just be another case of people not able to put their bias aside. Ty duhon for saving the season.

by T MaK on Feb 10, 2008 12:59 PM CST reply actions 0 recs