Blog a Bull: An SB Nation Community

Navigation: Jump to content areas:

Around SBN: Recapping Granger's Desert Dagger Bar-right-arrows

Open Game Thread #11: Bulls at New York Knicks

Tiny by Big D on

[Thanks to Big D for today's game thread. -Matt]

The Bulls will get to face a team even more screwed up than they are when they take on the Knicks in a rare Saturday matinée (12:00 Central, WGN).

There's really nothing to say about the Knicks' problems that hasn't already been said, so I'll stick to discussing their on-court performance.  So far this season, the Knicks have had two main problems: they're a very poor defensive team, and they play selfishly.  They're 26th in the league in Defensive Efficiency, and next-to-last in Assist Ratio.  Neither stat is surprising considering their roster - Eddy Curry, Zach Randolph, and Stephon Marbury are terrible defenders and black holes on offense.  As bad as the Bulls have shot so far this season, they should get plenty of open looks against this team, and eventually you'd have to think some of those shots will start falling.

There's been a lot of criticism of Scott Skiles on here lately, and while I agree with a lot of it, I'm not ready to say he should be fired just yet.  As frustrating as the rotations have been at times, they haven't lost because Tyrus Thomas hasn't played enough minutes, or because Andres Nocioni or Adrian Griffin have played too much.  They've lost because they've shot terribly, Kirk Hinrich and Ben Gordon in particular.  It seems unfair to blame Skiles for their shooting woes.  Hinrich and Gordon aren't going to continue shooting 34% and 37% respectively (and if they do, the Bulls are screwed anyways), so why not wait until they start hitting some shots to fully evaluate Skiles' performance?

Blogging With the Enemy:
KnickerBlogger
Posting and Tosting

Luol Deng will reportedly be a game-time decision, and the Bulls are considering inserting Joe Smith in the starting lineup in place of Nocioni.  Getting Deng back would be nice, but even without him the Bulls shouldn't be losing to teams like the Knicks.  Hopefully Gordon will enjoy going back to his old stomping grounds and will finally hit some shots.  At the very least, though, it should be interesting to see if certain players enjoyed the NYC nightlife a little bit too much.

FanPosts are user-created posts from the BlogABull community, and are to be treated as the opinions and views of that particular user, not that of the blogger or blog community as a whole.

0 recs | Comment 301 comments

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

Display:

Damn
you don't waste time.
Thabo Sefolosha got bad. Took a stupid pill.

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on Nov 23, 2007 10:55 PM CST   0 recs

thank god it's on so early.
Knicks and Bulls on a Saturday night not good.
Thabo Sefolosha got bad. Took a stupid pill.

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on Nov 24, 2007 12:20 AM CST   0 recs

Wow at 7:15 am the the Score is talking Bulls.
He's saying what I have said even if this team comes back to be good they just don't have what it takes to win the whole damn thing. I can tell when he's rubbing his eyes.
Thabo Sefolosha got bad. Took a stupid pill.

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on Nov 24, 2007 7:19 AM CST   0 recs

If
the Bulls don't win today then there are no answers for this team.
Please get this season turned around and play some great basketball.

by sue369 on Nov 24, 2007 9:08 AM CST   0 recs

I know how much we want to win today.
You know how much I want to beat the Knicks.  It would not shock me if we lost. The way we are playing it would surprise me if we won.  We have the  worst point differential in the NBA -9.8 espn.  This is worse than Minnesota, Seattle and the Knicks at -8.6.  The Knicks are also desperate for a win. The "boos" and "fire Isiah" chants cascading down from the upper levels of the Garden may motivate them.  Considering the way we have been playing we could be the perfect patsy for them to get a win.  Despite the chants for his removal, Isiah Thomas thinks he will last the whole season NY Daily New - Lawrence.

Blog-a-Bull is bursting with angst, anger and suggestions as a result of the Bulls putrid play.  I am at a loss to explain the lack of energy, the inability to complete and the overall miserable play of the Bulls.  Despite this I will be glued to the TV, watching the Blog-a-Bull Diary, hoping this game makes us smile.

by chgobr on Nov 24, 2007 9:13 AM CST   0 recs

Wallace suffered an injury at the season's start,
and Deng suffered an injury soon thereafter.  Not many teams could survive injuries that effectively took out their two best players, and the Bulls are more vulnerable than most, since they don't really have a third great player.   I'm hoping that soon the Bulls will be back to full strength and we will see if they can get on course.  

However I find it disturbing that Thomas is in Skiles' doghouse.  If Thomas deserves it, then that is not good.  If Thomas does not deserve it, that is also not good.  The future of this team rests on Wallace retaining his ability, Deng developing his ability, and finding a third great player.  So far the Bulls have had setbacks in all three areas, but it's a long season.

by Tim S. on Nov 24, 2007 10:02 AM CST   0 recs

HSCS
Did you reading in that article about adjusted +- being updated during the season? Have you seen anywhere (whether the original site or someone who is trying to mimic it) that has had any updated +- stats yet? Just curious.
Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Nov 24, 2007 11:24 AM CST   0 recs

basketballvalue.com
may have adjusted +/- at some point this season.
Officially a hater on Ballhype!

by hscs on Nov 24, 2007 11:28 AM CST to parent up   0 recs

I'm not 100% sure
I'm not a huge stathead, but I think it's +/- adjusted for pace of the game, the lineups on the floor, and so forth. I could be wrong, though.

by bleargh on Nov 24, 2007 12:04 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

explanation
http://www.82games.com/ilardi1.htm

It's like the on court/off court +/- rating, only it's adjusted for teammates and competition.

Officially a hater on Ballhype!

by hscs on Nov 24, 2007 12:04 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Yes!
League Pass has Breen/Frazier. So much better than the Bulls guys...

by bleargh on Nov 24, 2007 12:02 PM CST   0 recs

Red on Q
"He looks about 20 pounds overweight..."
Officially a hater on Ballhype!

by hscs on Nov 24, 2007 12:16 PM CST   0 recs

the Knicks
really want to give the Bulls good looks.
Officially a hater on Ballhype!

by hscs on Nov 24, 2007 12:22 PM CST   0 recs

The only offensive threat we have is Gordon
and he will be shut down when the Knicks figure this out.  

by chgobr on Nov 24, 2007 12:25 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

If they can't
beat this terrible team, I won't know what to think. Smith had a wide open lane but took (and missed) a 11ft jumper instead. Ya gotta go inside if ya can when Curry and Zach are in!

by marionette on Nov 24, 2007 12:28 PM CST   0 recs

Hinrich should try going to the basket.
The Knick inside defense is non-existent.  If Hinrich misses another jump shot I will scream.  

by chgobr on Nov 24, 2007 12:30 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

To his credit
I dont think hes playing that bad....

just missed a couple open shots

by Option27 on Nov 24, 2007 12:31 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

at least he's getting his assists
I'd rather see him pass it is he can't score
Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 24, 2007 12:33 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Hinrich has totally lost his confidence.
this is where Skiles should figure out a way to get him back on track.  That is what a coach is supposed to do.

by chgobr on Nov 24, 2007 12:39 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Oops...I was going off what Red said on WGN
my bad...
Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 24, 2007 12:47 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Or was that Wayne?
:-)
Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 24, 2007 12:47 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

That ball movement that ended with Noc getting
fouled looked so good. Lets hope they can start to pull away here.

by SRQman on Nov 24, 2007 12:33 PM CST   0 recs

Nice job by Duhon
good feed to Noah. Keep the ball moving and the easy buckets will be there.

by SRQman on Nov 24, 2007 12:36 PM CST   0 recs

I thought he traveled
starting the drive (Duhon).

Bulls better start winning, or I could see them losing their rep w/ refs on interior D. They've not been getting much favor so far in this game...

by marionette on Nov 24, 2007 12:41 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Wow Duhon
were you out late last night?

by SRQman on Nov 24, 2007 12:42 PM CST   0 recs

I've waited
for the Thomas/Noah combo for a while...

Really curious to see this

by Option27 on Nov 24, 2007 12:42 PM CST   0 recs

We are pathetic.
Despite the Knicks woes we may lose this by 20

by chgobr on Nov 24, 2007 12:43 PM CST   0 recs

Yes he is.
Also not doing the simple things right is, like passing, example an inbound pass.

by SRQman on Nov 24, 2007 12:45 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

I really
don't think you can judge this whole team without Deng though.

by Option27 on Nov 24, 2007 12:45 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

They were losing with Deng playing
although they do play a little better...
Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 24, 2007 12:49 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Maybe if I CLICK my heels 3 times........
Duhon will disappear!
Is it me or does Lebron walk like a duck?!

by GranvilleWaiters on Nov 24, 2007 12:44 PM CST   0 recs

Noah
I swear to everyone here....the guy changes games single handedly

by Option27 on Nov 24, 2007 12:48 PM CST   0 recs

I like him a lot
He is doing a lot of good things out there. I also like Tyrus/Noah up there.

by SRQman on Nov 24, 2007 12:50 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Turnovers...
Two worst teams in NBA are playing

by Azabullsfan on Nov 24, 2007 12:49 PM CST   0 recs

He has 2 points in this game
I think it was in the first. He has 0 assists and 2 turnovers with 2 points and 3 rebs. Not great stats.

by SRQman on Nov 24, 2007 12:53 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

He has 2 points in this game
I think it was in the first. He has 0 assists and 2 turnovers with 2 points and 3 rebs. Not great stats.

by SRQman on Nov 24, 2007 12:53 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Bah sorry about double post
Hinrich is also shooting 1-6

by SRQman on Nov 24, 2007 12:54 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Multiple times already this season
we've heard 1-6 shooting for Kirk....before Skiles sits him down.
Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 24, 2007 12:56 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Duhon with a 3
but not much else. Still, they only have 24 (now27) pts. You have to treasure each one, it seems...

When Kirk hit the floor on back to back possesions with belly flops, I said "he looks like he's hung-over. Or still drunk."

by marionette on Nov 24, 2007 1:00 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

whats
The score? Can't get to a tv or radio

by Blacknight23 on Nov 24, 2007 12:52 PM CST   0 recs

Stop passing up open jumpers!
I don't care if they miss em but you can't get outta your game

by Option27 on Nov 24, 2007 12:52 PM CST   0 recs

Tyrus Thomas Interview
on NBA.com. I accessed it by going going to the scoreboard and then clicking on "watch Highlights". http://www.nba.com/games/20071124/CHINYK/boxscore.html The interview starts at 26:05 and goes for over four minutes.

I had never seen nor heard him speak, so this was interesting for me.

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Nov 24, 2007 12:56 PM CST   0 recs

I agree
Right now, the Bulls are the worst team in the league. This first half has been the sorriest performance I have seen in the NBA this year. The Knicks are a terrible team playing poorly (shooting under 40%, 55% from the line) and they are up 12. Sure, Deng is out, but even with him back it will be a long climb out of the cellar.

by pguilian on Nov 24, 2007 1:22 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

This is a joke
I am going in the swimming pool. Be back after half time.

by SRQman on Nov 24, 2007 1:02 PM CST   0 recs

Whatever happened
to us being a "shooting team"?

by Option27 on Nov 24, 2007 1:03 PM CST   0 recs

us being a "shooting team"?
They DO shoot....
They just miss is all...     :-)

(sigh)

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 24, 2007 1:07 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Man we look terrible
There is no way we should be down by ten. Hell put in Aaron Gray
TMD- Boiler Up!

by TMD on Nov 24, 2007 1:04 PM CST   0 recs

NY up 10pts with 37
and  the ball w/ 2:24 to go in 1st half. And the Bulls may not get to 37 'til midway thru the 3rd, the way it's going...

by marionette on Nov 24, 2007 1:04 PM CST   0 recs

Same old
shitty shooting Bulls. Can't blame the Knick defense either. They are th worst defensive team in the league. 27 % from the field.

by RogersPark Kris on Nov 24, 2007 1:04 PM CST   0 recs

Knicks poor FT-shooting in 1st
is keeping this from being a full-fledged blowout. Not that I have any faith the Bulls will make a second-half comeback.

by bleargh on Nov 24, 2007 1:09 PM CST   0 recs

Classic BG this year....
last shot in the Q....dribbles it and attacks down the lane...
turns it over and NY runs it down and scores with the Bulls fouling...

Classic...

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 24, 2007 1:10 PM CST   0 recs

I'm stretching here
but I'm pullin a Rasheed

The Bulls are gonna win this game

by Option27 on Nov 24, 2007 1:10 PM CST   0 recs

LOL! Right on Opt....
Can't damn ya for your loyalty.   :-)
Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 24, 2007 1:13 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

It's not loyalty
It's a fact...

They're gonna win.

by Option27 on Nov 24, 2007 1:14 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

If they do, I'll buy you a beer
But if they don't, you gotta buy ME one.

Deal?   :-)

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 24, 2007 1:19 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Even if they win
So what?The way they're playing,Toronto gonna kick
their asses by 45 point tommorow!

by Azabullsfan on Nov 24, 2007 1:20 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

They certainly should win
I think it will turn around here also. Grey got a minute there, and the Bulls scored, so his +/- will be better than most. Red was callin' for him to shoot it over a double team, HA!

by marionette on Nov 24, 2007 1:25 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

What's the story on Deng's back?
Does he have a history of back problems?  
And worse we may be yet: the worst is not so long as we can say, "This is the worst."

by alec on Nov 24, 2007 1:12 PM CST   0 recs

Does he have a history of back problems?
Yeah....it started this year...    
Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 24, 2007 1:14 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

That's what I thought.
There's almost no reason to hang onto a guy with back problems.  I'm thinking of Joe Crede, for example.  They can be great, but they're hard to depend on because you never know when they could go down, or for how long.  A fucked-up back is a bad deal for an athlete.
And worse we may be yet: the worst is not so long as we can say, "This is the worst."

by alec on Nov 24, 2007 1:19 PM CST to parent up   0 recs