Open Game Thread #5: Bulls vs. Detroit Pistons

by bigintangibles on Nov 8, 2007 2:28 PM CST

[Thanks to prashantrao for tonight's game preview. Our first look at the Pistons since that woeful playoff series should be a good one. Here's hoping the Bulls can finally put one in the win column. -Mike]

Just when it seemed like us Bulls fans could be reasonably certain of the team this year putting together a strong season, contending for the conference title and basically just improving on last season, we've been subjected to the 0-4 start.

Despite that, I'm not too down -- there are several past examples of teams (not just the Bulls) starting slowly and putting together good seasons. The most recent example, of course, is the 2006-07 Dallas Mavericks.

Now, say what you want about the Mavs last season, but they did win 67 wins, run away with the tougher conference and were among the favourites to win the NBA Championship -- until the debacle against the Warriors. The thing about that 67-win season, though, is the Mavericks started 0-4, albeit against a tougher schedule than the Bulls have had so far (San Antonio, @Houston, Golden State, @LA Clippers). Among those four season-opening losses was a 31-point loss in Houston, and an 18-point loss to the Clippers, all after the disastrous 2006 NBA Finals.

Other notable relatively recent examples include:

The 1996-97 Phoenix Suns started 0-13 and finished the season 40-42, good for the 7th spot in the West Playoffs.
The 1995-96 Cleveland Cavaliers started 0-7 and finished the season 47-35, earning them the 5th seed in the East.
Of course, as we all know, the 2004-05 Bulls started 0-9 and finished 47-35, good for 5th in the East.

Even last season's Bulls team started 3-9.

My point? It's a long season, and bad starts can be overcome. There's little evidence to show that this particular Bulls team is one made up of players with fragile confidence, so tonight against Detroit could just be the start of a very good season.

Behind Enemy Lines:
Need4Sheed.com
Detroit Bad Boys
PistonsNationBlog

Game Previews:
Chicago Tribune
Detroit Free-Press

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.

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We need more players like this....

http://youtube.com/watch?v=JAS8JEkyeZ8

With the first pick in the 2008 NBA draft the Chicago Bulls select Derrick Rose 6'4 guard Memphis bye bye Kirk!

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on Nov 8, 2007 2:46 PM CST 0 recs

WOW!

That was great! Thank you.

by alec on Nov 8, 2007 3:02 PM CST up 0 recs

Cedric

Benson needs to watch some of this. Awesome.

by goldengod on Nov 8, 2007 10:37 PM CST up 0 recs

Ben Wallace had better get well quick! Or else

let the other bigs play!

On its ChicagoSports.com website the Tribune ran a poll asking what was wrong with the Bulls. But apparently they didn't offer "Ben Wallace is hurt" as an option!

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/

This would be a tough game even if everything were clicking, of course. But I can't stand to see Wallace out there playing badly. I would rather see a rookie get experience in a loss while Wallace heals.

by Tim S. on Nov 8, 2007 3:09 PM CST 0 recs

Let's do this!!

GO BULLS!!!

Racecar spelled backwards is racecar.

by sue369 on Nov 8, 2007 3:11 PM CST 0 recs

I predict a win

means nothing but

TRUST ME . . . . SEASON CHANGES TODAY

by Option27 on Nov 8, 2007 3:14 PM CST 0 recs

I agree I think a win tonight can

''jump start'' this team. End the Kobe talk lets move on.

With the first pick in the 2008 NBA draft the Chicago Bulls select Derrick Rose 6'4 guard Memphis bye bye Kirk!

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on Nov 8, 2007 3:37 PM CST up 0 recs

Since I can't watch tonight we will probably win.

I won't be seeing the game tonight (don't get TNT) so we are sure to win. I missed last season Bulls vs Heat opener and we won that and Detroit is our Miami this year. Lets hope we have enough pent up fire power after the playoff loss against them to break the slump.

by cranscape on Nov 8, 2007 3:47 PM CST 0 recs

So stop watching already

Winning is a stat of mind.

by preverbal on Nov 8, 2007 10:24 PM CST up 0 recs

My sanity is being tested tonight

After suffering through torture known as the first four games of the Bulls season, I am worn down, my nerves are freyed, I feel I'm close to slipping into a depressive black hole I will not be able to get out. Tonight's game appears to me to be like more water buckets being poured over my head that is covered by a sack. Detroit has that knack of being a great finishing team. Will the Bulls be up by ten going into the 4th and Detroit picks them apart and we lose by one. Oh for the love of God don't let that happen.

by chgobr on Nov 8, 2007 4:00 PM CST 0 recs

It has been rough.

This is the first year I've really talked up the Bulls to coworkers and friends. I had high expectations that we'd not make the same mistakes of the last few seasons and everything pointed to that. I still have expectations, but I am also fighting the panic of turning my Bulls shirt inside out pretending I never said anything about how basketball was fun again. It would be one thing if they were losing despite putting up a hard effort and showing some fire, but I've not seen that yet. Hopefully they bring their A game tonight and smile a bit and show they still love to play.

by cranscape on Nov 8, 2007 4:15 PM CST up 0 recs

Again, Wallace is playing injured.

If we lost Luol Deng for four games would you be surprised if we lost? If Wallace were even half his old self we would have won at least two games. And he played okay in the preseason. So just chalk this one up to an injury to one of two best players, and let's hope he gets better.

by Tim S. on Nov 8, 2007 4:48 PM CST up 0 recs

My Keys to Victory

Get Tyrus going early
Attack on O
DEFENSIVE REBOUNDING!!!!!!!!!

by tyrus4prez on Nov 8, 2007 4:05 PM CST 0 recs

Crazy Talk

What are anyone thoughts of starting Gordon defensivly on SG's. I say give him a chance!! It can't get much worse...Guards are already shooting over Kirk anyway, might see what Kirk can do to slow down PG's. I know it doesn't seem like a good idea but you never know...

by tyrus4prez on Nov 8, 2007 4:28 PM CST 0 recs

Gordon

For all BG's mistakes with turnovers etc, he did come up with that huge steal on Chauncey last night.

It's still frustrating that the Bulls can't close out games, but thank God we pulled that one off. It's very irritating seeing our plays in the 4th (Give the ball to Gordon and have 4 guys stand around waiting for Gordon to miraculously hit some shots)....

by majoyenrac on Nov 9, 2007 7:44 AM CST up 0 recs

Anyone who knows me

knows that I am usually optimistic, and I get flamed alot for being TOO optimistic

But right now, I don't know which is more depressing -
Knowing that da Bulls are tied for last in the league, or knowing the pissed-ons are going to kick their respective arses tonight...
...(sigh)...

Man...being a Chicago sports fan these days really SUCKETH.

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 8, 2007 4:45 PM CST 0 recs

The Blackhawks have some young talent.

They're a long way from contending, but the future looks bright.

And the same is true, right now, for the Bulls, even if Wallace never returns to form. Except that he will return to form, and the Bulls will get better, much better.

by Tim S. on Nov 8, 2007 4:52 PM CST up 0 recs

No way...

The Bulls don't have a Jonathan Toews on their squad. Toews is going to be a SUPERSTAR. The Bulls don't have a superstar.

by Chad on Nov 8, 2007 5:22 PM CST up 0 recs

The Bulls might have three all-stars

in Deng, Thomas, and Noah, and you don't need quite as many players for a basketball team.

But you're right about Toews, and Kane too, for that matter. Let's hope they don't go the way of Chelios, Roenick, Hasek, and Belfour.

by Tim S. on Nov 8, 2007 5:56 PM CST up 0 recs

WWW is dead

so we got a chance

i've never been to a hawks game and i want to go, can anyone give me an inside info on the team a la tickets where to sit, is it worth it etc

by milesgmsu on Nov 8, 2007 7:15 PM CST up 0 recs

Correct me if I'm wrong here...

"Let's hope they don't go the way of Chelios, Roenick, Hasek, and Belfour."

Didn't three out of four of those guys at least play for a Cup with the Blackhawks? I mean sure they got swept by Lemieux and Jagr but that was like losing to Jordan and Pippen.

by Chad on Nov 8, 2007 7:18 PM CST up 0 recs

And then they got traded.

But I do hope things will be different now that they have a salary cap.

by Tim S. on Nov 9, 2007 10:15 AM CST up 0 recs

It will come down to the guards tonight

If Hinrich and Gordon get abused by Billups and Hamilton like they did in the playoffs, the Bulls can't win. You'd have to think they're due for a big game, though.

by Big D on Nov 8, 2007 4:46 PM CST 0 recs

The Bulls will win tonight.

Handily.

This is the first night that I can actually use my season tickets and my date is The Charm. She has only seen the Bulls lose once or twice since the start of 2003. Every time she goes to a game, the Bulls seem to play well.

SUCK IT SABAN!

by 1958ChiTown on Nov 8, 2007 5:02 PM CST 0 recs

Rumble of feet

I'm stoked. Let's light this firecracker!

"You don't hesitate with Michael, or you'll end up on some poster in a gift shop someplace." -Felton Spencer, on Michael Jordan

by cubbybear on Nov 8, 2007 5:32 PM CST 0 recs

Also

Deng turned down 5/57.5 according to the tribune. That's more than I thought he would turn down.

"You don't hesitate with Michael, or you'll end up on some poster in a gift shop someplace." -Felton Spencer, on Michael Jordan

by cubbybear on Nov 8, 2007 5:33 PM CST up 0 recs

Season changes today

I have a good feeling about the Bulls today. Just hope we don't shoot an embarrassment like we did the last few games. Another one and I think Skiles is gonna have a heart attack.

醉生梦死

by blackmage71 on Nov 8, 2007 5:46 PM CST 0 recs

The only thing I'm not looking forward to tonight

is listening to Barkley ramble on about why-ever he dislikes the Bulls this season. Tonight's the night that Lu, BG and Kirk all have it going at the same time, and hopefully Skiles feels so bad about forgetting Ty on the bench that he gets a ton of minutes.

"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 8, 2007 5:47 PM CST 0 recs

CTL just gave a taste of that

only it was Sam Smith and 3 people I didn't recognize. It was a discussion on the Bulls' "scrappy ankle-biter" image, and Sam ripped Tyrus Thomas.

Officially a hater on Ballhype!

by hscs on Nov 8, 2007 5:55 PM CST up 0 recs

Man, Sam really needs to let that go

"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 8, 2007 6:03 PM CST up 0 recs

I saw it too

and actually Sam needs to go. I've really disliked him lately.

Racecar spelled backwards is racecar.

by sue369 on Nov 8, 2007 6:33 PM CST up 0 recs

Why?

because he doesn't have any nice things to say about the pathetic bulls??

by miserabull on Nov 8, 2007 7:07 PM CST up 0 recs

Because

he talks but doesn't say anything.

Racecar spelled backwards is racecar.

by sue369 on Nov 8, 2007 8:21 PM CST up 0 recs

Charles: "Yokeem"

Officially a hater on Ballhype!

by hscs on Nov 8, 2007 7:05 PM CST up 0 recs

listening to Barkley

I can't stand fat-ass Barkely...

But he's right - no leader on the Bulls and Skiles is a friggin' BABY.
And who gives a rip about the "timing" of Noah's statement - the point is it was correct and that's what Skiles should be focusing on...

NOT calling out Noah via the media.

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 8, 2007 7:07 PM CST up 0 recs

it comes across like that

if you didn't read or hear Skiles.

Officially a hater on Ballhype!

by hscs on Nov 8, 2007 7:08 PM CST up 0 recs

I saw Skiles on Comcast

looked to me like Skiles is the one who should shut his face....

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 8, 2007 7:10 PM CST up 0 recs

yeesh

I doubt you did, because Skiles agreed with Noah.

Officially a hater on Ballhype!

by hscs on Nov 8, 2007 7:11 PM CST up 0 recs

Yeesh

I know he agreed with it being spot on.
But he ALSO said "If I had just played my first game, I'd prob. keep my mouth shut".

That's NOT gonna help encourage Noah's confidence.

And FWIW - I don't CARE if doubt me or not.

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 8, 2007 7:14 PM CST up 0 recs

Skiles' quote was

more innocuous than Nocioni's 'trash talk' before the Detroit series last season. If that shakes Noah's confidence then he's in big trouble.

Officially a hater on Ballhype!

by hscs on Nov 8, 2007 7:23 PM CST up 0 recs

no shit!!! it's so obvious!

he's not calling out Noah, he's just stating that it should be someone else that has been here longer with the team or the league ah hem(wallace) that we are playing with a lack of effort and playing like shit.

by miserabull on Nov 8, 2007 7:11 PM CST up 0 recs

Sorry

Don't mean to snap.
I'm just tired of Skiles these days...does it show?
:-)

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 8, 2007 7:11 PM CST 0 recs

We are going to get our asses whooped tonight.

pregame starting lineups are a joke! Bulls fans that are excited for this game are in for a real treat. We are going to get owned!

by miserabull on Nov 8, 2007 7:15 PM CST 0 recs

stop posting

"My jumper's so smooth it will seduce your girlfriend." -1958ChiTown

by NittanyBull on Nov 8, 2007 7:17 PM CST up 0 recs

Can't take the heat?

get out of the kitchen ma'm.

by miserabull on Nov 8, 2007 7:22 PM CST up 0 recs

the skiles noah feed

is headbandgate 2.0....we're going to rally; and be awesome

the bulls will win tonight logically. we can't start out 0-5; so we'll win.

please....

I know MJ is infallable, but how can he like Barkley

Plus flip saunders is coaching.

LEZ GO!

by milesgmsu on Nov 8, 2007 7:17 PM CST 0 recs

start thinking logically. we've been

starting out 0-4, 0-5 last couple years. Flip Saunders coached these same pistons last year when they beat us.

by miserabull on Nov 8, 2007 7:20 PM CST up 0 recs

shhhh

by milesgmsu on Nov 8, 2007 7:21 PM CST up 0 recs

Wallace wishes he was on the other side

by miserabull on Nov 8, 2007 7:17 PM CST 0 recs

damn jizzle

by milesgmsu on Nov 8, 2007 7:19 PM CST 0 recs

this is the quietest

the UC has sounded in a long time....reminiscent of game 4 last year......but at least we had the fuck you defiance then

by milesgmsu on Nov 8, 2007 7:21 PM CST 0 recs

TT looks good tonight....

Maybe Skiles will be smart and let him play tonight.

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 8, 2007 7:21 PM CST 0 recs

i dont like the press w/ tyrus

bc it takes him out of rebounding and blocks positioning

by milesgmsu on Nov 8, 2007 7:22 PM CST 0 recs

Such ignorant bulls fans..

Deng and Gordon has two fouls already!!

by miserabull on Nov 8, 2007 7:23 PM CST 0 recs

such ignorant posters

deng has one

by milesgmsu on Nov 8, 2007 7:27 PM CST up 0 recs

Picking his spots

Wallace can still get up for the big games

by onlythebulls on Nov 8, 2007 7:24 PM CST 0 recs

should have stepped behind the line

Officially a hater on Ballhype!

by hscs on Nov 8, 2007 7:25 PM CST 0 recs

If Rasheed was on the Bulls,

he'd probably be the best player.

by miserabull on Nov 8, 2007 7:26 PM CST 0 recs

did harlan say "doo" or "two"

by milesgmsu on Nov 8, 2007 7:27 PM CST 0 recs

It's amazing how good the Bulls look

when they go to the basket.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Nov 8, 2007 7:27 PM CST 0 recs

Welcome back boys

This is the way I'm used to seeing these guys play.

If only Ben didn't get those 2 quick fouls

by Option27 on Nov 8, 2007 7:28 PM CST 0 recs

Deng on Billups?

Did I see that?

Officially a hater on Ballhype!

by hscs on Nov 8, 2007 7:31 PM CST 0 recs

no, it's duh

Tyrus needs to step out on that.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Nov 8, 2007 7:31 PM CST up 0 recs

kirrrrrrrrk

by milesgmsu on Nov 8, 2007 7:33 PM CST 0 recs

Gee....Wallace is all of a sudden healthy?

I don't buy the "Wallace is injured" crap and haven't this whole time.

He's just been sulking.

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 8, 2007 7:34 PM CST 0 recs

What does Ty's three finger thing mean?

Has he been doing that all season? Don't remember it last...

by paxson43 on Nov 8, 2007 7:34 PM CST 0 recs

knowing tyrus

duh hes a big dane cook fan

by lampnasty on Nov 8, 2007 7:36 PM CST up 0 recs

it means

read between the lines, Sam Smith.

Officially a hater on Ballhype!

by hscs on Nov 8, 2007 7:36 PM CST up 0 recs

three times his middle finger....

:-)

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Nov 8, 2007 7:36 PM CST up 0 recs

skiles needs to give free money a compliment

sandwich

by milesgmsu on Nov 8, 2007 7:34 PM CST 0 recs

and a meat sandwich

but some mean on them bones

by milesgmsu on Nov 8, 2007 7:35 PM CST up 0 recs

stuckey is even trying to look like wade

by milesgmsu on Nov 8, 2007 7:41 PM CST 0 recs

ill take it

pistons are shooting really really well and that shouldnt continue

by milesgmsu on Nov 8, 2007 7:42 PM CST 0 recs

good start

Tyrus looks good. Kirk looks good passing to Tyrus. Luol seems to be back on his game.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Nov 8, 2007 7:43 PM CST 0 recs

Yes, much better start than the other games

And they responded better than in other games when Detroit made that little 6-0 run.

"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 8, 2007 7:45 PM CST up 0 recs

Now if BG

can only figure out how to drive to the hoop without falling down.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Nov 8, 2007 7:46 PM CST up 0 recs

Great start

Tyrus should get a lot of minutes in this game if he keeps playing like this.

I don't wanna see a repeat of that Clippers game where he sat most of the 4th

by Option27 on Nov 8, 2007 7:45 PM CST 0 recs

ben wallace looks awful

that injury looks like it's hampering him big time

Sweet Home Sports

by james@lifeinthecell on Nov 8, 2007 7:45 PM CST 0 recs

wow

Noah getting it done.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Nov 8, 2007 7:48 PM CST 0 recs

Don't forget you never count the Pistons out

The Pistons are a 2nd half team. Remember game 3 last year? They were completely dominated for the first half then they said "hey, we're better than these guys" and took to to the Bulls, hard.

What's the difference between a steakhouse and the United Center? One serves people steak, the other is filled with a bunch of dead Bulls.

by vlad001 on Nov 8, 2007 7:49 PM CST 0 recs