Open Game Thread #5: Bulls vs. Detroit Pistons
[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.
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....
by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on Nov 8, 2007 2:46 PM CST reply actions
Cedric
by goldengod on Nov 8, 2007 10:37 PM CST up reply actions
Ben Wallace had better get well quick! Or else
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.
I agree I think a win tonight can
by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on Nov 8, 2007 3:37 PM CST up reply actions
Since I can't watch tonight we will probably win.
My sanity is being tested tonight
It has been rough.
Again, Wallace is playing injured.
Crazy Talk
Gordon
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)....
Anyone who knows me
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.
The Blackhawks have some young talent.
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.
It will come down to the guards tonight
The Bulls will win tonight.
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.
Rumble of feet
Season changes today
by blackmage71 on Nov 8, 2007 5:46 PM CST reply actions
The only thing I'm not looking forward to tonight
CTL just gave a taste of that
Man, Sam really needs to let that go
I saw it too
listening to Barkley
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.
I saw Skiles on Comcast
Yeesh
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.
Skiles' quote was
no shit!!! it's so obvious!
by miserabull on Nov 8, 2007 7:11 PM CST up reply actions
Sorry
I'm just tired of Skiles these days...does it show?
:-)
We are going to get our asses whooped tonight.
by miserabull on Nov 8, 2007 7:15 PM CST reply actions
Can't take the heat?
by miserabull on Nov 8, 2007 7:22 PM CST up reply actions
the skiles noah feed
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!
start thinking logically. we've been
by miserabull on Nov 8, 2007 7:20 PM CST up reply actions
this is the quietest
TT looks good tonight....
i dont like the press w/ tyrus
Such ignorant bulls fans..
by miserabull on Nov 8, 2007 7:23 PM CST reply actions
Picking his spots
If Rasheed was on the Bulls,
by miserabull on Nov 8, 2007 7:26 PM CST reply actions
Welcome back boys
If only Ben didn't get those 2 quick fouls
Gee....Wallace is all of a sudden healthy?
He's just been sulking.
What does Ty's three finger thing mean?
three times his middle finger....
and a meat sandwich
ill take it
good start
Yes, much better start than the other games
Great start
I don't wanna see a repeat of that Clippers game where he sat most of the 4th
ben wallace looks awful
by james@lifeinthecell on Nov 8, 2007 7:45 PM CST reply actions
Don't forget you never count the Pistons out
by vlad001 on Nov 8, 2007 7:49 PM CST reply actions
I prefer to remember
im liking noah
scratch that
Hell Yeah NOAH!!
by miserabull on Nov 8, 2007 7:51 PM CST reply actions
Joe and Tyrus really do look a lot alike
I am liking this game
Joe Smith is looking good.
Noah is a spark.
TT was looking great earlier.
Lets go Bulls!
harlan and collins
My favorite comment of the night
Joe Smith has to start over Tyrus.
by miserabull on Nov 8, 2007 7:52 PM CST reply actions
I hate this LeBron commercial
gambling murry
His buddies are in da house
Like I said - he's not injured...
Nocioni-Khryapa in '08
by miserabull on Nov 8, 2007 8:02 PM CST up reply actions
harlan should jump in with a stat
Big Ben Season High in Points
Nocioni-Khryapa in '08
by miserabull on Nov 8, 2007 8:05 PM CST up reply actions
we had the same idea
another terrible nba commerical
F'in piss-ons BENCH
It was like he wasn't even there!
RIP - what a DICK!
What do you want them to do?
by miserabull on Nov 8, 2007 8:07 PM CST reply actions
god, you're an idiot
Be specific and don't state the obvious
by miserabull on Nov 9, 2007 9:39 PM CST up reply actions
thats a good foul call
as good as TT's offense has been
by james@lifeinthecell on Nov 8, 2007 8:13 PM CST reply actions
Duh CANNOT guard Hamilton
by blackmage71 on Nov 8, 2007 8:18 PM CST reply actions
for as bad as we were defensively that 1/4
BW looks like a different player
you could be right
I think we'll take this
by blackmage71 on Nov 8, 2007 8:26 PM CST up reply actions
is it possible that the wiz got even worse jerseys
and i forgot to say this. Barkley was bashing how our top 3 only put up 60 a night....if u had 3 guys avging 20 pts on any other team he would be dick riding
Deng and Tyrus are solid, Bg is coming on and stop
When is Lt. Kirk gonna learn
Geesh...
the best Kirk's played
but that's no excuse.
u would think kirk would know at this point
Is that 4 fouls on TT?
watching wallace shoots reminds me of Rodman
unbeleiveable;
Pistons getting completely outplayed but...
by vlad001 on Nov 8, 2007 8:49 PM CST reply actions
Tyrus = BEAST tonight....
what a dirt bag move.
GOOD! GET RIP THE F OUTTA THERE
detroit sucks
And Skiles just watches it happen....
they need to learn how to work through that.
THEN work through whatever.
i never root for injuries
AGAIN the bulls fall for the lean-in....
When will the Bulls learn?
by vlad001 on Nov 8, 2007 9:00 PM CST reply actions
We're so GLAD you're hear to tell us these things
at least the wiz and bulls
The Pistons are just on a whole nother level
by vlad001 on Nov 8, 2007 9:05 PM CST reply actions
VLAD Don't you have a pissed-ons blog
did i mention i really dislike hamilton
how much longer
this isn't exactly the best rebounding lineup
by james@lifeinthecell on Nov 8, 2007 9:13 PM CST reply actions
Tyrus is
by withmalice on Nov 8, 2007 9:14 PM CST reply actions
Tech foul RIP outta the game....
did the bulls just get a call
by james@lifeinthecell on Nov 8, 2007 9:20 PM CST reply actions
either way, it wasn't a good look
I do like that Tyrus is not giving sheed
it doesnt fucking help dougie
he started in that domination @ det
thank you ben gordon
by james@lifeinthecell on Nov 8, 2007 9:36 PM CST reply actions
I went so crazy when that happened
they really don't run that play enough
gotta rebound
by james@lifeinthecell on Nov 8, 2007 9:38 PM CST reply actions
see the bench ehlp the defense
you don't need religion
Um...Du plays better D than BG
:-)
As a WHOLE though, he sucks
And Du knows how to drive to the hoop
you're going to win the huh? award
never a good reason for more Duhon.
Du is a good free throw shooter
good defense, tt
by james@lifeinthecell on Nov 8, 2007 9:45 PM CST reply actions
Bosh is hurtin a little,
I agree. He brought Smith in for the last quarter
tomorrow's controversy
Ben Wallace is injured.
Wheeew!
Smith
look back at my posts from the last game
TT is all over the rim.
by RogersPark Kris on Nov 8, 2007 10:00 PM CST reply actions
He'll make less of those mistakes
Nice game by Noah, too. I'm liking him.
by Freethefro on Nov 8, 2007 10:02 PM CST up reply actions
What site are you getting +/- ?
which means
24 minutes = bulls coaching staff are well aware of the injury. give the guy a couple days off and you'll have your center back. jeeze.
His box score stats were the best of his season,
Plus/minus stats are interesting, but I'm not convinced that you should look at those alone to judge performance and ignore box score stats.
Our bench was great tonight. We also were able to
Every time Skiles talks
Well, I would guess it's tiring carrying the Bulls
seriously,
Tyrus has had a tendency to
So if it's
I love Tyrus
I think one of the biggest
Awww....
nice win
Play of the season so for:
From my seats, Tyrus
And it really wasn't close.
Among other things, Tyrus is a developing a really nice ability to drive to the hole. And he is avoiding foul trouble as well. And he is playing under control. And his passing is even improving. And...etc., etc., etc.
Rasheed was awesome, but Tyrus finlly coaxed a few misses out of him on the last few possessions.
Rip Hamilton needs to have his throat kicked in for that bush league trip.
If the guards play with some modicum of offensive consistency this season, the team can be pretty good.
The Charm (TM) does not lose.
Maybe you ought to take her to games
maybe we could all chip in for
Tyrus
I'm a little surprised that Loul didn't play more.
Noc hit some shots but took a really bad 3 with a fresh clock...that was silly.
by jai on Nov 8, 2007 11:21 PM CST reply actions
Joe Smith should start over Wallace.
by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on Nov 8, 2007 11:26 PM CST reply actions
On Noah and "calling out the team"...
Bitch all ya want about a "rookie" opening his mouth, but you better NOT come out lackadaisical the next game, or people will question you. (even if you are a stud veteran who was hustling the first four games).
Oh! The talent of psychology by the rookie. Even more intangibles than we thought!!!
Noah did a great job as well.
by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on Nov 8, 2007 11:29 PM CST up reply actions
and he did ok on Wallace.
by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on Nov 8, 2007 11:32 PM CST up reply actions
Also I love the pick an roll with
by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on Nov 8, 2007 11:27 PM CST reply actions
Bulls Win
by AngryAsianAce on Nov 8, 2007 11:28 PM CST reply actions
Kirk finally played
by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on Nov 9, 2007 12:05 AM CST reply actions
BTW, why doesn"t Skiles
Too little scoring?
Too many TO's?
I actually think that would be a pretty athletic front line. I'd like to see it once or twice a game.
I wanted to see that also I just wonder
by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on Nov 9, 2007 8:27 AM CST up reply actions
It's easy to get a little too excited...
Noah - 22.7
Deng - 22.54
Thomas - 21.23
I meant to link...
just to gloat about our first win...
by chicagosportslove23 @ Blog a Bull on Nov 9, 2007 1:04 AM CST reply actions
I stopped following chicago sports for a few years
Draft 2006
Selected forward LaMarcus Aldridge (2nd overall pick) and guard Rodney Carney (16th overall pick).
Traded the draft rights to forward LaMarcus Aldridge and a future second-round pick to the Portland Trail Blazers for forward Viktor Khryapa and the draft rights to forward Tyrus Thomas; traded the draft rights to guard Rodney Carney to the Philadelphia 76ers for the draft rights to guard Thabo Sefolosha.
Now I "get" the 'Khyrapa Sightings' joke. That goofy lanky eastern european.. I thought we might taken him him out of the d-league. The Great white hope, anybody? I don't see a whole lot of positive speculation about this guy.
by Seth @ Blog a Bull on Nov 9, 2007 1:21 AM CST reply actions
He's another 3/4 tweener like Noc
higher basketball iq too
What a great
TT was fantastic. We've not seen the best of him yet. He will just get better each game and that is very exciting.
Very nice to see Kirk play better. He looked much more relaxed last night.
I thought Skiles did the right thing putting Du in at the end for his defense. It worked and that's all that matters.
Joe Smith was a great signing for this team. I love what he has brought to this team.
I love Joakim too. He will only get better.
Hope they carry this momentum into tomorrow nights game. The Bulls played last night like I thought they would this year. Keep it going guys.
good game
Now if we can just find Ben's shooting eye, I think everything will be ok.
The crowd was unbelievable...breaking into several chats of "De-troit sucks!" was music to everyone's ears.
by ScottieCartwright on Nov 9, 2007 9:11 AM CST reply actions
fun game to watch
Sheed was amazing, and he kept the Piston's offense together with Prince's bad night and Hamilton and Billups (relatively) quiet night. TT and Joe played sheed very well through the game, especially at the end. sheed had his looks, but TT and Joe were consistent.
The bulls' performance is a sign of hope, but I'm still a disappointed (yet 100% faithful) bulls fan. I was very impressed with Skiles' decision to keep Wallace out of the 4th quarter (I think he's 3 games too late with that strategy.), and I'm impressed with the team squad of Joe, TT, Deng, Ben, and Hinrich. Luol's performance has been sub-par (based upon expectations), but he's been working his post game (patience...time...), and Joe and TT has been more offensively minded.
In the past, when the bulls guards score poorly, the bulls lose. Last night Gordon and Hiccup shot the ball poorly; We won. We know why
Oh, and Sheed has a potty mouth.
by chicago-homesick-blues on Nov 9, 2007 9:20 AM CST reply actions
I think most underrate...
That's part of what makes the win extra great
Great atmosphere
About that block
Tyrus almost leaped over him cleanly
once again
highlights
It wasn't just the block. It was how it changed
That was one of those
That was one of the most ridiculously awesome blocks ever (right up there with Tayshawn's block of Reggie in my book--although that's likely because this helped my Bulls, Tayshawn's block paved the way for the Pistons title opportunity).
I was actually more impressed with Tyrus's ridiculously quick move and crazy reverse layup over a very very very solid defender in Rasheed Wallace (who was on him like a fox). THat was the most sensational play, even if the Rip block was a bit later in the game. Both make me very happy with T2 on our team.
Tyrus is still one of those guys who when he gets the ball on offense (That's not a put back at least) where I'm like clenching my teeth a bit and nervous, but acrobatic plays like the one I mentioned above will go a long way to rectifying that. I was shocked that Tyrus had that in him, and it was also cool seeing just how fast he is (since you normally just see the athleticism and quick hands, I've never seen him move that quickly while dribbling the ball).
Tyrus really went after RWallce. He even started
He made one early from a step inside 3-pt.
Right, but Wallace was still daring him to take
He was a
He is progressing like the 4th pick should
Start reviewing the game film
Go Bulls! Bring the Raptors on!
Bulls or Raptors?
Based on the season so far, are the Bulls a 2-4 team or a 1-5 team. Gotta go with 1-5.
Based on the season so far, are the Raptors a 3-4 team or 4-3 team. 4-3, they're better than last year.
by vlad001 on Nov 10, 2007 3:23 PM CST reply actions

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