Clippers 90, Bulls 82: It's a Trap!
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 2, 2010 11:05 PM CST
67 comments
| Pace | Eff | eFG | FT/FG | OREB% | TOr | |
| LA Clippers | 94.0 | 95.7 | 48.8% | 12.2 | 16.3 | 14.9 |
| Chicago | 87.2 | 41.1% | 21.5 | 23.9 | 20.2 |
I'm not the type to gloat over 'calling' anything, as nobody cares if I were wrong and the Bulls had this game in hand, as that would've meant a 6th straight win. And it's hard to say calling this a trap game is any kind of feat anyway, since everybody knows that old NBA axiom about the first game back from a road trip, and that even older one about average teams losing as much as they win.
Add to those warning signs that the Clippers are seemingly just a bad matchup. With Chris Kaman returning to their lineup, they had a type of big versatile center that always gives the Bulls fits, as well as a guard combo in Davis and Gordon that are one of the few in the league that can match the Bulls in terms of strength.
The Bulls just didn't have that, ahem, 'thrust' tonight, in the type of game where the Clippers can score 12 points in the fourth and still win comfortably. Aside from Luol Deng's 14 first quarter points. Lu was aggressive to his spots on the floor, hit a straight-away three (that's a first, or close to it), moving off the ball, and even chipping in two steals ruining a couple Clippers transition opportunities.
But besides him (and only in that initial period), the Bulls shots were very flat (Rose especially was front-rimming everything), and the Bulls were careless with the ball. And their usual dominance of the offensive glass wasn't there to make up for it.
And that's a potential indicator of what could be not just a trap game but a bad trend: Joakim Noah did not look himself tonight, and we know he's battling foot issues, as is Taj Gibson. Kirk Hinrich hurt his thumb in the second half but stayed in the game. Even Derrick Rose looked to be running a bit gingerly at points. This is a shallow rotation*, and though I do love that VDN plays it that way, it does have its price. If guys start having to sit out games the end of the bench is exposed for the uselessness it is, and the losses will pile up.
But for now it's just a bad night, and a predictable one. The Bulls have a chance to redeem themselves in less than 24 hours in Philly, and it should tell the story about how healthy the team is right now. We should be thankful for that win streak as not a future predictor of success, but wins in the bank that can't be taken away, even after nights like tonight.
*Devin Brown received his first minutes as a Bull, and it's notable that he came in as a two with John Salmons sliding over to SF. This effectively means that Brown has pushed James Johnson out of the rotation, which is exactly how I would've handled it.
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were roses shots good shots he just missed, cause judging from the shot chart he should have
gone at least 12-20?
"Oooohhh, cat in the wall, eh? Now you're talkin' my language."
he wasn't getting the separation he usually was
but it brings up another possible reality, that those shots were never ‘good’ shots, due to the inherent lack of potential efficiency. He was just making an ungodly rate of them before, and is more to an average percentage in nights like tonight.
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by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 2, 2010 11:21 PM CST up reply actions
for rose i'll take shots in or very close to the paint. those are probably pretty solid. but if hes
looking a step slow thats a whole new level of suck. ’course i can always get a lobotomy and join the preverbal camp where i can just relish the sight of grown professionals struggling endearingly to achieve some modest competency in their field.
"Oooohhh, cat in the wall, eh? Now you're talkin' my language."
It seemed like Rose had some confidence issues tonight which was so unlike him from the trip.
I’d say the game for Kirk too. They hold the ball too long when they should be shooting. I was just shocked at some of the guards shot selection tonight.
Rose's shots didn't go in
And the whole Clips team was waiting for him in the paint. Pure and simple. He is a PG he can’t and shouldn’t have to take over games by himself all of the time. His and the others shot didn’t go in thats all.
i was a little irked that after deng hit his first four shots derrick ran down the court
and bricked a 21 footer. your teammate is hot— dont you have to get him the ball in a place where he can work instead of looking you your own crappy offense? isnt that PG 101?
"Oooohhh, cat in the wall, eh? Now you're talkin' my language."
If he did that
People will bitch and moan about him passing too much. Like they were earier in the season. He had an off game that was all.
If Rose cares that "people" would bitch too much, then he sucks.
In the past 10 years, just four team owners have not paid a luxury tax and are not on pace to pay one this year: Donald Sterling, Jerry Reinsdorf, Chris Cohen (Golden State), Bob Johnson (Charlotte).
Two owners’ teams averaged an operating income of over +$10 million per year while their teams have lost over 60% of their games: Donald Sterling and Jerry Reinsdorf.
Point being
He had an off game. it happens but other have to pick it up. And Hinie has to stop dribbling like a retard. Same with J Sally.
I thought the Spider was retired?
Same with J Sally.
We miss you, Ben Gordon!
by Granny Waiters on Feb 3, 2010 5:47 PM CST up reply actions
He was shooting 77% on the trip I believe. Thats just insane.
I thought Davis did a decent job bothering him. The Bulls are pretty damn predictable as Aaron Gray said. Just give the ball to Rose and get out of the way. Well teams are clearly shutting down Rose and thus we realize why BG was big for Rose. When he struggles he has nobody else to step up and relieve the pressure.
When you’re down by 17 and the ball is going to Brad Miller and Joakim Noah you’re in deep shit. Thats when you realize how far away the Bulls are from being legit. Sobering loss to me. I don’t know if they didn’t practice or what but that was damn ugly offensively.
This is why I can’t get swept up in win streaks.
Where are these types of posts during the game threads?
This…this is worthwhile.
Thrusting toward the playoffs, one game at a time.
by Illini15 on Feb 3, 2010 12:18 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
And why I don't live and die by each game...
…even when people such as preverbal and others tell me to.
In the past 10 years, just four team owners have not paid a luxury tax and are not on pace to pay one this year: Donald Sterling, Jerry Reinsdorf, Chris Cohen (Golden State), Bob Johnson (Charlotte).
Two owners’ teams averaged an operating income of over +$10 million per year while their teams have lost over 60% of their games: Donald Sterling and Jerry Reinsdorf.
only saw the first half cuz my dvr screwed
his shots were looking flat, pre-road trip. don’t know why. they had 3 days off. its not fatigue.
we went out for pizza after the game. -dave wannstedt
by BULLieving in Miami on Feb 2, 2010 11:23 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Nice recap.
Where do you sit by the way?
I find it kinda funny how losing effects everything. When you’re winning your trade value is high and the sky’s the limit. You’re an All Star. Vinny is getting his due from Charles. Kirk Hinrich is the glue. The Wilbons and Bills Simmons of the world make comments on your team. The viewership is at a high on comcast. People show up to this game and the Bulls completely fail in front of their own city thats been waiting for 12 years to believe in this team. Then come home home and look lottery bound. lol
There are so many excuses for this loss and they were due but man that was tough man. The city wants the Bulls back you can feel it. But then they do that. It’s like a punch to the gut. I was so frustrated it ruined my dinner. Nothing tastes good.
I have to ask you is the crowd as lame as it seems on TV? I used to think the Bulls crowds were some of the better in the NBA but I don’t know if it’s just Comcast but these home games are dull and frustrating. There was no home court advantage at all. They evened showed some guy on Comcast who looked half dead. Just a bad showing.
Maybe they were just ‘due’ but there are worrisome things to me that I noticed while they were winning. Teams doubling Rose and the team has no clue how to react on offense. Thats why making a trade for an All-Star or clearing space is the only thing that matters to me really.
Bulls crowds are terrible
Unless I have really good seats, I think I’d rather watch the game at home.
Thrusting toward the playoffs, one game at a time.
by Illini15 on Feb 3, 2010 12:19 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
The games are fun when they play good teams.
Taj Gibson is the face of Bulls basketball!
by Trey23 on Jan 5, 2010 6:31 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
by Ozzie Montana on Feb 3, 2010 11:53 AM CST up reply actions
Clippers announcers said Bulls have one of the best home crowds
LOL
we went out for pizza after the game. -dave wannstedt
by BULLieving in Miami on Feb 3, 2010 12:24 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
really?
I mean they do show up but on TV I never notice them. I think the playoff crowds are different but man you’d think it was a chore to be at the games. Comcast didn’t really sell the experience showing over weight depressed men looking dead and ready to off themselves. Assistant coaches yawning. Just bad.
I see more active Bulls fans in other cities. I thought about Noah saying how he could wait to play infront of the UC crowd tonight before the game. Just listening to the player intos kinda set the tone. Not very much crowd reaction on TV. Maybe that just Comcast.
Looking at Neil Funk doesn’t help matters either.
they just don't know better
their announcers are equating sellouts to great home crowd. i also wonder if its just the broadcast that does it no justice. i remember the one game i went to back in 2005 i think, i felt it was a great fan experience. def better than Heat games, and i’ve been to a lot of those.
we went out for pizza after the game. -dave wannstedt
by BULLieving in Miami on Feb 3, 2010 12:58 AM CST via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
Thats what I'm thinking that part of it is just Comcasts crappy broadcasts.
When I goto Bears games I notice that the crowd on TV is really kinda muted.
yeah, they likely just mean it isn't empty
which makes the UC better than like 60% of the NBA venues.
It’s a corporate crowd, and not just the box seats or courtside, it’s $50 a ticket in the 300 level. So even up there, if you have some face-painter screaming at every basket it’s out of place. If they’re screaming at the Dunkin Donuts game, that’s acceptable :)
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by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 3, 2010 10:17 AM CST up reply actions
Er, that's Neil Funk.
They evened showed some guy on Comcast who looked half dead.
We miss you, Ben Gordon!
by Granny Waiters on Feb 3, 2010 1:07 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Crowd's not that bad
You’re not going to get a Cameron Indoor environment at the UC. Ticket prices are high, so the 100 level is a little older group, many coming straight from work. For whatever reason, these folks are not the stand and cheer types. You will, however, find fans trying to get it going all over the 100 level. I’m in the 100 level and we are definitely loud. People in the 300 level are more animated on average but they’re not on TV. So there is definitely a disparity in terms of where the boisterous fans are.
All of that said, I’ll take a Bulls crowd over that of nearly any other NBA team. Just showing up makes a difference. How demoralizing must it be to play to a 30% capacity arena in Atlanta, or to an empty gym during the first quarter in Miami? Just watch some of these games on Season Pass and you’ll see empty seats galore. Just filling the UC (even with lame fans) raises the volume level and probably gives the team something to feel good about.
Those kids screaming drove me nuts last night.
If I had been there in person I’m afraid I would have had to slap someone.
OK I don't know shit about basketball.
by SoulEater7 on Nov. 5, 2009 9:51 PM CST
Sorry to hear our top draft choice, JJ, may be relegated to join Pargo and Hunter at the end of the bench
especially after his outstanding performance tonight where he was perfect from the floor, although granted, it was only 1 for 1 on an uncontested layup at that. He may resemble an out of control whirling dervish most of the time, but you have to admire his thrust and the way he attacks the rim until he eventually accidentally boots the ball out of bounds or has it stolen by a pesky opponent. But in his defense, you can’t develop from the bench and Vinny’s rotations are tighter than JR’s pocketbooks. But there’s still hope for him as Vinny’s reputation for developing young talent is almost legendary….(as in mythological, not based on fact, urban legend, etc.)
How could Rose’s shots look flat? I thought he corrected that problem under the tutelage of our former great shooting guard, Randy Brown who is definitely a better coach than a businessman. Maybe Vinny can show Derrick some of his patented moves and get him out of his temporary funk. It’s rumored that Kirk and Salmons have been trying to incorporate some of his teachable moments into their repetoires and the results speak for themselves.
Consider yourself fortunate that your DVR ended your misery earlier than the rest of us, Bullieving in Miami. I wrote some comments right at the close of the overflow whose numbers summarizes how badly they played which you can glance at if you’re in the mood to relive the agony.
If you can't answer a man's arguments, all is not lost. You can still call him vile names.
Elbert Hubbard
I love how Vinny handles the rotation in losses. He doesn't do anything.
Not until time has totally run out and they’ve had their damn way with the Bulls. But they have a back to back and he’s gotta rest his guys. This could be a rough month.
Lets hope they get their offensive mojo back tomorrow.
painfully, i'm now watching the 2nd half on the league pass replay
does it get any sadder, knowing the result and all…
we went out for pizza after the game. -dave wannstedt
by BULLieving in Miami on Feb 3, 2010 12:27 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
that was garbage time for JJ
he got plenty of time to prove himself as a rotation player, and he didn’t.
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by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 3, 2010 10:18 AM CST up reply actions
In order for this to be a trap game
The Bulls need to be a big favorite. The Clippers have pretty much owned them since the post-MJ era.Very sad but true. I saw the Bulls just get drilled by Brand, Maggette and the Clips at Staples a few years ago when BG was a rookie. Its amazing how bad this team has been since the greatness of the 90s.
Feel sorry those of you too young to appreciate what this franchise once was.
Nothing leads me to believe its going to get better without a miracle draft or FA signing.
by Duck99 on Feb 3, 2010 12:02 AM CST via mobile reply actions
Those Clipper teams were sick.
Yeah these Clippers just lost 4 in a row (of course they just got Kaman back) but man when they get Griffith back that front line could be scary.
Well, the Bulls already had one miracle draft, so that leaves the miracle FA signing.
Nothing leads me to believe its going to get better without a miracle draft or FA signing.
(OK, two miracle drafts if you want to go all the way back to 1984.)
We miss you, Ben Gordon!
by Granny Waiters on Feb 3, 2010 1:21 AM CST up reply actions
Pretty glad LOST came back tonight
so I could watch that instead of this predictably bad debacle.
Thrusting toward the playoffs, one game at a time.
This is kinda what I was talking about.. 'soft blitzes'
This is the point in Derrick’s season where he no longer is a surprise to teams and now begins the chess match between him and the rest of the league. In the postgame he mentioned the "soft blitzes" the Clippers employed which he will see more often as the season goes along. Teams are starting to trap the pick and roll action early and forcing the ball out of Rose’s hands; when this occurs guys like Salmons, Hinrich, and Deng must make the defense pay or else this will disrupt the Bulls offense whenever there isn’t a fast break situation.
They showed this a few times on the trip and I believe New Orleans was doing it to Rose and Vinny hand no answer for it. I just watched the Bulls fumble around and fuck the game. Thats pretty much what happened tonight. Other than being really flat.
But keep blaming it on being sluggish Bulls I’ll buy that one. None of them even mentioned the Clippers’ defense.
http://www.670-thescore.com/blog/2010/02/02/bulls-clippers-wrap-up/
by SoulEater7 on Feb 3, 2010 12:29 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
that's a good post by Goff
They were trapping more in the Hornets win too, Brad Miller was a big safety valve for Rose. I guess we can’t count on that every night.
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by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 3, 2010 10:21 AM CST up reply actions
Not when Miller
wants to take the ball off the dribble instead of taking those outside shots and keeping the floor spread
is it sad that i enforce the headband rule in my NBA 2K10 association mode?
we went out for pizza after the game. -dave wannstedt
by BULLieving in Miami on Feb 3, 2010 12:29 AM CST via mobile reply actions
its only sad if you wear one.
"Oooohhh, cat in the wall, eh? Now you're talkin' my language."
by TheMoon on Feb 3, 2010 12:34 AM CST up reply actions 3 recs
I'm going to lump this in with some other losses..
Kings loss
Nets loss
Raptors loss
Hawks loss ( they gave up on national TV)
You might think it’s crazy after a 5 game win streak but they had a packed house and hyped up their All-Star and really had people believing this team might be somewhat good and then they just crap all over. I call these sobering losses. Good teams don’t have them.
I’m probably making too much out of it man you had the attention of the City and you did that? It just brings you back to Earth. Winning can kinda brainwash you.
The 5 game road winning streak was too good to be true.
Fool me once, shame on the Bulls.
Fool me twice, shame on me.
We miss you, Ben Gordon!
by Granny Waiters on Feb 3, 2010 1:19 AM CST up reply actions
Good teams have crappy games too
If you keep in mind that at best this is around a .500 or a little bit better team, it will be easier to just take the good with the bad. It evens out. The won 5 games in a row, now they may lose 2 in a row then turn around and beat the Hawks Friday. Don’t get brainwashed. Oh and they will make the playoffs and lose in the first round so don’t get too bummed about that either.
Joakim on whether he ever tried tennis: "I played a little bit. If anybody on the Bulls wanted to play me, I would kick their ass."
Yeah the whole season has been like this
beat the good ones, beaten by the “weak” ones
by JustAnotherFan on Feb 3, 2010 10:58 AM CST up reply actions
And Deng is shooting 44% from 3
Man, I’m optimistic today!
by JustAnotherFan on Feb 3, 2010 11:03 AM CST up reply actions
Kevin Arnovitz
With the video breakdown of Clippers D.
I guess they do deserve some credit, but I saw a lot of laziness from them too. Maybe they just picked it up when they smelled a victory. What I noticed in this video was John Salmons holding the ball, and Luol Deng not being able to get around bigger defenders (he started hot against a smaller guy, Rasual Butler). Also, Noah setting a crappy screen.
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by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 3, 2010 10:44 AM CST reply actions
yeah, it looked like their articulations were frozen with a 3 day rest
let’s see how they play 76s
by JustAnotherFan on Feb 3, 2010 10:58 AM CST up reply actions
Noah clearly didn't have it last night
and he’s been probably the most consistent player all season. That really stood out to me more than these other guys being crappy. His foot problem is a real cause for concern because he will be playing through it, possibly being less effective, not to mention probably sitting out a game here and there. Any of these rotation guys going down is a big problem thanks to GarPax and the wonderful bench they provided.
Joakim on whether he ever tried tennis: "I played a little bit. If anybody on the Bulls wanted to play me, I would kick their ass."
bulls bigs set such crappy screens.....
"Oooohhh, cat in the wall, eh? Now you're talkin' my language."
Embarrassing.
Only 3 players are moving in those clips you might as well play 3 on 5. Thats on the coach and maybe some of it due to not having played in three days. But it happened for the entire game and the Bulls only adjustment was to go small. They couldn’t get in transition because the Clippers really never missed shots.
Players were not cutting at all in those clips if I ever read articles about Vinny doing a good job I just shake my head. John Salmons needs to be traded today! He holds the ball way too much. He’s this seasons version of Larry Hughes. Thats the absolute worst thing you can to to your offense is hold the ball and then throw up a brick. Thats why Luol Deng is useless when his shot is off.
about larry hughes
im not a big fan of john salmons…but cmon…the closest thing to larry hughes on this team, is jannero pargo…
On Behalf of Sue, Wjb, majoyenrac, Bullshooter and all the other Hinrich fans...Ill keep the Hinrich Hope coming...There will be light!
The loss yesterday wasnt a big deal to me
probably cuz i saw it coming, just like yfbb and others saw it coming. I was at work and a coworker of mine comes up to me and says “bulls gonna increase the streak to 6, good things on the horizon for them” and i say “meh, they’re gonna lose” he went on a mini rant about how i didnt have faith in the team and he was dissapointed cuz he thought i was a hardcore fan and why they would win. And i told him, “i know my bulls, they are gonna lose..they lose the games they should win, and they win the games they should lose..”
So they beat 5 teams on the road, 5 winning teams on the road…consecutively….thats impossible, they should have lost several of those games….but they won. They come home, with ample rest, and play a team thats not a winning team…and get their butts handed to them….yea….it should be unexpected, should be impossible…but these are the bulls..this is what they do….
unless trades are made in the next two weeks, i see this trend continuing, which doesnt feel too good if u consider that we are playing many games we should win in the second half of the season….
On Behalf of Sue, Wjb, majoyenrac, Bullshooter and all the other Hinrich fans...Ill keep the Hinrich Hope coming...There will be light!
Foot fears
I am concerned about Noah’s foot. From yesterday’s February 2nd Tribune
A doctor stared Joakim Noah in the eye Saturday and told the third-year big man the plantar fasciitis in his left foot won’t disappear until he rests it for six consecutive weeks.
My fear is that this will not totally heal until he can rest it all summer. I remember saying this when Noc had the same thing. Noc was in a boot for a significant period of time and it didn’t get better. Noc tried to play in the playoffs and couldn’t do it. I had this and it does not go away in 6 weeks.
yeah, that's a pretty good example
man, Noc was trash when he came back too. One of the biggest indictments of Skiles was forcing Noc back in the lineup ahead of Tyrus.
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by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 3, 2010 1:01 PM CST up reply actions
I didn't see Kirk injure
his thumb. Hope it’s nothing serious.
OK I don't know shit about basketball.
by SoulEater7 on Nov. 5, 2009 9:51 PM CST
Me too,
his health needs to be on par when he gets traded in about 2 weeks.
by QUINTEN DALEY on Feb 3, 2010 4:22 PM CST up reply actions
yeah, I think it was the 3rd quarter
he was shaking it and holding it alot. it was probably one of those things that happens all the time, just thought it was noteworthy since the thumb was already taped.
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by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 3, 2010 4:27 PM CST up reply actions
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