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Open Game Thread #9: Bulls at Los Angeles Lakers

Blogabull_s_tiny by your friendly BullsBlogger on in News

The Bulls looked like their old selves Saturday night, especially Ben Wallace. But I'm not celebrating his complete return, as anytime Tim Thomas starts at power forward you know it's not a very tough rebounding squad.

Luol's out for tonight and a few more. He looked pretty awful in the 2nd half Saturday, so I'd rather see him sit than see him 'grit' it out, as we've all seen how that's playing with Wallace. I guess that Nocioni signing is coming in handy if Luol's out for an extended time, because Thabo has clearly received no credit problems getting that mortgage for Skiles' doghouse. So Noc will be at the 3 and the well-rested (8 minutes last night) Tyrus Thomas will be back starting at the 4.

The Lakers are without Ronny Turiaf, so look for my guy Brian Cook to be chuckin away more than he should. Go Illini! The Lakers bench has actually done a lot of damage this season, and either through ineffectiveness or inactivity, the Bulls have very few reliable options on this supposedly deep squad.

So with Wallace looking ok, and Gordon having a big night, we're all still waiting for Kirk Hinrich to stop being the worst starting point guard in basketball. With no Luol Deng, tonight would be a good time to start. Especially since after a night in L.A., Duhon may have some flu-like symptoms.

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wow...FIRST
Go Bulls....keep up the hard playing...or playing hard.
Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 18, 2007 7:19 PM CST   0 recs

I got a feeling
Hinrich for three will be heard at least 4 times tonight....i dont know, i had a feeling about the detroit game, i had a feeling about yesterdays game, i dont have a feeling of "were gonna win" tonight, but i do have a feeling of a spectacular hinrich performance. I hope my feelings are as accurate as i want them to be.

Ciao (ill be watching the game after work, so around 10:30, hope they fair well)

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

by piccolomair on Nov 18, 2007 7:22 PM CST   0 recs

Let's do
this again Bulls!! Please keep the TO's down.

GO BULLS!!!

Racecar spelled backwards is racecar.

by sue369 on Nov 18, 2007 7:33 PM CST   0 recs

Sorry guys...
I'll be yelling/cheering/ranting against you tonight!

by withmalice on Nov 18, 2007 7:42 PM CST   0 recs

Why did Thomas not play last night?
I wasn't around so I don't know.
Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Nov 18, 2007 8:03 PM CST   0 recs

wow
A-Drain starting at SF. I assume El Flopso will continue to start at PF.
Officially a hater on Ballhype!

by hscs on Nov 18, 2007 8:05 PM CST   0 recs

oops
according to CSN pregame.
Officially a hater on Ballhype!

by hscs on Nov 18, 2007 8:06 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

WTF did Thomas do?
Holy fucking shit.
Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Nov 18, 2007 8:13 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

nothing
He didn't play much last night because Nocioni was posting up Tim Thomas, hitting shots, and drawing fouls. With the exception of Duhon, Skiles likes to dig deep to replace injured starters rather than mess with his second unit. That's how I remember it works anyway.
Officially a hater on Ballhype!

by hscs on Nov 18, 2007 8:18 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

I read a quote from Skiles
somewhere about thinking he needed to play the vets more and for longer stretches.  I'll see if I can find it.
"They had me do a psychology test and I asked Coach Skiles if that affected his coaching. He laughed and said, `No way.'" (Joakim Noah)

by wjb1492 on Nov 18, 2007 8:20 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Here it is:
Following the game, Skiles suggested he might follow a new guideline for his playing rotation. Second-year forward Tyrus Thomas did not play at all in the second half.

"Ben (Wallace) played so well. The front court played so well," Skiles said. "I've got to look at the way we've played from the beginning of the season and consider maybe I should have the veterans out there a lot more and the younger, developmental guys maybe shouldn't be out there as much."

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=80151&src=150

Hopefully he didn't mean it quite like it sounds, although I think I'm grasping at straws to even bother looking for anything hopeful in that statement.

"They had me do a psychology test and I asked Coach Skiles if that affected his coaching. He laughed and said, `No way.'" (Joakim Noah)

by wjb1492 on Nov 18, 2007 8:27 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

sounds like
Joe Smith's legs are going to go in December, and Nocioni hits a new +/- low.
Officially a hater on Ballhype!

by hscs on Nov 18, 2007 8:29 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Ugh
I don't like the sound of that quote. How are younger players supposed to develop with little to no playing time?

by bleargh on Nov 18, 2007 8:34 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Match ups
are going to be a nightmare tonight.
The Lakers are gonna look to pound the ball inside.    Wallace and Thomas need to avoid getting in early foul trouble.
What's scary is that Kobe doesn't usually have back to back off nights.  So I think he'll be a little more aggressive tonight.
That could mess up our guy's confidence but we'll see.

by Outsidergua on Nov 18, 2007 8:08 PM CST   0 recs

Hmmm,
Skiles didn't know that Luol said he might not play this week. He said that is the problem with the players in the NBA now, saying they don't think I'll play this week for whatever reason. He said they would put Lu through some tests and evaluate him then. So maybe Lu will be back sooner then he thought.
Racecar spelled backwards is racecar.

by sue369 on Nov 18, 2007 8:16 PM CST   0 recs

Norm Van leir is in game mode!
Ready to fight. Griff? Whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy?
Red Kerr's cough button.

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on Nov 18, 2007 8:20 PM CST   0 recs

That pass to Tyrus
Was nice, I guess.  I'd rather start Thabo.
On Tyrus Thomas: Get that man a table dance, please!

by cubbybear on Nov 18, 2007 8:42 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

These games with the other teams' announcers
are actually helping me to grow fonder of our own Bulls' guys.
"They had me do a psychology test and I asked Coach Skiles if that affected his coaching. He laughed and said, `No way.'" (Joakim Noah)

by wjb1492 on Nov 18, 2007 8:47 PM CST   0 recs

I've been saying that all along!
That doesn't exactly speak well of NBA announcers, I guess.

by bleargh on Nov 18, 2007 8:51 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Big Ben must be the strongest MF on the planet
He didn't even extend his arms on that "shove" on Bynum.

by bleargh on Nov 18, 2007 8:58 PM CST   0 recs

Man, when is Kirk going to find his
shooting touch?!!

You know it's going to happen at some point, but meanwhile I find myself holding my breath every time he puts it up.

"They had me do a psychology test and I asked Coach Skiles if that affected his coaching. He laughed and said, `No way.'" (Joakim Noah)

by wjb1492 on Nov 18, 2007 9:01 PM CST   0 recs

Damn, Gordon's hit a couple of those
"Foot-on-the-line" twos.

by bleargh on Nov 18, 2007 9:07 PM CST   0 recs

can smith
stop shooting 20 footers?  i think its becoming abundantly clear what a fluke those first couple games were.  and wheres tyrus!?

by Mike C on Nov 18, 2007 9:07 PM CST   0 recs

Hell in a handbasket
Adrian Griffin?  Instead of Tyrus Thomas?!?  

by Freethefro on Nov 18, 2007 9:10 PM CST   0 recs

Kwame Brown out for the game....
I like that..
Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 18, 2007 9:12 PM CST   0 recs

Dore
"Here's Nocioni, hustling up the floor."

Even Nocioni is getting tired of this.

Officially a hater on Ballhype!

by hscs on Nov 18, 2007 9:13 PM CST   0 recs

Thabo losing the ball in the paint....
ugh
Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 18, 2007 9:13 PM CST   0 recs

Thabo
lost the ball....
He is really bad...

by Azabullsfan on Nov 18, 2007 9:13 PM CST   0 recs

I still think Thabo's problem is
his corn rows are pulled too tight...
Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 18, 2007 9:19 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Still no Tyrus?
Red Kerr's cough button.

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on Nov 18, 2007 9:14 PM CST   0 recs

Glad we've got the behemoth
Joe Smith guarding Andrew Bynum.  This is gonna be great.

by Freethefro on Nov 18, 2007 9:15 PM CST   0 recs

Could Nocioni
be the Bulls' best player?

by alec on Nov 18, 2007 9:16 PM CST   0 recs

Yes
He is so far...in this LA games

by Azabullsfan on Nov 18, 2007 9:19 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Skiles
I'm so sick of his macho bullshit.  

by Freethefro on Nov 18, 2007 9:17 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Tyrus has been a bright spot
in a dismal year.  Unless he did something absolutely oulandish that we don't know about, I can't see why the guy can't get any burn.  He blocks shots, defends, gives us a different athletic dimension.  Instead we have to watch the 0/3 "savvy" of "seasoned vets" lugging their considerable paunches around the court.  Vile.

by Freethefro on Nov 18, 2007 9:21 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

I keep thinking it has to be Skiles BS
Because you know Sam Smith would have made sure we all heard about it if Ty did anything to get benched.

Calming influence, my ass.  Let's have some Ty excitement!

"They had me do a psychology test and I asked Coach Skiles if that affected his coaching. He laughed and said, `No way.'" (Joakim Noah)

by wjb1492 on Nov 18, 2007 9:26 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Looks like the Bulls are back to normal
and shooting below 40%....
Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 18, 2007 9:16 PM CST   0 recs

One thing I'd definitely say about Noce
he's as tough-minded as the rest of the team put together.  

by alec on Nov 18, 2007 9:17 PM CST   0 recs

Lakers
bench play better than starting 5

by Azabullsfan on Nov 18, 2007 9:17 PM CST   0 recs

Looks like both
which still doesn't help us out.
"They had me do a psychology test and I asked Coach Skiles if that affected his coaching. He laughed and said, `No way.'" (Joakim Noah)

by wjb1492 on Nov 18, 2007 9:21 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Why are the Lakers winning?
The Bulls look sluggish.
Red Kerr's cough button.

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on Nov 18, 2007 9:18 PM CST   0 recs

No one's making plays in low-post D
Would sure be nice to have Tyrus flying around down there...

by bleargh on Nov 18, 2007 9:20 PM CST   0 recs

Ohh my god!
Red Kerr's cough button.

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on Nov 18, 2007 9:21 PM CST   0 recs

Kirk is back too...
0 for F'in SIX???
WTF?
Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 18, 2007 9:21 PM CST   0 recs

He musta hearde
he just made his second layup attempt....
Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 18, 2007 9:22 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Sefo
for 3.....

by Azabullsfan on Nov 18, 2007 9:21 PM CST   0 recs

Damn is Skiles trying to show the Lakers
every player we have?
Red Kerr's cough button.

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on Nov 18, 2007 9:24 PM CST   0 recs

Then
he definatly wants keep TT in Chicago :-(

by Azabullsfan on Nov 18, 2007 9:28 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

kirk is a mess
i guess that second half of the suns game was just proof that all it takes to make a pg score is nash guarding him

by Mike C on Nov 18, 2007 9:24 PM CST   0 recs

Boring game so far.
Why no TT?
Red Kerr's cough button.

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on Nov 18, 2007 9:25 PM CST   0 recs

He is apparently persona non grata
I have no idea why. Gotta think that Skiles has his reasons...

by bleargh on Nov 18, 2007 9:26 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

so
does wallace now show up every other game?

by Sambossanova on Nov 18, 2007 9:25 PM CST   0 recs

i think its more like
once every 9 games

by Mike C on Nov 18, 2007 9:26 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Every 8

by Freethefro on Nov 18, 2007 9:26 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

As I recall
Wallace was pretty bad in the second of back-to-backs last year. But he hasn't been THAT bad tonight.
And, damn, Griffin just got put in again and still no TT.

by bleargh on Nov 18, 2007 9:28 PM CST   0 recs

Thabo....
What a dork, falling for Kobe's pump fake
Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 18, 2007 9:30 PM CST   0 recs

is thomas gardner
really expected to guard kobe?

by Mike C on Nov 18, 2007 9:31 PM CST   0 recs

These LA commentators SUCK
they just don't shut up and ramble about nothing.....
blblblblblbllbblblblblblblblbl
Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 18, 2007 9:32 PM CST   0 recs

Whats going on
why has griffin played 10 minutes already and nocioni has three fouls...now would be a good time to take him out.  

Gordon is the man.

by Sambossanova on Nov 18, 2007 9:32 PM CST   0 recs

Noc has 2
Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Nov 18, 2007 9:34 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

I have question for S cott
Why TT is not playing tonight at ALL?????

by Azabullsfan on Nov 18, 2007 9:34 PM CST   0 recs

This is like a pre-season game
Some of these lineups are loony. Griffin, Gardner, and Wallace in at the same time?

by bleargh on Nov 18, 2007 9:34 PM CST   0 recs

Does skiles have any daughters?
because that's about the only thing i can think of that tyrus could do that skiles would keep him out, unless he is hurt.
Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Nov 18, 2007 9:35 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

welcome to the season thabo
unfortunately it started 2 weeks ago

by Mike C on Nov 18, 2007 9:35 PM CST   0 recs

At least Sefo seems to have solved some
of his early offensive offensiveness.

I'm just going to imagine that Ty is a little sick or something tonight, and for some reason Skiles doesn't want to share that info.  Don't care if it's completely made up, it's far less frustrating than thinking how much Ty would be helping the team.

"They had me do a psychology test and I asked Coach Skiles if that affected his coaching. He laughed and said, `No way.'" (Joakim Noah)

by wjb1492 on Nov 18, 2007 9:35 PM CST   0 recs

Where the hell
is tyrus!?!?!

by babybulls on Nov 18, 2007 9:36 PM CST   0 recs

TT on the bench
...might be the type of thing we'd want our comcast team to report on at some point.

by pguilian on Nov 18, 2007 9:37 PM CST   0 recs

I has a feeling
that Kobe doesn't want to hurt his future team :-)

by Azabullsfan on Nov 18, 2007 9:37 PM CST   0 recs

Thabo turned it over in the paint...
AGAIN!!!
Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 18, 2007 9:39 PM CST   0 recs

that was joes smith
how old are you, why does everybody look like sefo to you?
Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Nov 18, 2007 9:40 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

my bad
you were right
Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Nov 18, 2007 9:40 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

I'm going to have to start a profanity thread
for venting frustration over Skiles' enigmatic rotations, benchings, and overall scowliness.  

by Freethefro on Nov 18, 2007 9:40 PM CST   0 recs

mihm
is a foul magnet

by Sambossanova on Nov 18, 2007 9:41 PM CST   0 recs

Why all the bitching?
The bulls are up two on the road.  Everybody is playing pretty well.  A couple of guys have fouls.
Nocioni-