Open Game Thread #34: Bulls at Philadelphia 76ers

Good news for the Bulls

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3192421

That means the Hawks might end up losing a win. The Bulls might be competing with them at the end of the season for playoff positioning (which is incredibly sad).

by Big D on Jan 11, 2008 4:56 PM CST reply actions

If they can replay the last 2 seconds of that game

They should do way more replays.

I think it's complete bullshit. The Bulls have had mad calls go the other way or miscalled, but they don't replay those

by Option27 on Jan 11, 2008 5:00 PM CST up reply actions

did you even read the article?

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 11, 2008 5:01 PM CST up reply actions

It said

cause of a miscalled Shaq foul that had him fouling out, right?

by Option27 on Jan 11, 2008 5:03 PM CST up reply actions

Oh I had a typo

I meant to type in 52 seconds

by Option27 on Jan 11, 2008 5:09 PM CST up reply actions

nope

no calls were missed. the scorer's table incorrectly dq'ed shaq.

Fire Boylan!

by hscs on Jan 11, 2008 5:16 PM CST up reply actions

I wonder what happens to the gamblers in Vegas

If you bet on the Heat and you lost, do you get your money back now? Do they ban you from the sportsbooks on the grounds that you must have a serious gambling problem to bet on a Heat-Hawks game in December?

by Big D on Jan 11, 2008 5:28 PM CST up reply actions

I was thinking the same thing

What does Vegas do? But whoever bet on that game has bigger problems.

Fire Boylan!

by hscs on Jan 11, 2008 5:30 PM CST up reply actions

Go Bulls!!!

Win, just win.

by sue369 on Jan 11, 2008 5:10 PM CST reply actions

Tyrus

Like a wise man once said,

Shoot for the stars, and fall on Andre Iguodala.

Can this season be saved by jumping?

by cubbybear on Jan 11, 2008 5:33 PM CST reply actions

Dammit Noah!!!

He's suspended one game for missing a shoot around. WHY??? That is just stupid on his part.

Win, just win.

by sue369 on Jan 11, 2008 5:36 PM CST reply actions

Now they are saying

K. C. will report in his blog tomorrow that Joakim got into a verbal altercation with one of the assistant coaches today and that is why he was suspended. Hmmm.

Win, just win.

by sue369 on Jan 11, 2008 5:42 PM CST up reply actions

oh jeez

that's not good.

Perhaps Noah was waving around a copy of his PER ranking at center.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 11, 2008 5:57 PM CST up reply actions

Here you go

http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/fullcourtpress/2008/01/noah-inactive.html

Maybe we'll get to see Nichols tonight.

by Big D on Jan 11, 2008 5:57 PM CST up reply actions

you beat me

by 7 seconds. :)

by KT on Jan 11, 2008 5:58 PM CST up reply actions

Ron Adams

It's on KC's blog now

http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/fullcourtpress/.

Nichols has been activated and Ben Wallace and Chris Duhon have the flu bug.

by KT on Jan 11, 2008 5:57 PM CST up reply actions

Wallace and Duh also share the suck bug

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 11, 2008 6:03 PM CST up reply actions

It's definitely been going around

Maybe Wallace is partying with Duhon and the college chicks?

Can this season be saved by jumping?

by cubbybear on Jan 11, 2008 9:52 PM CST up reply actions

Tremendous upside potential in this situation

Best case: Noah is so upset by the team's lack of passion that he intentionally acted out to get everyone fired up. He's channeling the same infinite wisdom that Big Ben used last season during the "headband incident." The Bulls will go 49-0 the rest of the season and beat the Spurs in the Finals.

Worst case: Noah gets the night off, Bulls continue to play like garbage. Noah learns that he can't yell at coaches.

by paxson43 on Jan 11, 2008 5:59 PM CST up reply actions

the point remains

that whatever the results are, the story will retroatively fit to it. I believe the Blazers win streak came after some practice altercation between Travis Outlaw and a squirrel.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 11, 2008 6:02 PM CST up reply actions

Earl Boykins

isn't even ON the Blazers!!!

Can this season be saved by jumping?

by cubbybear on Jan 11, 2008 9:53 PM CST up reply actions

Hehehe

He needs to learn that 90 percent of life is just showing up on time.

At least he's nice to reporters during interviews, though. Not like that fucking asshole Tyrus Thomas.

by Big D on Jan 11, 2008 5:43 PM CST up reply actions

God the Bulls suck

by Big D on Jan 11, 2008 6:24 PM CST reply actions

Lord

by gobulls1124 on Jan 11, 2008 6:25 PM CST reply actions

We are playing like crap.

I'd rather see the entire bench playing than any of the starters if they are going to play like this. Blah. I should have gone out tonight.

by cranscape on Jan 11, 2008 6:26 PM CST reply actions

Ok, I am turning it off.

I think I have a Netflix to watch.

by cranscape on Jan 11, 2008 6:29 PM CST up reply actions

wow

the bulls suck. im out.

by Sambossanova on Jan 11, 2008 6:29 PM CST reply actions

Bulls suck

Hinrich turned the ball over and laid on the floor-that's a "break away play" of the game.
Are we officialy tanking this season?

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

by Azabullsfan on Jan 11, 2008 6:31 PM CST reply actions

Wow, people are getting the hell

out of the dodge since the Bulls are losing. Because if they suck, why watch?

sigh

"Glen Davis??? wow!! We had Glen Davis, his name is Michael Sweetney" - tyrus4prez

by NittanyBull on Jan 11, 2008 6:32 PM CST reply actions

Just to watch

TT,Thabo,Gray playing.That's it.

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

by Azabullsfan on Jan 11, 2008 6:37 PM CST up reply actions

Hey Bolan...where is Thabo in for Hinbrik?

by GoldenThreePeat on Jan 11, 2008 6:33 PM CST reply actions

We stink!

by chgobr on Jan 11, 2008 6:35 PM CST reply actions

Wallace is -17 for the quarter

Boylan is a gonner.

by chgobr on Jan 11, 2008 6:38 PM CST up reply actions

i am tired

...of seeing BG get trapped and turn it over for the hundredth time

by bullsfaninbigapple on Jan 11, 2008 6:37 PM CST reply actions

Teams are all double-teaming him

The Knicks had Nat Robinson glued to him. We need TMac to free up Gordon.

by chgobr on Jan 11, 2008 6:41 PM CST up reply actions

I like this lineup

Thabo si the fifth option

by Scotter on Jan 11, 2008 6:41 PM CST reply actions

Until Duhon came in,

but Gray,Thomas,Thabo, and Gordon works for me.

by Scotter on Jan 11, 2008 6:44 PM CST up reply actions

hmm

Is there any other team in the NBA whose starters would probably lose to its bench?

by potato0328 on Jan 11, 2008 6:41 PM CST reply actions

Hahah

That's pretty sad. I hope our bench plays more minutes than our starters, pretty much every game.

Can this season be saved by jumping?

by cubbybear on Jan 11, 2008 9:57 PM CST up reply actions

good point

and BenG doesn't have to worry about Defense if he's guarding Duhon and Thabo takes Kirk

Bench strenght is a good thing as it proves Bulls depth but Bulls coaches have to know how to use that and Bulls management have to be able to use the assets they have collected

by NY Chicago Fan on Jan 11, 2008 10:11 PM CST up reply actions

Philis announcer worse then Charlotts'

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

by Azabullsfan on Jan 11, 2008 6:43 PM CST reply actions

Im sick

I have a doctors note not to go to Bulls games this season... Not only would I need to puke but if I was at this game id have to pick a fight to see one person in a Bulls jersey work hard tonite. Where is Pau Gasol? If Hobo Smith is putting up these numbers in this system Gasol would easily be a 30 15 guy.

by TRiCioNeRo on Jan 11, 2008 6:47 PM CST reply actions

Ben Wallace is just the worst

"Glen Davis??? wow!! We had Glen Davis, his name is Michael Sweetney" - tyrus4prez

by NittanyBull on Jan 11, 2008 6:48 PM CST reply actions

just saw your sig, funny stuff

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

by tyrus4prez on Jan 11, 2008 7:03 PM CST up reply actions

SEFO!

He's playing good so far.Nice steal.

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

by Azabullsfan on Jan 11, 2008 6:50 PM CST reply actions

Dalembert

is kicking Wallaces' ass.

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

by Azabullsfan on Jan 11, 2008 6:53 PM CST reply actions

Sefoloshas' best game of the season.

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

by Azabullsfan on Jan 11, 2008 6:57 PM CST reply actions

There is no way he should have been sitting

on the bench so long.

by chgobr on Jan 11, 2008 7:05 PM CST up reply actions

Skiles pressed him badly

Hopefully his confidence will be back.
I want to see him playing like he was playing aginst Wade in the Miami sweep.

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

by Azabullsfan on Jan 11, 2008 7:11 PM CST up reply actions

ha!

I'd like to see TT do that!

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 11, 2008 7:07 PM CST reply actions

nice 2nd quarter...sixers suck

by bullsfaninbigapple on Jan 11, 2008 7:08 PM CST reply actions

Maybe we gave them the flu

during that first quarter.

I turned it back on to see Thabo play. He is doing well. Exactly as I thought. For the rest of them - in the first quarter they looked like the players from Space Jam who had their spirit sucked out of them. It was horrific. We may win this game, but the memory of that first quarter will linger on.

by cranscape on Jan 11, 2008 7:13 PM CST up reply actions

the flu won't linger

you should let it go.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 11, 2008 7:20 PM CST up reply actions

everybody who left

is going to shocked tomorrow.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 11, 2008 7:11 PM CST reply actions

Not so fast,bro.

As we know this team can fold in 4-Q without any reason and lose it...:-(

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

by Azabullsfan on Jan 11, 2008 7:16 PM CST up reply actions

I turned it back on

to see Thabo. Because who knows when we will see him play again.

That first quarter was inexcusable. Period. Win or lose - you don't do that. And for the love of Bob they better keep in the bench players who turned things around for them. Last thing we need is another New York where they benched everyone who got them there then wondered why it went to crap.

by cranscape on Jan 11, 2008 7:17 PM CST up reply actions

Who cares if they are or aren't?

They aren't real fans if they stop watching in the first quarter, even considering the situation of the game and season

"Glen Davis??? wow!! We had Glen Davis, his name is Michael Sweetney" - tyrus4prez

by NittanyBull on Jan 11, 2008 7:40 PM CST up reply actions

He-he

I'm agree with you :-)

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

by Azabullsfan on Jan 11, 2008 7:44 PM CST up reply actions

Guess I am not a "real" fan.

They played worse than crap in the first quarter and are perfectly capable of turning on the crap at any moment as we've seen all season. I frequently turn the game off in the 4th quarter when they are like that because when they don't care why should I suffer through it? If they don't feel like playing why should we feel like watching? Because we want to be real fans? Give me a break.

Even when they sucked a few years ago they were fun to watch because they were trying 100% and were playing the kind of team ball that makes basketball look good. I think we got maybe 10% out of them in that first quarter and that was from bench substitutions. If they were at the UC they would have been booed. Sorry if I expect a little more out of them than that. Turning off the TV is perfectly acceptable for a fan to do. Unless you are into torturing yourself.

by cranscape on Jan 11, 2008 8:55 PM CST up reply actions

Amen brother

I watch and follow sports to relax and have a good time. Unfortunately, I let a bad performances by my favorite sports teams affect me too much emotionally. That's a problem that I have. Especially when you consider I'm a fan of Chicago sports teams and the University of Iowa, I should be used to disappointment. Still, I don't think it makes me a bad fan. If anything, it makes me a reasonable person that I know to step away from the game that's annoying me and spend time with my wife and daughter instead.

by snley on Jan 11, 2008 9:58 PM CST up reply actions

Whatever you have to say to yourself

"Glen Davis??? wow!! We had Glen Davis, his name is Michael Sweetney" - tyrus4prez

by NittanyBull on Jan 12, 2008 1:57 AM CST up reply actions

So lucky to have you to show me the true way

I guess it is really too much to ask for a sports team to be reasonably competitive and entertaining. I guess they are paid millions just to put out what they feel like each night. Y'know, I always thought Deng should put up the same effort as Wallace. If he just doesn't feel like playing well he should flat foot it down the floor for half the game. Thanks for showing me the expectations of a true fan! /sarc

by cranscape on Jan 12, 2008 10:20 AM CST up reply actions

No problem

You typing a full paragraph of sarcasm only shows how uncomfortable you are with my statement.

"Glen Davis??? wow!! We had Glen Davis, his name is Michael Sweetney" - tyrus4prez

by NittanyBull on Jan 12, 2008 5:58 PM CST up reply actions

No, I completely agree with you.

I am really uncomfortable that you think a real fan should accept whatever crap the Bulls put out on the floor. Real fans must be the reason Wallace is still employed. See, no sarcasm there there at all.

by cranscape on Jan 12, 2008 8:02 PM CST up reply actions

Wow

"Glen Davis??? wow!! We had Glen Davis, his name is Michael Sweetney" - tyrus4prez

by NittanyBull on Jan 13, 2008 12:10 PM CST up reply actions

Nice play by the

Bulls to end the half. When I saw BG standing at the top dribbling I was cursing but then he passed to Kirk who passed to Noch. I never thought they would have the lead at the half the way they played in the first quarter.

Thabo played well. He has such quick hands. Makes me sick that Skiles almost ruined him.

Come out fired up for the second half guys.

Win, just win.

by sue369 on Jan 11, 2008 7:13 PM CST reply actions

lots of movement on that play

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

by tyrus4prez on Jan 11, 2008 7:19 PM CST up reply actions

how many times

did they foul bulls on that possession?

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 11, 2008 7:27 PM CST reply actions

Verbal altercation?!?

Craziness. For us ex-pats, what's the word? Did he same something truly abhorrent to the Bulls coaching staff, like "play me?"

by Freethefro on Jan 11, 2008 7:33 PM CST reply actions

Holy crap

Looks like the Bulls started off slow, but something changed... up 9? What was the adjustment? If it is Thabo, then I'll be a very happy young man.

by paxson43 on Jan 11, 2008 7:46 PM CST reply actions

he's been solid

by bullsfaninbigapple on Jan 11, 2008 7:48 PM CST up reply actions

great block by TT

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 11, 2008 7:46 PM CST reply actions

Tyrus

...nice playson both ends

by bullsfaninbigapple on Jan 11, 2008 7:46 PM CST reply actions

really nice to see bulls dominate like this

regardless of how bad the sixers are

by lampnasty on Jan 11, 2008 7:50 PM CST reply actions

How did they look?

The game isn't televised in Iowa

TMD- http://playahatersblog.blogspot.com

by TMD on Jan 11, 2008 7:52 PM CST reply actions

First quoter was worst of the season

but then they got back.Noce and Thabo played well.

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

by Azabullsfan on Jan 11, 2008 7:55 PM CST up reply actions

The game was on

in Iowa. It's just that your cable does not carry CSN.

Win, just win.

by sue369 on Jan 11, 2008 8:43 PM CST up reply actions

lol sue

wonder how many times this conversation will occur...

by Jaina on Jan 11, 2008 9:31 PM CST up reply actions

He makes it

sound like all Iowa has is antennas and a rotor if you're lucky.

Win, just win.

by sue369 on Jan 11, 2008 9:42 PM CST up reply actions

Is it my imagination

or do the Bulls stretch the lead with Gray and fall back with Wallsce? I haven't been able to watch much.

by alec on Jan 11, 2008 7:57 PM CST reply actions

gameflow will tell you tomorrow

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 11, 2008 7:58 PM CST up reply actions

But will it tell Boylan?

by alec on Jan 11, 2008 8:00 PM CST up reply actions

I doubt it

TMD- http://playahatersblog.blogspot.com

by TMD on Jan 11, 2008 8:02 PM CST reply actions

Wow

Finally some PT for Joe Smith. This guy should just be on the floor every second of every game. Ben Wallace too. Brilliant.

Insert sarcasm here.

by MarketMaker on Jan 11, 2008 8:08 PM CST reply actions

I wonder if that spill

knocked BG a little loopy.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 11, 2008 8:10 PM CST reply actions

I think Joe Smith may

be our best offensive player.

Oh boy.

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

by 1958ChiTown on Jan 11, 2008 8:13 PM CST reply actions

no

just the most consistent.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 11, 2008 8:14 PM CST up reply actions

Probably one of the smartest.

He knows where his shots come from and to get to his spot. Deng can do this pretty well too.

by cranscape on Jan 11, 2008 8:44 PM CST up reply actions

OK up by 13 3:48 left

Time to see Khryapa?!

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

by Azabullsfan on Jan 11, 2008 8:14 PM CST reply actions

Smith has been pretty good

..and quite consistent over many games

by bullsfaninbigapple on Jan 11, 2008 8:14 PM CST reply actions

Smith is playing great tonight

"Glen Davis??? wow!! We had Glen Davis, his name is Michael Sweetney" - tyrus4prez

by NittanyBull on Jan 11, 2008 8:14 PM CST reply actions

Noc is playing a terrific game too

it'd still be nice to see some Thabo, though. And there he is.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 11, 2008 8:15 PM CST reply actions

hopefully this performance

will mean we never have to see an Iggy trade idea since Noc dominated him tonight.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 11, 2008 8:20 PM CST up reply actions

And Iggy was stupid enough

not to take 57 millions.That's what Stacy and Kerr
said.

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

by Azabullsfan on Jan 11, 2008 8:26 PM CST up reply actions

Stacey King

is just making some hilarious comments.

Insert sarcasm here.

by MarketMaker on Jan 11, 2008 8:16 PM CST reply actions

wtf is duhon doing

by bullsfaninbigapple on Jan 11, 2008 8:23 PM CST reply actions

he travelled before the goal tend

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 11, 2008 8:25 PM CST reply actions

Holy fuck nut.

Gordon is a late game turnover machine.

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

by 1958ChiTown on Jan 11, 2008 8:25 PM CST reply actions

bg should never play the last 2 mins

by bullsfaninbigapple on Jan 11, 2008 8:25 PM CST reply actions

these guys are doing this on purpose

they have to be. there's no other explanation for it.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 11, 2008 8:25 PM CST reply actions

Bulls are not Bulls

if they finish strong against shity teams by 20 points.

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

by Azabullsfan on Jan 11, 2008 8:28 PM CST reply actions

somebody needs to tell noc

to throw the game.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 11, 2008 8:28 PM CST reply actions

Will the Bulls go with their

patented end of game play: Gordon pounds the ball at the arc?

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

by 1958ChiTown on Jan 11, 2008 8:31 PM CST reply actions

They'll go with Plan B

Which is Gordon driving into the paint, falling flat on his face, and turning the ball over.

by Big D on Jan 11, 2008 8:32 PM CST up reply actions

LOL.

Philly mooted it by fouling.

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

by 1958ChiTown on Jan 11, 2008 8:34 PM CST up reply actions

the better question would be

why is Wallace even in the game in that situation.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 11, 2008 8:32 PM CST reply actions

Joe Smith played well against his former team

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

by Azabullsfan on Jan 11, 2008 8:35 PM CST reply actions

if he played well against all his former teams

...we'd be #1 in the conference :-)

by bullsfaninbigapple on Jan 11, 2008 8:40 PM CST up reply actions

LOL!

You're right.And if BW plays well not only against his former team...:-)

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

by Azabullsfan on Jan 11, 2008 8:43 PM CST up reply actions

At least we won.

Not a lot to be impressed with, but a W is a W.

And Luol is out, so I'll cut the team some slack.

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

by 1958ChiTown on Jan 11, 2008 8:36 PM CST reply actions

And it's on the road.

Ok,but again we should blow them out.

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

by Azabullsfan on Jan 11, 2008 8:41 PM CST up reply actions

the bulls did

until the final two minutes.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 11, 2008 8:46 PM CST up reply actions

at least we won...

...barely

by bullsfaninbigapple on Jan 11, 2008 8:36 PM CST reply actions

Gotta hand it to the bulls

always an exciting ending.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 11, 2008 8:37 PM CST reply actions

i'm a T2 fan

...but he has been under-whelming. gray seems to do more for our offense.

by bullsfaninbigapple on Jan 11, 2008 8:38 PM CST reply actions

Pay attention to who is making the post entry pass

it's Tyrus. He's good at it, and he makes entry passes our small guards can't. Tyrus makes the game easier for Aaron Gray.

by Scotter on Jan 11, 2008 9:09 PM CST up reply actions

That was a close one

Weren't they up by quite a few at one point?

TMD- http://playahatersblog.blogspot.com

by TMD on Jan 11, 2008 8:48 PM CST reply actions

Boyland was impressed by Thabo today.

Hope...

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

by Azabullsfan on Jan 11, 2008 8:49 PM CST reply actions

As someone

who had the flu last week I'll give them some slack in that first quarter. It took them some time to get themselves going but they recovered nicely, well till the end any way.

Nocioni wanted this game tonight and played a great game. Joe was good to. Thabo came in and made the most of his playing time. I thought Aaron did OK too. Nice to get the win and hope they get another one on Sunday.

Win, just win.

by sue369 on Jan 11, 2008 8:50 PM CST reply actions

I'll ditto that.

I'm still recovering from it and completely without energy. I couldn't watch the game, but both of the sickies had good boxscore nights.

"I believe. I believe. It's silly, but I believe." (Miracle on 34th Street)

by wjb1492 on Jan 11, 2008 9:04 PM CST up reply actions

It seems

Like Joe Smith has been our most consistant player

TMD- http://playahatersblog.blogspot.com

by TMD on Jan 11, 2008 8:51 PM CST reply actions

Checking the box score

Noc went off! 11/18 and scoring 26. Awesome job.

Gordon looks like he struggled a bit. Only shot 4/13. Hopefully he isn't reverting back to the early season Gordon.

Regardless, the Bulls hit the century mark again! free big macs for everybody/.

by RogersPark Kris on Jan 11, 2008 8:53 PM CST reply actions

Further box score checking

reveals a less then par night for the body. 8 total rebounds and 6 points. Dalembert ate him up for 20 rebounds and 21 points.

BW fucking sucks.

by RogersPark Kris on Jan 11, 2008 8:58 PM CST up reply actions

Stat of the Night

I'm glad they won. Really glad it sounds like there is hope for Thabo

but the Stat of the Night (if my yahoo boxscore is correct) has to be Defensive rebounds. I shouldn't even have to point out what is wrong with this picture

Mins Defensive Rebounds
Noc 30:13 6
Thabo 13:15 3
Smith 34:34 3
Gray 13:23 2
Thomas 16:20 2
Kirk 30:24 2
Duhon 32:29 2
Wallace 33:23 2
BenG 35:55 2

I see that Wallace had 6 offensive rebounds but the Bulls were outrebounded overall and 6ers missed more shots so how could he only get 2 rebounds on the defensive end in 30+ mins ...

by NY Chicago Fan on Jan 11, 2008 9:17 PM CST up reply actions

Wallace can't rebound against guys

who jump like Dalembert or against guys who actually boxout like Evans. is performances against Philly have been woeful, including 0 rebounds in 20 minutes in a game last season.

by Scotter on Jan 11, 2008 9:29 PM CST up reply actions

Noce

Seems to come up big when we need it most

TMD- http://playahatersblog.blogspot.com

by TMD on Jan 11, 2008 8:54 PM CST reply actions

Noch

His strongest trait is his confidence, i wish he could let someone like say hinrich borrow that confidence, but noch has the mentality that he never screws up, that he is always right, and that he cant be stopped. Though he may lack some of the polish most of the other bulls players do, he has that surge of confidence, which makes him a chucker, but also gives him that, whats that phrase, scorers mentality? He is not afraid of the shot clock expiring or the pressures of the game, its something that i think guys like thabo, hinrich, at times even gordon and deng suffer through.

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

by piccolomair on Jan 11, 2008 10:07 PM CST up reply actions

I agree, Noch has the heart on

this team, but... who has the head?

by philosoball on Jan 11, 2008 10:34 PM CST up reply actions

Too much head..err...Smarts

I think the problem with some of the guys has become over thinking, not under thinking. Take Thabo or Hinrich as your PRIME examples, i dont think ive seen two guys who over think situations more than them, which is what leads to STUPID mistakes or simply missed shots. On a personal note, as a hinrich fan, im waiting for hinrich to rekindle that no hesitation he had in his rookie and sophmore years, and showed in the playoffs against the heat (in 2006). He has more enough of hte brain, but he seriously has lacked that oomph, i could say the same for guys like gordon (who looked bored as hell today) thabo, and of course WALLACE

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

by piccolomair on Jan 11, 2008 10:54 PM CST up reply actions

That "Oomph"!

Well, I guess that would help(?)(!) But how about a guy who can make sure the Bulls get a good shot each time down the floor at the end of the game. A guy who can settle them down when the other team goes on a run. Maybe I'm looking for a "star"
that the team doesn't have, or maybe Hinrich needs to learn how to play in pressure situations. Hopefully, we're getting some helpful experience in all these late game meltdowns.

by philosoball on Jan 11, 2008 11:19 PM CST up reply actions

I think i mean what u say

To be a star of the team, thats exactly what kirk needs to do, its why i liked him the best of all the bulls players. It always seemed that when hinrich was not in the game, things just didnt flow, people didnt know the plays, or the defense would collapse at the front court. It never really affected me that hinrich didnt rack up a ton of assists, the bulls had the whole move the ball around to get the open shot, so it made sense. But hinrich always seemed like the calming factor (i speak of the year 2006 btw). It was that year when people made such remarks as hinrich being the next stockton, or nash.

The fact is that I honestly do not believe hinrich is incapable of becoming such a player again, but he wont for whatever reason. Check youtube, theres footage galore of the guard that hinrich should be, hell look at game 5 of the pistons playoff game. Hinrich needs to be a star of this team. He needs to have the composure guys like billups and kidd have. Its not about the skill really, he has the skill i think any bulls fan knows that, its about this mentality or heart he seems to have lost in the last two years.

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

by piccolomair on Jan 12, 2008 6:48 PM CST up reply actions

maybe what kirk needs

is more confidence in his teammates.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 12, 2008 10:52 PM CST up reply actions

How do you figure?

(honest question)

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

by piccolomair on Jan 13, 2008 1:16 AM CST up reply actions

How many assists

do you think Kirk would have if his teammates made all the shots after he dishes to them? Maybe he loses confidence in them after so many misses. Kirk is a very unselfish player. If Kirk is open and can get his shot off then he should take it but he would rather dish to his teammates.

Win, just win.

by sue369 on Jan 13, 2008 9:11 AM CST up reply actions

You are right

Remember at the end of the game we were up by 4 and players were passing ball to each other until Noc didn't take it strong to the hole?
I was afraid that they will miss another jumpshot.
I wish that Noc can get some brain from Kirk :-)
Doesn't this remind you "Wizard of Oz"?
Please give some Brain to Noc and Tyrus,some Heart to Kirk and the rest of the team,some soul to Wallace etc. :-)

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

by Azabullsfan on Jan 12, 2008 12:19 AM CST up reply actions

Kirk needs courage.

Let's see.....Deng needs courage. Wallace needs all three > Heart, Courage, and a Brain

Is it me or does Lebron walk like a duck?!

by GranvilleWaiters on Jan 12, 2008 11:29 AM CST up reply actions

Gray was

+21 in 13.23 minutes and Wallace was -22 in 33.24 minutes.

Win, just win.

by sue369 on Jan 11, 2008 8:58 PM CST reply actions

When he pulled Wallace before the end of the 1st

quarter, I had some hope Boylan had discovered that Wallace doesn't deserve to play. But, Boylan's 2nd half only reinforced my belief that the Boylan era was hopeless. Aaron Gray's lucky that he almost never has to play with Wallace's mopey ass.

by Scotter on Jan 11, 2008 9:19 PM CST up reply actions

This game just reinforced my

belief that the Bulls' problem this year is just as much mental as physical. They say in chess that you have to "win" the match 3 times, in the opening, the middle game, and the end game. The Bulls continue to show that are fairly clueless about the focus and judgement required to put teams away. In one sense it could give you hope that the problems aren't just physical, on the other hand, how many games are they going to force us to watch them mentally self-destruct?

by philosoball on Jan 11, 2008 9:08 PM CST reply actions

I saw a report

Of a trade for TMac. On ESPN trade machine TMac for Wallace and Duhon. However convincing the Rockets of that may be tough

TMD- http://playahatersblog.blogspot.com

by TMD on Jan 11, 2008 9:11 PM CST reply actions

This is my post in the Trade talk: McGrady

Wallace + Du for McGrady

by chgobr on Jan 11, 2008 9:24 PM CST up reply actions

What do you think

I know the Rockts could use Wallace for defensive help for Yao. Duhon would just be to match salaries. Hinrich could run the point move Deng to the two and play TMac at the three

TMD- http://playahatersblog.blogspot.com

by TMD on Jan 11, 2008 9:36 PM CST up reply actions

Bulls get TMac

and this season turns around - at least in terms of excitement. The Hinrich/McGrady/Gordon would be one of the NBA's best.

by Freethefro on Jan 11, 2008 9:42 PM CST up reply actions

That would be interesting

TMD- http://playahatersblog.blogspot.com

by TMD on Jan 11, 2008 9:44 PM CST up reply actions

Overvaluing players

I doubt Duhon + Wallace would work for Houston because they are loaded at point. I saw one blog saying the only way Wallace for McGrady goes down if we "throw in" Deng. Everyteam wants to give up as little as possible and Deng is not a throw in.

I think it might be closer to this

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/bk/bkn/5448870.html

or if not BG + Wallace

by Jesse07 on Jan 12, 2008 10:20 AM CST up reply actions

opps...

that was an article talking about how Houston & McGrady thinks trades are laughable. In this age in the NBA, you need to baby your stars or highly priced athletes (see Ben Wallace playing time).

I meant to post this:

http://games.espn.go.com/nba/features/traderesult?players=3028~885~532&teams=10~10~4&te=& ;cash=

by Jesse07 on Jan 12, 2008 10:22 AM CST up reply actions

Im down

by eross226 on Jan 11, 2008 9:24 PM CST reply actions

It may work

TMD- http://playahatersblog.blogspot.com

by TMD on Jan 11, 2008 9:39 PM CST reply actions

Zach Randolph got benched tonight

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap;_ylt=AmoaITds6F0uHyPTX8EHkKQ5nYcB?gid=2008011118

Supposedly got in some kind of argument with Isiah. I wonder if Isiah would take Ben Wallace for him . . .

by Big D on Jan 11, 2008 9:44 PM CST reply actions

He would be

Our low post presence. However I've heard that the relationship between the Bulls and Knicks is strained because of the Curry trade

TMD- http://playahatersblog.blogspot.com

by TMD on Jan 11, 2008 9:45 PM CST reply actions

Other random note

Did anyone else notice Red calling Jason Smith Josh Smith a couple times at the end of the game?

by Jaina on Jan 11, 2008 11:14 PM CST reply actions

LOL

I did.Kerr is getting OLD,and I guess commentating bad Bulls games is not helping him stay yanger :-)

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

by Azabullsfan on Jan 12, 2008 12:25 AM CST up reply actions

i just saw the box score

This part looks like a lot of fun.

Samuel Dalembert 9 Offensive rebounds, 20 rebounds.

I dunno about you but I think we need another bench Wallace thread, and soon.

醉生梦死

by blackmage71 on Jan 12, 2008 12:23 AM CST reply actions

Losing Ben Wallace would be a plus for this team

by chgobr on Jan 12, 2008 7:02 AM CST up reply actions

He does things that don't

show up in box scores. He's loaded with intangibles. He brings championship experience. He's a "man" that will help our "baby bulls" develop. He plays bigger than his 6.8 frame would suggest. He's a better offensive player than you give him credit for! He passes well. He makes em' when they count.

(At which point I choke on my own vomit.)

by Freethefro on Jan 12, 2008 9:08 AM CST up reply actions

Just to temper the hate a bit

wallace also reportedly had the flu. ok, let the pile on continue.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Jan 12, 2008 9:30 AM CST up reply actions

I apologize

I forgot his tenacity in grabbing those rebounds in key situations. He so ferociously grabbed a rebound with about 2 minutes to go in the Knick game, that Crawford easily took the ball from him and went up for a crucial layup. That really made him one of my fave five.

My heart goes out to him for having the flu.

by chgobr on Jan 12, 2008 9:38 AM CST up reply actions

No hate,

just humor for the rest of us. I don't care for Ben's play, nor do I agree with the reasons we got him (which I have parodied above), but I don't "hate" him. That's a word with scary connotations.

by Freethefro on Jan 12, 2008 10:14 AM CST up reply actions

Has he

had the flu all year?

by JeffD on Jan 12, 2008 12:05 PM CST up reply actions

and don't forget the deflections

by chgobr on Jan 12, 2008 9:31 AM CST up reply actions

Freethefro your excellent post has stirred me

particularly about the Corpse' intangibles. You named many in your post. I would like to add a few more.

1- The incredible speed he runs away from the basket when close to the rim.
2- I admire his disdain for dunking the ball..... preferring the picturesque light touch, underhand crossover that has a 50% chance of hitting the backboard, no less the rim.
3- The clever pass that isn't with 10 feet of any Bull
4- I particularly admire how he sulks if he doesn't play 38 minutes.
5- His great PR machine. After the heartbreaking 12/31 loss to Orlando the post game commentators gave the Corpse kudos for containing Dwight Howard. Howard had 22 rebs, 17 pts, 5 blocks, 3 stls, 1 TO and 2 assists. Wallace at 2 pts just murdered Howard.
6- What is not to love when that bell sounds.

The corpse is my hero.

by chgobr on Jan 12, 2008 2:10 PM CST up reply actions

#5

I was at the Orlando Game. Dwight howard has a secret: Noone else on his team even tries to rebound(Their PF is Rashard Lewis, after all). And he's tall.

Ben didn't do too badly on him, and limited him offensively for sure, he wasn't much of a factor, really.

Can this season be saved by jumping?

by cubbybear on Jan 13, 2008 3:13 AM CST up reply actions

finally, our d stepped up

when it mattered. i was worried the bulls were legally dead during the 1st quarter, but then they sniffed the smelling salt and snapped out of it. our defense was incredible the 2nd quarter. i know its the 76ers, but whatever, its good to see. i enjoyed thabo time, he gets after it on d and on the glass, and once he can hit his shot with consistency, he will be a lot of fun to watch. it was also great to see tyrus play well. he was as active as anyone out there, and that is a good sign. when those two get into a flow on d, they both are pretty tough. as long as those two are playing well on the defensive end, pax should hold onto them so their offensive game can develop. hopefully, pax can make a move that helps the team without losing thabo or tyrus

i would much rather have thabo than carney
and since when do they go to commercial on a 20 second TO???

by Conor on Jan 12, 2008 10:20 AM CST reply actions

Trade "The Corpse" to LA

LA wants to make a playoff run this year. What about getting an expiring contract with Kwame Brown along with Vladimir Radmanovic for our "Corpse?"

Would LA have any interest in him? Maybe we can include some cash in the deal?

http://games.espn.go.com/nba/features/traderesult?players=981~1016~885&teams=4~4~13&te=& cash=13:4

by Chitown23 on Jan 12, 2008 6:51 PM CST reply actions

I would pretty much do anything to get rid of the

corpse except lose Deng or Gordon. Paxson needs to comb the woods for a deal. I do think as we get closer to the deadline there will be more opportunities.

by chgobr on Jan 12, 2008 7:35 PM CST up reply actions

I agree

except I'd like to get a player other than small forward. If the Bulls think Radmanovich can be a "4 with range" then fine.

But yes, please, be rid of him!

by Freethefro on Jan 12, 2008 11:56 PM CST up reply actions

I find it very interesting . . .

That Noah gets suspended supposedly for getting in an argument with an assistant. Ben Wallace publicly defied the head coach last year, but wasn't suspended. Gee, I wonder what the differences between the two situations were? I can think of at least 60 million of them . . .

by Big D on Jan 12, 2008 7:39 PM CST reply actions