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Open Game Thread #19: Bulls vs Seattle SuperSonics

Blogabull_s_tiny by your friendly BullsBlogger on in News

Bulls can get fat this week, facing Seattle, Indiana, and the Knicks.

And then we can all superficially correlate those wins with Tyrus' reduced playing time.

First up is the Sonics, and this basically says it all:

Fans should see a fast-paced and sloppy game that in all likelihood will come down not to which team executes in the waning seconds, but who blunders into an unforced error. After all, Seattle boasts the league's 29th-best offensive efficiency at 99.9 points per 100 possessions, and the only team trailing the Sonics -- c'mon, you saw it coming -- is the Bulls, at a staggeringly bad 97.1.

The legend, Kevin Pelton, outsourced his Bulls coverage to me today, so go there and check it out.

Here's wishing for a Ben Gordon night of hot handedness.

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I am hoping
To see a lot of Sefolosha on the extra long Durant. That would be an interesting move by Skiles.

by givepaxahug on Dec 11, 2007 5:08 PM CST   0 recs

Bold prediction
Kirk will play too many minutes, and Tyrus too few.  Still.
"Shoot 25 balls in one minute? It's impossible for me. It's not my game. I know that." -Andres Nocioni

by cubbybear on Dec 11, 2007 5:11 PM CST   0 recs

Durant
Durant should post up Hinrich more than Brian Cook did for the Lakers.

by NBA Observer on Dec 11, 2007 5:38 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

I hope
Kirk continues to improve his shooting. I hope TT sees the floor tonight and I don't mean from his seat on the bench.

Just do it Bulls!!!

Please get this season turned around and play some great basketball.

by sue369 on Dec 11, 2007 5:44 PM CST   0 recs

The Sonics looked good losing to the Hornets
They were behind by one point, with the ball with six seconds remaining and turned the ball over and lost (Seattle Post).  They were down by 11 at the half and didn't fold.  They are very athletic and prone to mistakes.  If they hang around they can surprise us.  It would be helpful if we start strong and don't let them hang around.

by chgobr on Dec 11, 2007 5:51 PM CST   0 recs

That
was my impression also.  In fact, at times I started to think that I would trade our front line for their's even up.  We wouldn't have a post up problem any more.  We could even throw in Gordon to make the salaries match

by hlac on Dec 11, 2007 6:49 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

In a tough month
schedule-wise, this is their easiest week. So for believers of a turnaround, they'd better do well in these three games.

Durant is pretty good (no surprise!). His FG% is almost as low as Gordon's, though. Hopefully Skiles matches up better than Kirk or Du!!!

by marionette on Dec 11, 2007 6:10 PM CST   0 recs

Thabo
Sefolosha!!

by givepaxahug on Dec 11, 2007 6:34 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Thabo could be good but likely will not start.
Do you think Deng can keep up with him?

by chgobr on Dec 11, 2007 6:38 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Deng's back
is bothering him again. He's going to give it a try tonight but not sure how much he will play. No link just heard it on CSN.
Please get this season turned around and play some great basketball.

by sue369 on Dec 11, 2007 6:40 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Not a good sign!
I'd like to know what is wrong with his back.

by chgobr on Dec 11, 2007 6:52 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Doesn't Noc tend to
leave his man a lot?  I'd rather not have their best player driving uncontested to the basket all the time or left open for a jumper.  Whoever plays him will have to stay on him the whole time.

by cranscape on Dec 11, 2007 7:25 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

He's shooting 39%
so Hinrich will probably be fine on him. Or Noc.

But let's see Thabo!!!!!!!!!!!! (=:

by marionette on Dec 11, 2007 7:36 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Must force Sonics to play defense
When the Sonics try to play defense they lose.  They're not holding anyone to poor shooting, low rebounding, and forcing turnovers to win ball games.

Ways to win

  1. Make open shots
  2. Rebound the s*$t out of the ball
  3. Defense to offense transition, aka RUN RUN RUN

by NBA Observer on Dec 11, 2007 6:43 PM CST   0 recs

I haven't seen
the Bulls run as much this year. That's what I really want to see tonight. Couldn't do it against Celts. Gotta keep dreams somewhat realistic re: Skiles vs TT and Thabo.

by marionette on Dec 11, 2007 7:40 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

You were totally right
about the rebounding.  Just looking at the stats, that seems to be the key to this game (and the fact that we actually shot the ball well).  We took 20 more shots than them!  That'll help any cause.

by arjoseph on Dec 11, 2007 9:52 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

About the +18 shot advantage
This is slightly below the shot attempt advantage of previous games.  We've had +20 shot attempt nights on a number of occasions, but shot misses were killing us.  Last night, we continued the shot attempt advantage, but we sank 15% more of them.

I'll check the shooting chart.  I suspect we had a lot more shot makes from 10' and in due to the atrocious Sonic front court.  I don't think any of their bigs approach average status as defenders.

by NBA Observer on Dec 12, 2007 10:40 AM CST to parent up   0 recs

keys met
1. Make open shots
95 attempts, 51 makes, ~54% from the field.

2. Rebound the s*$t out of the ball
Fewer misses on the night as both teams shot well.  But Chicago closes the evening +10 DREB and +4 OREB.

3. Defense to offense transition, aka RUN RUN RUN
+11 fast break point advantage

The Sonics had 27 assists on 49% shooting and lost.

by NBA Observer on Dec 12, 2007 9:26 AM CST to parent up   0 recs

i'm baaaaaaaaaaaaack
it's been too long since i had access to the game and a computer at the same time....sorry guys i've been gone....blowing off finals for this but don't fret...

by milesgmsu on Dec 11, 2007 7:49 PM CST   0 recs

Ben Gordon
& Smith first 11 points for bulls.

by Azabullsfan on Dec 11, 2007 7:53 PM CST   0 recs

im listeing to the game
and i can't figure out how we blew that lead

by milesgmsu on Dec 11, 2007 7:57 PM CST   0 recs

Deng on Durant
not working very good.

by Azabullsfan on Dec 11, 2007 7:58 PM CST   0 recs

It'd be worse
if they use Green instead of Wilkins. More post-ups.

by marionette on Dec 11, 2007 8:00 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Crowd cheered
Tyrus entered to the court.

by Azabullsfan on Dec 11, 2007 8:03 PM CST   0 recs

BG fell down
and never got back after mkaing a shot...god i love him

by milesgmsu on Dec 11, 2007 8:03 PM CST   0 recs

oh, yeah, now I remember
why we all liked BG
Ita est, ergo ita sit.

by alec on Dec 11, 2007 8:04 PM CST   0 recs

free money
is pissed about not playing me thinks

by milesgmsu on Dec 11, 2007 8:10 PM CST   0 recs

i love how funk
says gelable

by milesgmsu on Dec 11, 2007 8:10 PM CST   0 recs

See Tyrus made the block but he will get yanked
cause he didn't sprint back afterward...

by Ibleedbullsred on Dec 11, 2007 8:18 PM CST   0 recs

TT! Kirk!
I hope Tyrus keeps it up.  He looks like he is hustling more, on top of everything else he usually does.  And Kirks dagger of a three is great.  Hopefully games like this will boost everyone's confidence.  Mine too.  I am tired of talking about losses.

by cranscape on Dec 11, 2007 8:24 PM CST   0 recs

Maybe he got some ideas
watching active Noah from the bench for couple games.

by Azabullsfan on Dec 11, 2007 8:29 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

nocioni
must have an atrocious +/- rating

by milesgmsu on Dec 11, 2007 8:26 PM CST   0 recs

holy hell
Is this the halftime score? Wow.

by T Maple on Dec 11, 2007 8:36 PM CST   0 recs

Ah yes
a little West Coast defense. Just what the doctor ordered.

by marionette on Dec 11, 2007 8:37 PM CST   0 recs

Skiles will probably bench TT
because of a blown assignment.  He'll be on the bench for the next three weeks.

by chgobr on Dec 11, 2007 8:37 PM CST   0 recs

I didn't notice one yet
but he did miss a couple layups....

10 Man Rotation or Fire Skiles!

by marionette on Dec 11, 2007 8:44 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Funny how the guy on the Sonics
blog thought this would be a close game.

by philosoball on Dec 11, 2007 8:41 PM CST   0 recs

Looks like
from the half time score the crowd will get free Big Mac's tonight.

Nice to see TT get some play tonight. Seven rebounds already. Good for him.

Keep this up guys.

Please get this season turned around and play some great basketball.

by sue369 on Dec 11, 2007 8:44 PM CST   0 recs

Maybe they should throw in
some fries with that big mac.

by cranscape on Dec 11, 2007 9:00 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

no wilcox longing?
Officially a hater on Ballhype!

by hscs on Dec 11, 2007 8:52 PM CST   0 recs

Yeah
I was hoping we'd get to see him in garbage time..

by Jaina on Dec 11, 2007 10:16 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

I think you'll see his contribution
reflected in better play from Thabo.  It looked to me like a classic 'message' signing.  Physically, the guy's almost a clone of Thabo...a big, athletic option at 2 guard.
Ita est, ergo ita sit.

by alec on Dec 12, 2007 1:36 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

I wanna see
TT and Noah at same.Even in garbage mins.

by Azabullsfan on Dec 11, 2007 9:00 PM CST   0 recs

just got your wish
Ita est, ergo ita sit.

by alec on Dec 11, 2007 9:18 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Bulls are playing
pretty well.If they will play like this in Indy,then I call it "turning corner" or "curve".

by Azabullsfan on Dec 11, 2007 9:03 PM CST   0 recs

that was my only problem with the game
(clearly there were few things to complain about.)

But yanking Noah in less than a minute just because of two fouls (or missed rebounds, or whatever the reason) seemed silly. He's not a starter, so he doesn't have to come out when having 2 fouls. It just seemed like Skiles playing the role of high-school disciplinarian in that case.

But, it did get Thomas in, so...

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 11, 2007 10:41 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

It was kind of funny hearing the crowd
applaud Tyrus' entrance into the game. I'm sure every Bulls fan was thanking Noah for his early foul trouble.

by philosoball on Dec 11, 2007 10:51 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

yeah
as soon as he picked up that second one I let out a "Skiles HAS to put Tyrus in NOW"...not that I have anything against Noah, but it was good to see TT just get out on the floor again

It was interesting, because it seemed like the players reacted to it too

by ScottieCartwright on Dec 12, 2007 9:24 AM CST to parent up   0 recs

really like Deng's game tonight.
A lot of short drives to the basket.
Ita est, ergo ita sit.

by alec on Dec 11, 2007 9:14 PM CST   0 recs

noah and TT
in the game together. good times ( i hope).

by fundamentallysound on Dec 11, 2007 9:20 PM CST   0 recs

I just turned on the game late in the 3rd....
is THIS the BULLS???

'Course, this Sonics team is a mere shell of what it was just three years ago....too bad for Seattle that they're gonna lose their team...

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Dec 11, 2007 9:22 PM CST   0 recs

they
should replace the black sleeveless jersey with the red pinstripes.

by Dr0ne420 on Dec 11, 2007 9:26 PM CST   0 recs

man, we look great
...next few games will be interesting

by bullsfaninbigapple on Dec 11, 2007 9:28 PM CST   0 recs

Yep
especially in Conseco Center.Pacers ussually play
tough at home.

by Azabullsfan on Dec 11, 2007 9:33 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

we'll be ok
as long as Free Money doesn't have any automatic weaponry around tinsley

these ARE the pacers

by milesgmsu on Dec 11, 2007 9:37 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Gray!
Finally some court time for my boy Gray.  He has some nice post skills and even dropped in a pass that made Griffin look good.        

by cranscape on Dec 11, 2007 9:31 PM CST   0 recs

best line of the night
"Griffin on the run".......

by KT on Dec 11, 2007 10:08 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

I am glad to see
Tyrus play like a madman
TMD- http://playahatersblog.blogspot.com

by TMD on Dec 11, 2007 9:35 PM CST   0 recs

just had a sad though
this may be the last time we ever see the super sonics in the UC...

by milesgmsu on Dec 11, 2007 9:36 PM CST   0 recs

saddest thing of the night
AG has a season high in points....six

hey matt tomorrow wish for a bulls win

by milesgmsu on Dec 11, 2007 9:44 PM CST   0 recs

Seattle is loaded
Blogabull faves Sene and Wilcox + Sam Smith trade scenario star Wally World = STACKED
Officially a hater on Ballhype!

by hscs on Dec 11, 2007 9:44 PM CST   0 recs

interesting thought
how much will tyrus command when he gets a contract extension in 2 summers?

by milesgmsu on Dec 11, 2007 9:50 PM CST   0 recs

OMG: Tyrus only 1 for 6!!!!
He sucks at shooting. Or, he's rusty. 9 REB's in 20 minutes.
Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Dec 11, 2007 9:53 PM CST   0 recs

Made his free throws though
and like 3 of those misses were that one series of offensive rebounds under the basket where he was blocked.

by Jaina on Dec 11, 2007 10:13 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

We
Should use the black jerseys alot more.They look good.Bulls played well tonight even tho it was Seattle,Durrant is gonna be a star.

by eross226 on Dec 11, 2007 10:45 PM CST   0 recs

I think the black is cool
but I really liked the ones tonight with the red pinstripes, as opposed to the plain black ones which are our current road alternates.

by Jaina on Dec 11, 2007 10:47 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

The jerseys always look better
When the guys in them just won.

GO BULLS!

"Shoot 25 balls in one minute? It's impossible for me. It's not my game. I know that." -Andres Nocioni

by cubbybear on Dec 11, 2007 11:40 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Yea
Can we just keep on celebrating the early Bulls squads?  I like the way we play in the pinstripes.

by NBA Observer on Dec 11, 2007 11:53 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Nice
That was a pleasant game to take in.  It reminds me of the good Bulls teams of yore.  And by yore, I mean last year.
Noah is a hussle machine, and Matt Duhon is our best guard.

by preverbal on Dec 11, 2007 11:53 PM CST   0 recs

That was
a fun game to watch and it looked like the players had fun too. TT made the most of his playing time and that is a good thing. BG got his shot back and that half court pass from Kirk to Lu was great.

I know it was just the Sonics but hopefully this gives them that spark they need for the rest of the season.

Please get this season turned around and play some great basketball.

by sue369 on Dec 12, 2007 7:29 AM CST   0 recs

Question
Did Joakim Noah tank in his early minutes just to get Tyrus off the bench?

It's very unlikely, but we know that Joakim and Tyrus are good friends.  Joakim entered the game and promptly mishandled not one, but two rebounds and on one of them hacked the Sonics player in what seemed like frustration.  On the second blown rebound the Sonics player tried to put a shot up and Noah hacked him as well.  This all happenned in about 90 seconds.

by NBA Observer on Dec 12, 2007 8:56 AM CST   0 recs

Yeah, I saw that and thought the same thing.
wtf, matt, bs?
Ita est, ergo ita sit.

by alec on Dec 12, 2007 10:27 AM CST to parent up   0 recs

we can share the nightly award
Tyrus was still strolling around the court last night.  I counted 4 offensive possessions where he essentially came back slow, picked a spot on the floor, and proceeded to stand there for the entire possession.  This wasn't noticeable though due to hot shooting from Kirk, BG, Du, and Deng.

by NBA Observer on Dec 12, 2007 10:43 AM CST to parent up   0 recs

ya know, I saw it too
Tyrus was usually last up the court. But I'm still not sure it's that big of a deal, especially since he was playing well, and I don't expect 'consistent focus' or whatever it takes to sprint up and down like a madman all the time. Since, like, nobody does that. And usually he was the one with the rebound so another big was already up court, so he'd trail the play a bit and sometimes set a screen.

As far as the standing around in the offensive set, just call it 'spacing'.

And when he had the ball, he didn't finish but was getting fouled. On the times not near the basket, he clanked a jumpshot (and it wasn't taken exactly 'in rhythym'), and on another posession had a tra