Open Game Thread #22: Bulls vs Los Angeles Lakers
Ever wonder what it'd look like to see a team with young talent building around Kobe Bryant?
Now you can! They're the current Lakers, and they're, eh, ok. And yet again benefitting from their usual early-season schedule where they play 80% of their games at home. (don't look that up, it just seems that way)
In closing, Skiles is burying talented players and it makes me sad. And Adrian Griffin is no good at the game of basketball. The end.
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213 comments
Comments
I usually try
I hope Kobe has a shitty game and fouls out in the first half. :-)
by sue369 on Dec 18, 2007 5:17 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
On a happier note...
by tyger1147 on Dec 18, 2007 5:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Sam Smith is
They also interviewed Kirk on there too.
by sue369 on Dec 18, 2007 6:04 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Of course.
by sue369 on Dec 18, 2007 6:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't know what it is
GAH! When I was a child, we played Buck-Buck.
by cubbybear on Dec 18, 2007 6:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
it's the sweaters
I work with someone who wears those kind of sweaters all winter. We call him BC.
by KT on Dec 18, 2007 6:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Sam had on
by sue369 on Dec 18, 2007 6:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Festive
by NBA Observer on Dec 18, 2007 7:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Matchups
C Bynum
PF Odom
SF Walton
SG Kobe
PG Fisher
Bulls
C Wallace
PF Smith
SF Deng
SG Gordon
PG Kirk
Does Smith guard Walton and Deng guards Odom? Does Deng guard Kobe? Notice I don't talk about offense at all.
by NBA Observer on Dec 18, 2007 6:12 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Offense!? Offense?!
by cubbybear on Dec 18, 2007 6:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Bulls by 8
I actually think Kirk, Deng and Gordon will have good games.
by Outsidergua on Dec 18, 2007 6:47 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
If we have a good night
by cranscape on Dec 18, 2007 6:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'd love
by sue369 on Dec 18, 2007 7:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Looks like BG ain't...
throwing up bricks as well...nothing new there.
(sigh)
by Bluelou on Dec 18, 2007 7:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
This is probably the first thread
by Option27 on Dec 18, 2007 7:04 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
whoa
Like Pizza? Me too.
by FAQ on Dec 18, 2007 7:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
PaxJax = hscs
by sue369 on Dec 18, 2007 8:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Why bench Gordon so early
by Option27 on Dec 18, 2007 7:52 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
paxjax gone as well as a few other casualties
by Blacknight23 on Dec 18, 2007 7:52 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
paxjax gone as well as a few other casualties
by Blacknight23 on Dec 18, 2007 7:54 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Bulls already in a sizable hole
by Bluelou on Dec 18, 2007 7:56 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
KOBE is trying to D Deng up!!
by Ibleedbullsred on Dec 18, 2007 7:57 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Arron Grey gets some early tick
by Bluelou on Dec 18, 2007 7:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think this is a Noah kinda game
by Option27 on Dec 18, 2007 8:00 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
agreed.
Seems like any good idea gets left as that...
by Bluelou on Dec 18, 2007 8:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
i'll give skiles credit
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 18, 2007 8:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Noc you chuck-tastic SOB
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 18, 2007 8:01 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
ok, much better in the 2nd
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 18, 2007 8:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
TT already withTWO monster blocks
by Bluelou on Dec 18, 2007 8:04 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Skiles actually coaching tonight.
by Blacknight23 on Dec 18, 2007 8:09 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
DUHON WASN'T SPRINTING!!! !!!
by hscs on Dec 18, 2007 8:09 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
can we get a call to go our way please if so we
by Ibleedbullsred on Dec 18, 2007 8:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Please don't let this be a game
by Option27 on Dec 18, 2007 8:12 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
ok, bynum's out
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 18, 2007 8:15 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
hinrich turning back into a pumpkin
(Gordon had a terrible TO on the next posession to join in on the fun)
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 18, 2007 8:19 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
him AND Gordon....
by Bluelou on Dec 18, 2007 8:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
don't know which turnaround fadeaway
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 18, 2007 8:22 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
wooo
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 18, 2007 8:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Tyrus Looking good a NBA post move turn around off
by Ibleedbullsred on Dec 18, 2007 8:24 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
with Thomas it's
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 18, 2007 8:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I feel bad for the national viewers on NBATV
Although we always know how many team fouls there are.
If the Bulls care so little about their on-air product, might as well just throw in Norm as well to make it completely insane.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 18, 2007 8:26 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
TT appears to be growing up fast as of late
by Bluelou on Dec 18, 2007 8:26 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Skiles got mo excuses than a sobbabish
by Ibleedbullsred on Dec 18, 2007 8:28 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
you referring to his
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 18, 2007 8:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
OK I see BG7 is not having a good game plus
by Ibleedbullsred on Dec 18, 2007 8:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Hinrich/Gordon/Deng/Thomas/Wallace
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 18, 2007 8:28 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
nevermind
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 18, 2007 8:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Wallace is dead
by Bluelou on Dec 18, 2007 8:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Gordon and Kirk
by Bluelou on Dec 18, 2007 8:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
bg need to step it up.
by Blacknight23 on Dec 18, 2007 8:32 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Noah should be playing more
Might as well see what Joakim brings to the table
by Option27 on Dec 18, 2007 8:41 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Despite being down by 4 they
by chgobr on Dec 18, 2007 8:46 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
It could be
by sue369 on Dec 18, 2007 8:47 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Andres Nocioni
Andres Nocioni
Andres Nocioni
A real Bull!
by exult463 on Dec 18, 2007 8:48 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Noc = above the rim
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 18, 2007 9:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
once again
by Bluelou on Dec 18, 2007 9:01 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Who dribbles better
Who defends Bryant Better
Andres Nocioni or Ben Gordon
Who passes better
Oops Andres doesn't pass, but fires every shot he can get his hands on. Gordon throws passes away. A tie for this category.
by exult463 on Dec 18, 2007 9:01 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Is it just me?
Get behind, try to crawl back in, can never take the lead, then the other team pulls away
by Option27 on Dec 18, 2007 9:01 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
and we still haven't seen Noah
by Bluelou on Dec 18, 2007 9:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I know!
by Option27 on Dec 18, 2007 9:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
u heard skiles expanation, seems like he will
by Ibleedbullsred on Dec 18, 2007 9:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Ben Wallace
The man is washed up. The sooner we sit him, the better.
by Freethefro on Dec 18, 2007 9:05 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
sweeeeet pass
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 18, 2007 9:06 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
TT is playing out of his mind tonight
by Bluelou on Dec 18, 2007 9:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
too bad
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 18, 2007 9:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Bynum is not as good as advertised
by Option27 on Dec 18, 2007 9:07 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
or Wallace is playing good D
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 18, 2007 9:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
fans at the uc should be chanting.
by Blacknight23 on Dec 18, 2007 9:08 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
The closer this game gets to the end
by Option27 on Dec 18, 2007 9:11 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
whyyyyyyyy
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 18, 2007 9:11 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
BG
by exult463 on Dec 18, 2007 9:13 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I can't believe
by No bull on Dec 18, 2007 9:14 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Wallace
by exult463 on Dec 18, 2007 9:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Rodman was a beast
by Bluelou on Dec 18, 2007 9:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Noc-Gray frontcourt
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 18, 2007 9:15 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
clutch defense, i predict tree to tye
by Ibleedbullsred on Dec 18, 2007 9:16 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
better late than never!! lets get a better d up
by Ibleedbullsred on Dec 18, 2007 9:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
what a low post presence
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 18, 2007 9:16 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
oh god
Plus we have Joe Smith 'saved' for the rest of this 4th quarter.
Skiles will coach with two hands around his own neck.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 18, 2007 9:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
TRY NOAH!
by Option27 on Dec 18, 2007 9:18 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
As much as I dislike Big Ben
by Freethefro on Dec 18, 2007 9:21 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
2 quick team fouls!
by Option27 on Dec 18, 2007 9:21 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
bulls are shooting 54% this half
I'm worried about the law of averages having the Bulls in for a looong scoring drought.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 18, 2007 9:24 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I've only seen Lu
And from what I recall, he's made all of em'
by Option27 on Dec 18, 2007 9:24 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Exactly what I mentioned
by Option27 on Dec 18, 2007 9:25 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Tyrus
by exult463 on Dec 18, 2007 9:27 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
a timeout. hooray
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 18, 2007 9:27 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
YES!!
by Option27 on Dec 18, 2007 9:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
GRAY
by fundamentallysound on Dec 18, 2007 9:32 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
How long until Gray fouls out?
by Scotter on Dec 18, 2007 9:34 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
this one is going in the Skiles mixtape
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 18, 2007 9:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
It's tough when you see a team
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 18, 2007 9:34 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
The only logical reason I can think of
But again, they've had 4 days rest.
by Option27 on Dec 18, 2007 9:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
How long until Deng gets benched
by Scotter on Dec 18, 2007 9:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
what's gray doing wrong?
by T Maple on Dec 18, 2007 9:36 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
down 7
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 18, 2007 9:37 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
wait
Who knows what would've happened if Tyrus didn't get poked in the eye only to sit on that darned bench chair loaded with superglue.
down 9. Lakers don't even need Bryant.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 18, 2007 9:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
down 12
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 18, 2007 9:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
So Noah was obviously hurt.
by tyger1147 on Dec 18, 2007 9:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
*dear life
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 18, 2007 9:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Skiles is bring this team down
by Option27 on Dec 18, 2007 9:40 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
especially
by goldengod on Dec 18, 2007 9:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I went from being happy this was a great game to
by Ibleedbullsred on Dec 18, 2007 9:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
It was bound to happen
by Option27 on Dec 18, 2007 9:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
and wallace is back in...
and a gimp Noc (nothing against him though)
Another brilliant Skiles line up
by Bluelou on Dec 18, 2007 9:41 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I AM SO FRIGGIN' TIRED OF SKILES
by Bluelou on Dec 18, 2007 9:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
granted
But Skiles is also having yet another terrible game, and he's much easier to get rid of.
Tyrus not coming back is insanity, if sadly predictable.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 18, 2007 9:43 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
he's finally back
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 18, 2007 9:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
And yet STILL no Noah
by Bluelou on Dec 18, 2007 9:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
He's in now!
by tyger1147 on Dec 18, 2007 9:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Nice TO Wallace
by Bluelou on Dec 18, 2007 9:44 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
We heckle Skiles
We need to clear the clutter on D15. It's fun being the anti-Knicks, but let's try not to suck while doing so.
by Freethefro on Dec 18, 2007 9:46 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
the 'too much talent' excuse
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 18, 2007 9:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
No
by Freethefro on Dec 18, 2007 10:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly - it's the players
by windycityhoops on Dec 19, 2007 9:23 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
And classic Hinrich
game over.
ugh.
by Bluelou on Dec 18, 2007 9:46 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Aren't these the situations...
by tyger1147 on Dec 18, 2007 9:47 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I want a balanced team
by Freethefro on Dec 18, 2007 9:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Carlisle sucks the air out of the ball!
by snley on Dec 19, 2007 8:03 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
What the fuckin' fuck???
by tyger1147 on Dec 18, 2007 9:49 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Did you see that shot of Noah?
And then they show Skiles sitting there with his DEFINATELY patented glazed over stare...
Ugh....ly...
by Bluelou on Dec 18, 2007 9:50 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
if I were him or Tyrus
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 18, 2007 9:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Nice that a second-round pick
by bleargh on Dec 18, 2007 9:52 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I must be clueless
--Big Ben seeming a non-factor
--an inability to score down the stretch
--tons of turnovers
And
--good minutes from Gray
--some scoring from Noc
Amd the most complaints are about Skiles and his substitutions.
by T Maple on Dec 18, 2007 9:57 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
This team has reached a NEW low
Kobe had a solid 18 pt. game even with a groin injury and didn't even need to score in the 4th.
After all the trade rumors with him before the season, and then the Bulls collapse -
The Lakers only got BETTER from that point, and it makes me wonder if there wasn't some un-mentioned reason for nixing the trade...?
Bottom line is the Bulls are the laughing stock, Skiles is an idiot that will NEVER measure up to Phil Jackson's class and, IMHO, Chicago really missed out on something special with Kobe.
by Bluelou on Dec 18, 2007 9:58 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Nixing *what* trade
by T Maple on Dec 18, 2007 10:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Was there an actual deal
But it sure seems like Kobe is better than ALL 3 of our "core" players at this point in time...
So yeah, that WOULD have improved the Bulls...
...but then again, there's the Skiles factor to consider...
by Bluelou on Dec 18, 2007 10:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
You're right about the laughingstock part
So despite the Lakers trying their hardest to give this one away, you have the Bulls passing the ball straight to the guys in gold and yellow, leading to, what, 14 points off turnovers in the first half alone? And Ben "The Dead Body" Wallace laying a big fat egg. Noc can't do it all, but at least he tries his hardest.
I know Matt hates talk of the draft or tanking, so I guess I'll have to content myself with the fact that our younger players will have a great chance to develop into something really good in this league, eventually, whether under Skiles or not. It'll be after Wallace and A-drain and Smith are long gone, and quite frankly, even Kirk and Ben are huge question marks the way they're playing.
by bullhockey on Dec 18, 2007 10:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm gonna blame this loss on Gordon.
by philosoball on Dec 18, 2007 10:08 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
We're SO lucky
by Azabullsfan on Dec 18, 2007 10:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
smh
DEFENSE!!1
by NBA Observer on Dec 19, 2007 9:30 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
and Turnovers and Rebounding!
Rebounding: Lakers 17o/52t - Bulls 7o/41t
Shooting well can't make up for the turnovers when you lose the ball before you get a shot off.
Nor can it make up for possessions you don't even get when the opponent rebounds their own miss 17 times.
by mdmnd9294 on Dec 19, 2007 3:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Tied 79-79 and the Bulls allow
Yes, Tyrus should have played more, but that is not why we lost. Btw, I don't know if they mentioned this on TV, but after he fell down, Tyrus continually hobbled back and forth from the bench to the stationary bike. It looked like he was dinged.
by 1958ChiTown on Dec 18, 2007 10:26 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Bull's report card
I thought he played alright defense on Kobe. Other then that, it was too many TOs, too many bricks, too hesitant on wide open shot opportunities. Just an overall bad night.
Gordon: D-
Gordon had another rough game. has a real problem guarding taller guards.
Wallace: D-
What a waist of money. They turn into this one dimensional jump shooting team the minute he steps on the court. Plus, I thought he got owned by Bynum. I mean seriously, 5 f-ing rebounds in 28 minutes??? Disgusting.
Deng: B
Deng showed flashes of brilliance, but ran out of steam towards the end.
Nocioni: B
Brought alot of energy and alot of chucking, but good chucking tonight.
Tyrus Thomas : C +
Was all over the rim, but one poke in the eye and he goes silent. Could be because of Skiles cutting his minutes after that.
Noah: I
Incomplete as he played 0 minutes today. Good call there Skiles...dumbass.
Gray: C
Showed some decent interior offensive moves.
Griffin: YMCAPOY
1 minute of pure YMCA Player of the Year goodness.
by RogersPark Kris on Dec 18, 2007 10:29 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Kirk doesn't deserve a D-
by Jaina on Dec 18, 2007 11:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Blah
The only good i can say about hinrich is, he is no longer in a funk,shooting wise, and from what ive heard (i missed the game) his d was as good as it could get against kobe.
Still, hinrich has to mature as a player, which means limiting turnovers, and limiting fouls. I think once he resolves those two issues, then he will be a great guard. ahh, six turnovers, if only i could have seen what they were (i heard they were really stupid)
by piccolomair on Dec 18, 2007 11:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Of course
The onus, IMO, is more on BG tonight. Or maybe on Skiles for leaving him in for 32 minutes when he only attempted 9 shots the entire game. And for leaving Wallace in for 28.
by Jaina on Dec 18, 2007 11:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree he
by sue369 on Dec 19, 2007 7:55 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Grade Inflation
by Sports2 on Dec 19, 2007 7:23 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Tyrus
Like the YMCA POY award, though.
by Freethefro on Dec 18, 2007 10:37 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Fucking Wallace
The Bulls really had no business losing this game. I know Kobe says he's happy in L.A., but he sure seemed to be coasting just a little for long stretches tonight. He was pretty much settling for off-balance jumpers in the first half. Even when he had Nocioni guarding him for a few possessions in the second quarter, he just settled for jumpers, even though he could have blown by Noce any time he wanted. Of course, Kobe playing at 75% effort level is still damn good, but I wonder if he's going to remain happy if/when the Lakers come back to Earth later in the season.
by Big D on Dec 18, 2007 11:03 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Kobe didn't have to try
I'd love a team like that, instead of hearing about how there is a method of success, and it hinges on every player doing everything super gritty and hard to win.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 18, 2007 11:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Outstanding catch!
"it hinges on every player doing everything super gritty and hard to win."
Skiles same post game bs...
by exult463 on Dec 19, 2007 9:10 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Fire Skiles Now
Look, the Bulls are not winning anything this year with this current combination of players and coach. If we want to salavge this season, we need to make some moves now.
As a side note, I'm glad Gray got some PT, although I'm not sure last night was the time to get it. He is a rookie and is not going to light it up any time soon, so the coaches need to pick his spots carefully. That said, he looks like a guy who can make some positive contributions to the team.
by Stay Chisel on Dec 19, 2007 8:14 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
i didn't
Gray was the ONE sub that I thought Skiles made correctly.
by ScottieCartwright on Dec 19, 2007 8:41 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
my thoughts
Skiles sub patterns were at their worst. I saw TT get poked in the eye, but did something else happen that I didn't see?? Why didn't he return until the very end? Lu sat for almost the entire 2nd quarter. Where was Joe Smith? He got yanked after a few minutes in the 1st & 3rd and was never seen again. The Lakers were gobbling up almost every rebound, it would've been good to at least TRY to get Noah in the game to see what he could do.
As for the players: I thought Kirk looked good until the 4th quarter. As soon as the 4th came, he reverted to his self from two weeks ago...bad decisions, bad passes, bad shots, bad defense, silly fouls, ugh.
Both Bens sucked. Wallace was horrible and again my patience for him is less and less each game. He looked disinterested last night.
BG was no place to be found. Some is on him but some is on his teammates too. Come on, call some plays for the man. True, he took only 1 shot in the 3rd, but noboby passed him the ball. He was just running around getting exercise. He took the ball to the hole a few times, but it was apparent the refs were giving him no love.
Hinrich was gettin absolutely roasted by Vujacic. They KNOW that his specialty is just to sit out there and bomb 3s all day, why did Kirk keep leaving him?! That shit made me furious...it's like how many times can the guy bust one in your eye before you guard him correctly?!? BOTH Skiles and Kirk failed that assignment...bad opponent recognition by player and coach. I can hear Stacey King now..."KYP!"
In the 4th, the entire team completely crumbled. You could see the "hear it goes again" looks on their faces. Everybody started shooting quick jumpers and making bad passes. What in the hell?!
I can't blame everything on Skiles because his actual game plan seemed to work, but his sub patterns stuck. I can't blame everything on the team because they played a decent game, until the 4th, when it mattered the most. I hate this.
by ScottieCartwright on Dec 19, 2007 8:35 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Hinrich's help D in the 4th
by NBA Observer on Dec 19, 2007 8:52 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
exactly
I think you're being generous though, I counted more than 3 times.
by ScottieCartwright on Dec 19, 2007 9:01 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
3 times
It's almost better to have Bryant in the game because Hinrich limited Bryant's scoring more than he did Vujacic. Hinrich must shadow Bryant, but when Vujacic is hitting EVERYTHING you cannot cheat off him.
by NBA Observer on Dec 19, 2007 9:34 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Bulls got burned
Sometimes you have to trust your centers/forwards to be able to defend 1/1 down low. You don't have to double the post 100 percent of the time. It be a different story if they were dropping it off to Dwight Howard or Tim Duncan and they were killing you, but it's been more about the Bulls players overreacting to the post feed.
by RogersPark Kris on Dec 19, 2007 9:27 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Kirk and his "big brother"
These mental mistakes have to stop. It's season 5 in the NBA for Kirk. He made second team All-NBA defense last year. His goal was first team this year.
by NBA Observer on Dec 19, 2007 9:37 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The sad thing
by NBA Observer on Dec 19, 2007 8:51 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
I was at the game in Chicago!
by Jaina on Dec 19, 2007 10:54 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Thank God we didn't sign Gordon
While Arenas didn't single out Gordon, the Wizards' guard did have pointed criticism for Luol Deng.
"I'm just speaking from a player's point of view, and I don't think I would ever do anything like that," Gordon said. "Everybody is entitled to their opinion. But him being who he is and saying that, I just think it's wrong. I would never expect that from another player. I would expect that from a critic or a commentator or somebody like that. But it's kind of unusual to me to hear it from a peer."
Gordon said he planned to address the injured Arenas directly on Wednesday in Washington.
by chgobr on Dec 19, 2007 8:53 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Vujacic and Bryant
Of course his defense was bad, but why do we (Skiles & Paxson) continue to think he can defend the shooting guards in this league.
He can't! He'll get burned every night if this defensive assignment continues.
by exult463 on Dec 19, 2007 9:17 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
his defense
by ScottieCartwright on Dec 19, 2007 9:21 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
agree and disagree
Put a guy like AK47 on Kobe (& Sasha) especially with this groin injury and Kobe will be limited. Don't we have a tall quick defensive stopper on this team that does turn the ball over much and shut down SG?
But Kirk's height does weight into this lack of defense of 6'7" Sasha and 6'6" Kobe.
I think Noc has better handles (dribble), passing ablity, quicker, driving and finish and defense than BG. But for some reason no one ever considers him for playing time at SG?
by exult463 on Dec 19, 2007 9:46 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I do not disagree with your point about sagging
by chgobr on Dec 19, 2007 9:46 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Thabo?
OK, Sasha scores points. That is all he can do. He can't pass. He can't defend. Post him. Drive on him. MAKE HIM PLAY D. Tax Sasha's energy and make the Zen Master sub out. Coaches need to recognize this.
Ditto Bynum. Make him play defense. Other teams force Bynum out of games by forcing him to foul you. Was this in the Skiles gameplan? Clearly it wasn't.
by NBA Observer on Dec 19, 2007 9:53 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
i agree
by ScottieCartwright on Dec 19, 2007 10:05 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Gray has a one-weapon arsenal--the baby hook.
by alec on Dec 19, 2007 10:21 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
while that is true
Since when do Fisher and Farmar need to be doubled? It wasn't like they were lighting Ben up and he needed help all the time. If Ben got beat, his 3, 4, or 5 man should've been there to help out in the lane. Kirk's job was to stick to his man. You don't leave a 3-pt shooter wide open. Let the help come from somewhere else.
Kobe and Vujacic combined for 13-29, for 37 points.
Yeah I agree, Ben's defensive deficiencies cause a sequence of events to happen, but you can't blame last night's roast fest of Kirk on Ben.
by ScottieCartwright on Dec 19, 2007 10:01 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Sometimes I think this team is just the opposite
by alec on Dec 19, 2007 9:53 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Pippen for Bulls GM
by NBA Observer on Dec 19, 2007 9:54 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I meant ScottieCartwright....
by alec on Dec 19, 2007 10:52 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Where was Noah
Do we have to kidnap Skiles at home games to get Joakim Noah in a game where his skills are best put to use against a tall, slender, finesse big man like Bynum?
Wake up Paxson!
by NBA Observer on Dec 19, 2007 9:40 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
I predict Paxson will wake up at 8:17
by alec on Dec 19, 2007 9:56 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Well played!
by mdmnd9294 on Dec 19, 2007 2:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Observations
- The whole first half it seemed like they were lucky to still be in the game. Noce really saved their bacon and kept them close.
- Hinrich alternately saved with his shooting and killed with his turnovers. Ug.
- Ben Wallace had as many rebounds as I did in the first half. He was not effective on defense, and we know he's ineffective on offense. I think I'm done with him.
- When Ben Gordon is not hitting shots, he's useless. His defense was awful with Farmar and Fisher beating him regularly. He looked like a biker cop escorting a motorcade - "allow me to bring you to the basket". On a good team he's offense coming off the bench. On this team, he starts...draw your own conclusion.
- I thought Gray played well, but he couldn't get his shot up against Bynum. He needs to develop some deception to compensate for his slow-motion shot.
- A Thabo sighting! But boy it seemed brief and of little impact.
- I understand why Skiles is frustrated with Tyrus. I watched him a lot when the Bulls were in transition, and he jogged up following the ball. The only time he beat the ball down the floor was when he started up-court of the ball (Noce gave him a nice feed for a dunk). If he sprinted down the court as Skiles has asked, he would get 3 or 4 buckets a game in transition, but he only does it if he starts ahead of the ball.
- One more Tyrus moment. He made a nice basket against Walton and ended up on his butt. He took his time getting up. As a result, Walton sprinted down court and got a basket. Tyrus giveth, and Tyrus taketh away. I have a new appreciation for why Skiles is frustrated with him.
- Did Noah have some bad sushi or something? Is he not allowed to play with Gray or Tyrus? Apparently, Gray and Tyrus are allowed to play together (it seemed like they did last night).
- Skiles didn't know it, but he conceded the game when he brought the Bens back in the 4th quarter. I'd seen enough of those two already. Hadn't the coach seen enough also?
- Deng was assertive in the 2nd half. That was nice to see. I'd like to see it much more often.
- End on a (mostly) good note: They attacked the basket most of the 2nd & 3rd quarters! That was productive and nice to see. Why did they stop that late in the 4th?
by mdmnd9294 on Dec 19, 2007 10:26 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Lots of words
"I understand why Skiles is frustrated with Tyrus. I watched him a lot when the Bulls were in transition, and he jogged up following the ball. The only time he beat the ball down the floor was when he started up-court of the ball (Noce gave him a nice feed for a dunk). If he sprinted down the court as Skiles has asked, he would get 3 or 4 buckets a game in transition, but he only does it if he starts ahead of the ball.
One more Tyrus moment. He made a nice basket against Walton and ended up on his butt. He took his time getting up. As a result, Walton sprinted down court and got a basket. Tyrus giveth, and Tyrus taketh away. I have a new appreciation for why Skiles is frustrated with him."
After Skiles said T2 doesn't sprint back this one of the keys I look at while watching games. Last night, I counted 3 possessions where Tyrus failed to get back on defense and 3 possessions where he did not sprint to the offensive end during transition. If you're talent sheet lists "athleticism" as your number 1 attribute, RUNNING to both ends ought to be T2's number one objective.
by NBA Observer on Dec 19, 2007 11:36 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I specifically
by sue369 on Dec 19, 2007 12:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
This is part
I imagine if you're the coach you sit him on the bench once you see this situation continues after you've instructed him otherwise
or
you leave him in the game if we're competitive, and then praise/encourage the young fellow to run the follow because you would like to see a few more crowd pleasing dunks and more defensive blocks. Then give him a rest when he's winded and then put him back in the game with more continued praise.
Well it looks like Skiles is using one of the options.
Now, someone determine why Noah is getting the Skiles treatment?
by exult463 on Dec 19, 2007 1:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Sasha!!
On the topic of Sasha/Kirk, Sasha's Oscar-winning flop provoked a "foul" on Kirk when Sasha was shooting a 3 from the corner. On the big screen replay at the UC it look like Sasha went down awfully easy. That looked like a flop Vlade Divac would have been proud of, and that was when the game really started to turn in the 4th. Did it look like a bad call on the broadcast? Did the commentators discuss it?
by mdmnd9294 on Dec 19, 2007 2:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
It's amazing how BG has become
by alec on Dec 19, 2007 10:46 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
When did
by RogersPark Kris on Dec 19, 2007 2:09 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I thought so too
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 19, 2007 2:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

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