Near-perfect Game5 aftermath

I just like the idea...

...of going back to Detroit 3-3. I won't predict an outcome rivaling history, but going back there would, in itself, be awesome. I wouldn't even care about winning that game (yes I would), just as long it's going back to Detroit to make 'em sweat. And to think... how close was it from being the other way around, up 3-2.

Oh well.

by tyger1147 on May 15, 2007 9:55 PM CDT reply actions

I'll add...

...that Matt was prophetic in regards to Thomas and young guys(sort of). He mentioned going into Game 4 that the best thing a fan could hope for (notwithstanding a series comeback) was to see what the young kids really had in them.

Whether one wants to make excuses for Nocioni is irrelevant, in my opinion. The team is showing that they can win without him. Would a "clutch" 3-point shooter be good for the Bulls? Sure. But it doesn't have to be in the form of Andres Nocioni. And it isn't that I don't want him on the team; a good contract for a productive player is always nice. But with his relationship with Skiles, I fear he'll still get his ~25 min/gm while Tyrus gets less than 20. I hope not.

History does NOT have to repeat itself. Um... Go BULLS!!!

by tyger1147 on May 16, 2007 8:25 AM CDT up reply actions

going back to Detroit to make 'em sweat

Hey - they're sweatin' RIGHT NOW....
They know that strange things can happen in sports..

What's amzing is watching detwah cry like babies (Billups, to be exact) about the refs and the way they called the game...

You didn't here OUR guys whining when the calls went against US...

Detroit....I HATE detwah!

...less Noc, more TT...

by Bluelou on May 15, 2007 10:02 PM CDT reply actions

one of the worst things that could happen

is Detroit and San Antonio ending up in the finals together.

It would be a waw-waw fest.

by KT on May 15, 2007 10:05 PM CDT up reply actions

A whole lot of

THIS
and
THAT
Sorry, I just love that second picture.

"Always turn a negative situation into a positive situation." -Michael Jordan

by cubbybear on May 16, 2007 1:19 AM CDT up reply actions

Hm, little interesting.

Both Thomas and Sefo were -3 and -2 in pos/neg respectively.

Actually, looking at it a little more, both of their biggest negatives were in the garbage time of the game. Disregarding the final minutes, their pos/neg would have been 6 and 4.

Hinrich/Gordon/Deng/Brown played great tonight. Hopefully they can duplicate it in Game 6.

Rasheed Wallace likes to comment about guys' butts. -"Them butt holes got tighter and TIGHTER."

by NittanyBull on May 15, 2007 10:03 PM CDT reply actions

late in the 4th

The Pistons were +7 in garbage time when both rookies were in.

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on May 15, 2007 10:06 PM CDT up reply actions

Um,

you're forgetting the other 3 who were in for the majority of the -7: The treacherous trio of Griffin/Allen/Duhon

Rasheed Wallace likes to comment about guys' butts. -"Them butt holes got tighter and TIGHTER."

by NittanyBull on May 15, 2007 10:08 PM CDT up reply actions

second unit

Treading water is their job. It doesn't mean they didn't play well. There's no +/- enlightened Red Kerrs around here harping on bench production as the key to victory.

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on May 15, 2007 10:51 PM CDT up reply actions

Treacherous Trio

Give them their props. We wouldn't be here without Adrian Griffin's lefthandedness!

"Always turn a negative situation into a positive situation." -Michael Jordan

by cubbybear on May 16, 2007 1:20 AM CDT up reply actions

Both Thomas and Sefo were -3 and -2 in pos/neg

Yeah....
And also interesting that the one game where TT got more time than Noc, we BLEW OUT detwah.

Interesting indeed...

...less Noc, more TT...

by Bluelou on May 15, 2007 10:07 PM CDT up reply actions

Well, I'm not saying that Noc should be put

back in, if that's what you're implying, Slick.

Rasheed Wallace likes to comment about guys' butts. -"Them butt holes got tighter and TIGHTER."

by NittanyBull on May 15, 2007 10:09 PM CDT up reply actions

I'm not saying that Noc should be put back in

Nope...me neither. :-)

And I know you're not implying that he should.

I was just makin' a point...

And speaking of point - TT had 10 and 7 rebounds tonight.
Not bad for a rook...

...less Noc, more TT...

by Bluelou on May 15, 2007 10:14 PM CDT up reply actions

Them buttholes are getting tighter and tighter

by Big D on May 15, 2007 10:08 PM CDT reply actions

you talkin' bout detwah b-holes, yeah?

...less Noc, more TT...

by Bluelou on May 15, 2007 10:09 PM CDT up reply actions

haha

by Checkster on May 16, 2007 11:54 AM CDT up reply actions

Barkley sez...

...that Gordon is wrong about the Bulls being loose - that the pressure is still on Chicago. And I agree. And I think that's actually a really good thing. Over the last three years, this team has played its best when under the most pressure to perform (last game of the season vs. Nets notwithstanding). The Bulls had all the pressure in games 4 and 5, too and that's part of why they executed better.

The flipside to that coin is that this brand of Pistons also plays better when under more pressure, and now for the first time in the series it is being turned up. But the Bulls still have more on their shoulders to win Game 6 at home. Detroit can always return to the Palace for Game 7. I think Bulls win game 6. Tyrus goes for 18 and we see Monday night's game as the highest rated TNT game of the playoffs.

Deng 4 MVP, 2008!

by corey williams corey benjamin on May 15, 2007 10:22 PM CDT reply actions

pressure talk hurts my brain

I forgot who it was (yikes, was it Jon Barry? Tom Tolbert? it was somebody) who said 'I'm sick of hearing who the pressure is on. If you want to win the game there's pressure.'

by your friendly BullsBlogger on May 15, 2007 10:27 PM CDT up reply actions

Thank you, Matt

I'd rather listen to endless prattle about "energy" and "intangibles" than any of that inane talk about "pressure."

by ChrisRobin on May 16, 2007 12:39 AM CDT up reply actions

g

I don't necessarily think the Bulls play the best under pressure, but that they do play very well in games that they know they have to step up. Its kind of like pressure but not really. Meaning that they sometimes get nervous and tense under pressure, but at the same time in big games they get themselves ready for em, knowing they have to be agressive and focused.

I don't really know who the pressure is on right now, but I'd say Detroit. They have to start worrying now that the Bulls won't go away.

by Checkster on May 16, 2007 11:57 AM CDT up reply actions

What an awesome game

I am officially satisfied with the series. I know, I know, they could have been up 3-2 right now, but there's no telling what would've happened if they had won game 3.

I know it's petty, but all I care about is tiring the Pistons for the next round, because I don't want to see them win it all. Plus, I don't want to get my hopes up about the Bulls too much at this point.

by Craig Hodges Explosion 3000 on May 15, 2007 10:28 PM CDT reply actions

It all depends on the leaders

If the older experienced players (Wallace and Brown) can keep spirits from getting too high and Coach Sky can keep the youngin's focused the Bulls can win in Chicago and force a Game 7.

The Bulls play great at home and the crowd will be amped and ready rock. I doubt they thought they'd be seeing their boys play anytime soon. We've proven that we can hang with the Pistons. We just can't get ahead of ourselves, thinking about making history and whatnot. Don't forget that this Detroit team is excellent on the road and they have already proven they aren't afraid of the United Center.

Keep the faith, boys! We can do this!

Endnote - I say we riot if the talking heads continue to call these the Baby Bulls. Hearing it makes me cringe and causes Tyson Chandler nightmares.

ditkationary.blogspot.com

by Ditka Fan on May 15, 2007 10:38 PM CDT reply actions

hope this is for laffs

Really, really not ready for a Ditka themed sports blog.

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on May 15, 2007 10:46 PM CDT up reply actions

Huh.

Ryan, meet Ryan.

by paxson43 on May 15, 2007 11:11 PM CDT up reply actions

Thomas was huge

I was really impressed with him tonight. He made good decisions and actually hit that jump hook he seems to like. I think he needs to keep getting minutes like he did tonight. I love Noc's heart, but he's just not what we need. I have a feeling he'll be gone next year.

by jai on May 15, 2007 10:58 PM CDT reply actions

With Skiles, I'm never sure from game to game,

but I like to think we've seen the end of Ty not getting good minutes (barring foul trouble, of course). He has done well when given the opportunity!

Yanks sign Clemens: more evidence that the evil empire believes money solves everything.

by wjb1492 on May 15, 2007 11:15 PM CDT up reply actions

TT had a great

game except for the missed lay-up at the end of the 4th.

by bu11s on May 16, 2007 6:50 AM CDT up reply actions

He missed it because he realized

at the last minute that dunking in a blowout is not a smart thing to do. Another sign, he is at least thinking on the court.

by Scotter on May 16, 2007 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions

Right I noticed that too.

He's actually more comfortable with a ferocious jam than with putting the ball off the glass, especially from the left side.

"Always turn a negative situation into a positive situation." -Michael Jordan

by cubbybear on May 16, 2007 2:50 PM CDT up reply actions

Nice job.

I was really impressed with the way Chicago shot tonight. You guys definitely have a bright future if Paxson decides to keep the core in tact. Nice job, really.

~a Pistons fan

by TooEasy on May 15, 2007 11:00 PM CDT reply actions

You're still a tool

Get out of here,loser

Rasheed Wallace likes to comment about guys' butts. -"Them butt holes got tighter and TIGHTER."

by NittanyBull on May 17, 2007 10:59 PM CDT up reply actions

IMO, winning game six and forcing a game

seven would be a huge victory for the franchise.

It would at least make the offseason seem more hopeful.

Winning the series is too much to ask after digging an 0-3 hole, but forcing a game seven seems plausible.

by 1958ChiTown on May 15, 2007 11:44 PM CDT reply actions

If they get to Game 7 and lose...

They will still have to endure countless second-guessing and pressure from the outside to make changes and bring in that one piece to get them to the Finals.

The Gasol thing made it clear that Pax has the patience and the ability to see long-term/big picture but only making it one round further than last year won't be enough to silence critics.

To prove that this team is ready to compete, they will have to make history.

This is not to say that I don't think they've gotten much better, but unless they can get to the Eastern Finals, they will have to make some more changes.

Bring on the Ping Pong Balls!

by Ditka Fan on May 15, 2007 11:52 PM CDT up reply actions

I don't know man

They take this series to seven and lose, I'm not sure if it's the big piece they need or just more experience. I believe they actually have that piece...an older, more experienced tyrus thomas.

But you won't even have to ask this question. ;-)

I loved that the Czar kept on saying that records were meant to be broken.

by brianmita on May 16, 2007 12:23 AM CDT up reply actions

I don't like that cliche...

...not for this situation anyway. It isn't really a "record", is it?

How about this cliche for the Bulls:

History doesn't have to repeat itself.

meh... that's what I'm going with.

by tyger1147 on May 16, 2007 7:48 AM CDT up reply actions

Bring on the ping pong balls?

And the ECF? I thought yesterday was argumentative posturing for attention day.

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on May 16, 2007 9:14 AM CDT up reply actions

Progress

True. There's something to be said about getting to a Game 6, and especially a Game 7, after being down 0-3. I don't remember how many teams have gotten to a Game 7 (I'm guessing 8) but I'm sure we all see plenty of graphs, statistics, and reminders once Game 6 starts.

Screw the moral victories, though. The Bulls can do this. In my mind, this series is exactly how it should be at 3-2 Detroit after 5. Should/could it be 3-2 Bulls if Game 3 was different? Of course. But, if the Bulls can stay loose at home and get off to another great start, we'll all have a lot to look forward to on Monday and, perhaps, a little history.

In Pax we Trust!

by Jobu on May 16, 2007 6:47 AM CDT up reply actions

just 3

81 teams have been down 0-3, only 3 have gotten to a game 7. (they've all lost).

Of course, ask the 2004 Red Sox about nobody ever coming back 0-3 before.

by dbt on May 16, 2007 8:41 AM CDT up reply actions

Random game 5 thoughts

That was the most relaxed the Bulls have looked this series. Still focused and business-like, but no hesitation or indecision with the ball. They haven't really looked like that since Game 4 in Miami. Relaxed and confident.
TnT = Tyrus & Thabo: Meaningful minutes for the rooks in the 2nd quarter to help extend the lead. Clearly Tyrus had a greater impact on the game, but "TnT" sounds better.
Noce: The dude's hurt; don't bash him for playing poorly. Bash Skiles for playing him instead of someone healthy (which he did tonight with Tyrus)
Check out the halftime line at: http://www.popcornmachine.net/cgi-bin/gameflow.cgi?date=20070515&game=CHIDET Bulls out-shot Pistons 72% to 42%, but still only led by 8 because they were outrebounded 18 to 12 in giving up 11 off. rebounds.
Completely agree with Matt's thoughts on "the core" and especially Wallace. But they won the boards in the 2nd half with everyone pitching in (5 guys w/ 5+ boards).

Wrecked 'em? Damn near killed 'em!

by mdmnd9294 on May 16, 2007 12:00 AM CDT reply actions

1st half

Also, the Pistons stayed close by winning the FTA battle 16 to 5.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on May 16, 2007 8:58 AM CDT up reply actions

Screw Gasol...

Count me as one of the few that is glad Pax has some patience. There was a time when everyone wanted to trade Pip and Horace, sometimes you just gotta wait things out and keep everything in place.

This was just a great win tonight, game 6 should be funn.

by Rickhouse on May 16, 2007 12:01 AM CDT reply actions

I agree

we just have to wait on these guys if we can. Clearly they are getting better. And if Nocioni is healthy, he is a very valuable piece. Have you guys forgotten last year's playoff series against Miami. Noc can be huge for us, the only reason he's not this year is because he is clearly still hurt.

by Checkster on May 16, 2007 11:59 AM CDT up reply actions

As has been pointed out...

...Duhon and Nocioni were valuable because they were "solid" and there really weren't better players on the team than them (for what they were). But with Thomas and Thabo and whomever is brought in with the draft pick (trade or otherwise), Nocioni and Duhon won't be as "valuable".

I'd guess, that by this time next year, we'll be able to say Duhon and Noc (wherever they are) would be the 8th & 9th best players on the team. That's a good thing.

History does NOT have to repeat itself. Um... Go BULLS!!!

by tyger1147 on May 16, 2007 12:15 PM CDT up reply actions

Hmm the Bulls seem to have

figured something out with Pistons Defense. What happened to their championship focus? I don't wana get ahead of myself but I think something has changed. Like maybe this series. To think if the Bulls could have won game one. Well one game at a time.

Bears moving dynamic Hester to offense!

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on May 16, 2007 12:19 AM CDT reply actions

Game 3 I ment.

Bears moving dynamic Hester to offense!

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on May 16, 2007 12:20 AM CDT reply actions

The looks from Detroit's bench

Make me think that they aren't sure whether they can beat the Bulls the way they played in the first two games. I think that coming back to our building will really put them on edge, because they know we can win at the Palace. Not that much pressure on the Bulls, considering they were down 3-0, and I might skip graduation events on Thursday. The Bulls can win this series, and the next game is the trap that they need to stay out of. Pistons are a very good road team.

"Always turn a negative situation into a positive situation." -Michael Jordan

by cubbybear on May 16, 2007 1:27 AM CDT up reply actions

Congrats on graduating

by paxson43 on May 16, 2007 9:08 AM CDT up reply actions

Game 6 at 8:00 P.M. ET on ESPN

Hooray!

Rasheed Wallace likes to comment about guys' butts. -"Them butt holes got tighter and TIGHTER."

by NittanyBull on May 16, 2007 1:33 AM CDT reply actions

that most likley means

8:00 ESPN time = 7:00 our Chicago time

Wallace, Deng, Hinrich, Thomas earing NBA accolades. Thomas, Gordon at All-Star weekend. A sweep of the Champs. One great year.

by hongydraw on May 16, 2007 1:39 AM CDT up reply actions

"Most likely means"? What the hell?

Did you just figure out the whole time zone concept? When did 8 PM ET ever not(most likely) mean 7 PM CT?

Rasheed Wallace likes to comment about guys' butts. -"Them butt holes got tighter and TIGHTER."

by NittanyBull on May 16, 2007 1:45 AM CDT up reply actions

well thanks for that

I said 'most likley means' because while it did most likley mean he read it off of ESPN.com or something, it's possible he could have gotten it from bulls.com, and it would start at 8:00 our time. jeeze.

Wallace, Deng, Hinrich, Thomas earing NBA accolades. Thomas, Gordon at All-Star weekend. A sweep of the Champs. One great year.

by hongydraw on May 16, 2007 1:49 AM CDT up reply actions

I still don't think you

get it?

Bears moving dynamic Hester to offense!

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on May 16, 2007 1:50 AM CDT up reply actions

this is what i meant

he probably saw 8:00 start time on tv or espn.com or something. that would mean 7:00 our time.

BUT it's possible he read it on Bulls.com, therefore the game would be starting 8:00 our time, because they always put Chicago times for the game start times.

Wallace, Deng, Hinrich, Thomas earing NBA accolades. Thomas, Gordon at All-Star weekend. A sweep of the Champs. One great year.

by hongydraw on May 16, 2007 1:53 AM CDT up reply actions

No you don't.........

get it.

Bears moving dynamic Hester to offense!

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on May 16, 2007 2:36 AM CDT up reply actions

It says

ET, which stands for Eastern Time, right after 8:00.

Hence, it's 8 eastern and 7 central (and 5 pacific, out here in Cali)

If there are problems in this world that jumping can solve, Tyrus Thomas will solve them. (Truehoop)

by Chalkwhite on May 16, 2007 1:59 AM CDT up reply actions

yeah

i just didnt pay attention to/notice that until now lol

Wallace, Deng, Hinrich, Thomas earing NBA accolades. Thomas, Gordon at All-Star weekend. A sweep of the Champs. One great year.

by hongydraw on May 16, 2007 2:10 AM CDT up reply actions

yeahhhhhhhhhh

I think. I think thaaaaaaats right. ummmm let me check yes Nittany wins.

Bears moving dynamic Hester to offense!

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on May 16, 2007 1:49 AM CDT up reply actions

what time is that for mountain time folks?

by Checkster on May 16, 2007 12:01 PM CDT up reply actions

Dennis Miller says.....

Whoa, guys, I haven't seen so much fighting about time zones since March 19, 1918.

"Always turn a negative situation into a positive situation." -Michael Jordan

by cubbybear on May 16, 2007 1:52 AM CDT up reply actions

I can't believe

people are arguing about the most meaningless comment in BlogABull history.

Deng 4 MVP, 2008!

by corey williams corey benjamin on May 16, 2007 7:48 AM CDT up reply actions

I can

the best part is it's joejoe and hongydraw...

FEAR THE ROOKIES!

by bullshooter on May 16, 2007 9:07 AM CDT up reply actions

I should have never said anything

(sigh)

Rasheed Wallace likes to comment about guys' butts. -"Them butt holes got tighter and TIGHTER."

by NittanyBull on May 16, 2007 4:58 PM CDT up reply actions

Thoughts on last nights game

Great 'team' game. Nice to see so many of the Bulls step up and play well.

PJ - very happy to see him have a great game. It was nice to see him talking to TT during the game. He's a good mentor for TT.

Kirk - Stormin Norm said on the post game show that Kirk excelled in this game and I have to agree. I just hope the Kirk that played last night shows up for the next two games.

BG - Welcome back. You could tell from the start of the game that he was going to be hot. Nicely done Ben.

TT - What can you say about this kid? I just love watching him. He comes from out of no where and attacks the hoop or denies the ball. I don't think Detroit has an answer for him. The kid is a stud.

Deng - A great game by Luol too. He is so smooth it's like he glides on the floor. It's scary to think what he will be like in the next two years.

Big Ben - Not such a good game for him but he will respond in the next game.

Noch - He's hurt. Leave him on the bench.

Skiles - He gets props from me for believing in his team and having them ready to kick some Piston ass.

Best shot of the night - The Piston bench at the end of the game....pricelss.

Please let the Bulls team that played on Sunday and last night show up for the next two games.

History..you can either read about it or be part of it. GO BULLS!!!!!

by sue369 on May 16, 2007 8:12 AM CDT reply actions

I'm still flying.

I really did not believe they were going to win last night. I hope the law of averages doesn't catch up with their excellent shooting last night. I am also concerned about them being too hyped for the game. I would love to be at the UC tomorrow. I guess I'm pretty much crazied waiting for tomorrow!

by chgobr on May 16, 2007 8:40 AM CDT up reply actions

I would love

to be at the UC tomorrow night too but I will be cheering from home as if I was at the UC. I hope the hometown fans rock that place.

History..you can either read about it or be part of it. GO BULLS!!!!!

by sue369 on May 16, 2007 8:42 AM CDT up reply actions

agreed/duhon

You forgot about Duhon, who hit some big shots in the first half (okay, we'll call it just "du-ing his job" like he's supposed to by hitting threes when he's wide open).

Anyway, all in all, this was a very satisfying game to watch. Rasheed even got a tech.

by GWKD on May 16, 2007 9:07 AM CDT up reply actions

I'll give him his just duh (ha!)

Duhon did hit some big shots. Still can't guard Billups, but Thabo wasn't doing much in that department either.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on May 16, 2007 9:10 AM CDT up reply actions

Duhon goes down easier

When he comes off the bench for a better reason than Gordon not going 5-5 in the first 2 minutes of the game. And when he doesn't totally suck, of course.

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on May 16, 2007 9:17 AM CDT up reply actions

thabo

except for being taller doesnt bring much more than duhon except for his ability to guard taller players and maybe disrupt the passing lanes but i trust duhon shooting open thres more than thabo.

Duhon also has a better handle.

by Sambossanova on May 16, 2007 9:48 AM CDT up reply actions

Rebounding

That's what Thabo brings over Duhon. It's the one area that Thabo has been consistently good in, especially against the Pistons. I really liked that Skiles brought Thabo in at small forward at first, and then shifted him to the backcourt later in the game.

by Scotter on May 16, 2007 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions

I disagree

Bears moving dynamic Hester to offense!

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on May 16, 2007 11:46 AM CDT up reply actions

2 Big Shots/game

Is all I ask of Duhon. Maybe a 3, or even a rare drive to the hoop. I just don't want him to be a total offensive black hole out there that the other team doesn't have to think about/respect.

In Pax we Trust!

by Jobu on May 16, 2007 9:22 AM CDT reply actions

Key to the game

7:35 70-62 Chauncey Billups offensive foul (Kirk Hinrich draws the foul)

That play meant Billups went to the bench first with his 4th foul before Hinrich. Detroit fell apart after that. If Hinrich gets that foul, I think the Bulls might have repeated their game 3 slide.

FEAR THE ROOKIES!

by bullshooter on May 16, 2007 9:27 AM CDT reply actions

WTF of the Year

From the Chicago Reader's sports blog:

Skiles's main coaching tweak in their two wins was to make more playing time for rookie Tyrus Thomas. Otherwise, he never challenged the Bulls' manhood or desire--not publicly, anyway. Me, I still think he's saving another gear for seasons to come, when the Bulls can authentically challenge for the championship and he'll call on them to draw deeper within themselves. But it takes immense composure--and a willingness to be embarrassed in the short term--not to pull out all the stops in a series like this one, especially after being so dominated in the opening games. No NBA team has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit to win a playoff series, and the Pistons are still the heavy favorites, but Skiles's laissez-faire approach may pay dividends sooner than even he seems to have expected it to.

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on May 16, 2007 9:30 AM CDT reply actions

So..

...not only is Skiles "holding back" his best for playoffs in the future, that best is in the form of how much he's going to "challenge their manhood"? So, he can challenge their manhood better? But he doesn't want to because they aren't good enough to win it this year, so wait until they have a realistic (:cough: UTAH :cough:) chance of winning it next year? Is that what it says?

Holy shit. That's incredible.

History does NOT have to repeat itself. Um... Go BULLS!!!

by tyger1147 on May 16, 2007 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions

Hinrich challenged Flip Murray's manhood

ba-zing!

by your friendly BullsBlogger on May 16, 2007 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions

I know what laissez-faire

means as far as its application within capitalism, but I had no idea it translates to "Let Duh."

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on May 16, 2007 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions

Nice.

Its easy -- just win the next game.

by preverbal on May 16, 2007 11:34 AM CDT up reply actions

forgot this gem

One of Ozzie Guillen's great strengths in managing the White Sox to the 2005 world championship was that he didn't mind losing a game if there was a greater advantage to be gained down the road. Scott Skiles has coached the Bulls the same way in their NBA playoff series with the Detroit Pistons, only more so--as if he didn't mind losing the series if there was a greater advantage to be gained way down the road, in the years to come.

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on May 16, 2007 11:40 AM CDT up reply actions

Skiles has been publicly relatively low key

I think there may be something to the above that the Bulls are expected to succeed over the next few years verses the presure to get a championship this year. Most NBA teams do not have the patience to think long-term. Compared to other NBA teams Paxson-Skiles leadership has the advantage of longer-term stability and planning.

by chgobr on May 16, 2007 12:15 PM CDT up reply actions

God, if I wasn't in LA

I would pay a fortune to be at that game tomorrow guys. Anyone who is going, it's going to be mayhem at the United Center. I really don't see us losing tomorrow.

I wrote this exact thing a few days ago . . .

Simple as this . .

Win game 4. Try and upset them in game 5. Game 6 should be easy cause it will be at home and Detroit will be feeling the pressure. Then game 7 will be an accomplishment in itself.

The only Yi Jianlian fan here
by Option27 on Fri May 11, 2007 at 11:10:20 AM EDT
[ Reply to This ]

The only Yi Jianlian fan here

by Option27 on May 16, 2007 10:25 AM CDT reply actions

Let's hope

Big Ben leaves the fro out for the next two games.

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/basketball/bulls/387200,CST-SPT-bullch16.article

History..you can either read about it or be part of it. GO BULLS!!!!!

by sue369 on May 16, 2007 10:45 AM CDT reply actions

Ok guys, chill off a little lol

I mean I am as proud as anybody about the Chicago Bulls, but everybody (mainly the media) seems to be writing the Bulls in to winning 2 in a row, or at least a gaurenteed game six victory. I'm still not sure thats happening. I'm not quite convinced. Remember, the Pistons still lead 3-2.

Wallace, Deng, Hinrich, Thomas earing NBA accolades. Thomas, Gordon at All-Star weekend. A sweep of the Champs. One great year.

by hongydraw on May 16, 2007 11:00 AM CDT reply actions

buzz kill :(

History..you can either read about it or be part of it. GO BULLS!!!!!

by sue369 on May 16, 2007 11:18 AM CDT up reply actions

shhhhhhh

as a fan, I get to bask in the imputed glory of the victory at least for a few more hours. starts.

by GWKD on May 16, 2007 11:28 AM CDT up reply actions

hit "preview" button first GWKD

But I'll use the extra post to point out: what is most remarkable to me is that the Bulls and Pistons can't seem to have a game where it is close the whole way. Even going back through the regular season, it seems that the games have all been blowouts or one team has come back from a gigantic deficit. I wonder if we will see a game that will come down to the last few seconds.

by GWKD on May 16, 2007 11:31 AM CDT up reply actions

The game

Chicago won at home against Detroit in April was pretty close

The only Yi Jianlian fan here

by Option27 on May 16, 2007 11:37 AM CDT up reply actions

Nope--106-88

was the final score. "Chicago took control of the game with a 16-4 run - with Hinrich scoring half of its points - to end the third quarter for a 84-69 lead. Until that burst, it was a tightly contested game with 15 lead changes and eight ties." http://www.nba.com/games/20070404/CHIDET/recap.html

by GWKD on May 16, 2007 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions

I think he meant the game at the end of March.

I believe the Bulls won by two.

by 1958ChiTown on May 16, 2007 11:48 AM CDT up reply actions

both mistakes

I said at home but I also said April, I meant late March. They won by 2. Remember Hinrich getting fouled taking a late 3?

http://www.nba.com/games/20070329/DETCHI/recap.html

The only Yi Jianlian fan here

by Option27 on May 16, 2007 11:48 AM CDT up reply actions

yep

see below comment, sorry.

by GWKD on May 16, 2007 11:49 AM CDT up reply actions

but you're right

earlier, my mistake. The Bulls won 83-81 on March 29, lost 95-93 on Feb 25, and won 106-89 on Jan 6.

by GWKD on May 16, 2007 11:48 AM CDT up reply actions

yeah

that was the game when we were up on the pistons by 12 with like 3 or 4 minuites to go and they came back to tie it, but then we got a couple free throws and held on to win...

the first game at the UC against the pistons we blew them out but they were without Billups and a couple other guys too.

by Checkster on May 16, 2007 12:03 PM CDT up reply actions

Did anyone notice people...

pooring out of the game with like 5 minutes to go? If your a Piston that has to bother effect you alittle. It felt like they had lost the series.

Bears moving dynamic Hester to offense!

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on May 16, 2007 11:56 AM CDT reply actions

bother or effect

Bears moving dynamic Hester to offense!

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on May 16, 2007 11:56 AM CDT reply actions

Red T-Shirts

Why can't the United Center Promotional people hand out red t-shirts so we can pack the arena with a sea of red like the Warriors or Jazz or Heat do?
I think that'd be pretty cool for the playoffs...

by Checkster on May 16, 2007 12:05 PM CDT reply actions

We've been getting little rally towels

with the silhouettes of various players on them.

Game 3 was Ben Wallace.

Game 4 was Luol Deng.

I presume they will have a new player on the towel for game 6.

Red t-shirts would be cool, thought it's somewhat de riguer and trite now.

by 1958ChiTown on May 16, 2007 12:10 PM CDT up reply actions

Yeah,

there's a fine line between coordinated shirts making the fans look awesome (Golden State) and like total douchebags (Miami). Better to keep it classy. My question is why did they go away from the ThunderStix? The rally towels are ok, but they don't make an obnoxious and unreasonable amount of noise.

by Petor on May 16, 2007 12:50 PM CDT up reply actions

Hmm. A Thunderstix proponent.

Here is my issue with Thunderstix: I rarely use them. Also, it never fails that the small kid a row or two down from me will wave them in the air the entire game, causing great consternation when I have to bob my head to see key plays.

LOL. We are discussing the relative merits of Thunderstix at Bulls games. We're really delving into the minutiae here at Blogabull.

by 1958ChiTown on May 16, 2007 12:55 PM CDT up reply actions

Oooh

I love those Thunderstix though! My hands dont hurt as much after the game from clapping, but they do take up a lot of room especially in the already crowded 300-level.

by Squirrley on May 16, 2007 5:01 PM CDT up reply actions

Nooooooooooooooooo

Don't do the red T-shirts please. Towels are cool.

Bears moving dynamic Hester to offense!

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on May 16, 2007 12:12 PM CDT reply actions

I liked the rally towels too

The last two games they handed out towels, however tomorrow they are going with the Thunderstix which I don't like as much.

by Checkster on May 16, 2007 12:44 PM CDT up reply actions

Really?

How do you know?

I don't particularly like the Thunderstix either.

I'd prefer another towel.

by 1958ChiTown on May 16, 2007 12:47 PM CDT up reply actions

they post it here

http://www.nba.com/bulls/tickets/promotional_0607.html

by Checkster on May 16, 2007 1:44 PM CDT up reply actions

Pistons' Practice

Today's pistons practice is optional. After game 5, you'd think Flip would want everyone there, even if they needed rest.

by jai on May 16, 2007 12:21 PM CDT reply actions

History

Bulls sweep defending champs, then come back from 0-3 to be the first team to ever do it in the NBA. this team was built for historic reasons.

My optimism is riding high right about now.

The only Yi Jianlian fan here

by Option27 on May 16, 2007 12:58 PM CDT reply actions

LOL. I'll be happy if we can somehow find a way to

win tomorrow. That's all I want.

I'm afraid our guards might disappear again.

by 1958ChiTown on May 16, 2007 1:00 PM CDT up reply actions

Something

tells me they've really found out how to attack that "clever" zone. The last three games have proved that.

Don't be worried, it's time for Detroit to give up the zone and once they do that, it's back to the drive and kick game that the Bulls favor so much.

The only Yi Jianlian fan here

by Option27 on May 16, 2007 1:02 PM CDT up reply actions

They did

Last night against the zone, the team only used Deng or Brown at the free throw line against the zone. When Thomas was in the game he played out on the wing with Deng in the paint against the zone. Wallace also stayed out of the paint against the zone. They also learned how to drive against it. Normally the Bulls are trained to kick the ball out on drives for jumpers. That doesn't work against the zone and led to alot of steals and deflections for Detroit, especially in the first couple of games. Now when Hinrich drives, he's passing forward to a player behind the zone for layups. The team naturally wants to drive and kick the way they did all season, they had to learn to break some habits.

by Scotter on May 16, 2007 1:22 PM CDT up reply actions

I'll be honest...

I dont feel so great about tonights game...in fact this is stupid but I somehow felt more like we would win the series when we were down 3-1. I have no idea why.

Wallace, Deng, Hinrich, Thomas earing NBA accolades. Thomas, Gordon at All-Star weekend. A sweep of the Champs. One great year.

by hongydraw on May 17, 2007 2:45 PM CDT up reply actions

I'll be honest...

I dont feel so great about tonights game...in fact this is stupid but I somehow felt more like we would win the series when we were down 3-1. I have no idea why.

Wallace, Deng, Hinrich, Thomas earing NBA accolades. Thomas, Gordon at All-Star weekend. A sweep of the Champs. One great year.

by hongydraw on May 17, 2007 2:46 PM CDT up reply actions

It's even dumber

when you post it twice.

FEAR THE ROOKIES!

by bullshooter on May 18, 2007 8:48 AM CDT up reply actions

Too little too late?

Did the blown 19 point lead in game 3 cost them the season? They would be up 3-2 right now looking to close out at home. Now they're in survival mode. Win at home sure? Win game 7 on the road... that's the catch. Game 7 at Detroit is 10 gorillas sitting in the corner of the room. They should win thursday (70 percent chance)and they ... might... just...barely win game 7. However that is highly, highly, highly unlikely. I'm guessing about 2 percent chance. They blew game 3, and did they ever?

by vlad001 on May 16, 2007 1:11 PM CDT reply actions

The thing with that game

is that it's over and done with. You got to forget it. I know it's easier said than done, but let it go. The blew it and now they moved on, so should you

The only Yi Jianlian fan here

by Option27 on May 16, 2007 1:14 PM CDT up reply actions

Agree totally

Who is to say that if the Bulls had won game 3 they would have won Games 4 & 5. If you change the past the future may change, maybe losing game 3 was a blessing in disguise we will see. GO BULLS!

by SRQman on May 16, 2007 2:44 PM CDT up reply actions

thats right

Marty! ( Back to the Future)

Bears moving dynamic Hester to offense!

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on May 16, 2007 6:46 PM CDT up reply actions

Is there a

positive bone in your body?

From Champs to Chumps!

by Goostafer on May 16, 2007 1:19 PM CDT up reply actions

Remember this series is

Just another problem that requires jumping. Tyrus Thomas might be able to solve it.

"Always turn a negative situation into a positive situation." -Michael Jordan

by cubbybear on May 16, 2007 2:57 PM CDT up reply actions

Here here!

If there are problems in this world that jumping can solve, Tyrus Thomas will solve them. (Truehoop)

by Chalkwhite on May 17, 2007 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions

Hear! Hear!

Is the correct usage. You're not pointing at something. You're exclaiming that others should come "hear" what someone has just "said".

History does NOT have to repeat itself. Um... Go BULLS!!!

by tyger1147 on May 17, 2007 3:40 PM CDT up reply actions

My humble apologies.

If there are problems in this world that jumping can solve, Tyrus Thomas will solve them. (Truehoop)

by Chalkwhite on May 17, 2007 4:50 PM CDT up reply actions

Probably came off as a dick...

Any "correcting" or constructive criticism does these days. But that's really all I was trying to do.

Yes, of course.

by tyger1147 on May 18, 2007 11:34 AM CDT up reply actions

It isn't a good diary

until vlad comes in with his analogies and pessimistic, however cliche, predictions.

Gasless car, now gorillas. I'm kind of wondering what it'll be next.

Rasheed Wallace likes to comment about guys' butts. -"Them butt holes got tighter and TIGHTER."

by NittanyBull on May 16, 2007 5:03 PM CDT up reply actions

Some awesome quotes in the Detroit paper

This was my fav, from a recap by Mitch Albom:

"The Bulls, resurrected, flat-out embarrassed Detroit in its home gym. They could have pulled the Pistons' pants down and not hurt their pride as much."

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070516/COL01/705160432/1051/SPORTS03

Who says it can't be done?

by wjb1492 on May 16, 2007 4:58 PM CDT reply actions

Great article

but that picture is priceless.

History..you can either read about it or be part of it. GO BULLS!!!!!

by sue369 on May 16, 2007 6:27 PM CDT up reply actions

bulls home game c ticket

is scott skiles on the ticket?

by tomcat on May 16, 2007 10:24 PM CDT reply actions

They should goon it up next game

Send in Krap-ya and take out Billups. I mean TAKE OUT BILLUPS. Break his leg or give that big bulbous head of his a concussion. It has to be done for the sake of making history and coming back from 0-3. Krap-ya is a pretty expendable player imo.

by vlad001 on May 17, 2007 1:02 AM CDT reply actions

I hope this is a joke

If it's not, you have undoubtedly become the stupidest person I've seen on this blog, and perhaps world. If you don't see the wrong in "taking out" their arguable best player, and perennial all-star, then you really have something messed up with your head. That isn't just an idiotic idea basketball-wise, but a completely sophomoric idea that a living person would never do.

I'm not even going to make fun of you; you really need to go see someone.

Rasheed Wallace likes to comment about guys' butts. -"Them butt holes got tighter and TIGHTER."

by NittanyBull on May 17, 2007 3:03 AM CDT up reply actions