Open Game Thread #17: Bulls at Detroit Pistons
[Thanks to wjb1492 for today's game preview. -Matt]
I'm guessing everyone remembers the last match-up between the Bulls and Pistons, which resulted in the first W of the season for Chicago. Will tonight be another victory for the Bulls? Well, I'm not an "expert analyst" or statistically driven projection device, just a fan. So, with all the homerism I possess, I say: hell yeah!
For those around here looking for something more solid than unbridled optimism in a game preview, let's start with Tyrus, who has had some of his greatest games against the Pistons. Hopefully, Skiles remembers this and gives the kid more than 6 or 7 minutes of burn. Kirk also had his best assist game (14) of the year by far against the Pistons last time around - in fact, that game alone accounts for a whopping 17% of Kirk's total assists to date. If Skiles does decide against benching him tonight, let's hope for another performance like that. The Bulls overall have been playing a bit better of late, winning 3 of the last 4 after starting 2 and 10, and moving up to 22nd in Hollinger's Power Rankings after spending several days (weeks?) in dead last.
People who don't have a blindspot a mile wide where the Bulls are concerned might point out in rebuttal that Detroit is currently 3rd in the Hollinger Power Rankings, with a 5 game winning streak. (Personally, I wonder why such people would be spending time on a Bulls blog.)
There is also, of course, the never-ending story of Ben Wallace's defection from the Pistons, mixed with his on-going friendship with his former teammates. Quote of the day on Big Ben, courtesy of the Detroit Free Press, comes from Chauncey Billups:
Billups said he has talked with Wallace a few times and, not surprisingly, Wallace isn't enjoying himself."You know Ben," Billups said.
"He's a sore loser. He's not happy about it at all. But I don't blame him."
I hope I live to see the day that Big Ben's relationship with his former team ceases to be a topic of conversation, but since the game is on everyone's favorite worldwide leader (6 pm start) I'm sure it will receive plenty of coverage.
Meanwhile, for me at least, this is one of those teams that a win against just seems to matter a little bit more - Detroit, New York, any team the Bulls play on TNT when Sir Charles is commenting.... So, Let's Go Bulls! (But said in a much cooler way than the Bobcats' PA guy.)
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I'd like
Ben just needs to move on. He's not been happy since he got here.
What I don't get
I realize that, from things he has said, that he thinks of them as brothers or something, but it doesn't seem like they really return that. It's like he still needs to realize that they've all moved on.
I'll second that...
R.I.P. Thomas Gardner
http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/fullcourtpress/2007/12/roster-move.html
Kind of bummed about this one, and I don't usually get attached to end-of-the-bench type guys.
he's been released
Bummer.
Best into to in-game thread ever
REPEAT THE THREE-PETE!
by Seth @ Blog a Bull on Dec 7, 2007 5:19 PM CST reply actions
I don't know about you guys
I GET MY WISH TONIGHT!
Lottery games
how very far out of contention we are.
by Rusty LaRue on Dec 7, 2007 6:06 PM CST reply actions
Huh???
OK,..warm-ups...oh, what's that?
He's a career 41%.....
by Rusty LaRue on Dec 7, 2007 6:39 PM CST up reply actions
Wow, I run to grab a burger
Last thing I want to see tonight
Seems like Sheed still has a burr up his ass about last game with the Bulls, and Ben...seems like he always tries too hard against Detwat.
And just as I say that
Good thing though that Ben has 8 boards so far...
that was a great feed by Hinrich
by fundamentallysound on Dec 7, 2007 6:35 PM CST reply actions
Both Ben AND Kirk
I really think the final line up change should be
I'd be happy with that lineup for the rest of the year
How do I always seem to have to be away
I personally believe
That, of course, is total bunk, but I just like to believe it.
by KT on Dec 7, 2007 6:44 PM CST up reply actions
If we can just guard Wallace for the 3
I'm kind of hoping for a patented Wallace meltdown
Ben Wallace and another blunder
that missed dunk
by fundamentallysound on Dec 7, 2007 6:43 PM CST reply actions
What was the point?
Skiles wants to prove that he can
That ain't funny
I'd give real money if ANYONE besides Noc
BG especially...hot one night...ice cold the next...
He shot over Sheed earlier
nice catch by Noah
by fundamentallysound on Dec 7, 2007 6:57 PM CST reply actions
stupid foul by Smith
At least it was a hard foul.
Jesus
by Seth @ Blog a Bull on Dec 7, 2007 6:59 PM CST reply actions
What's a potentional?
Yeah, ugly phrasing.
I mean, other than Tyrus Thomas :)
by Seth @ Blog a Bull on Dec 7, 2007 7:06 PM CST up reply actions
Yeah, ugly phrasing
couldn't agree more
Loved seeing Bulls play Det with energy. I know Noc has limitations but he can shoot and attacks the rim and he has been playing well. Wish there was a way that Thomas and Thabo could become productive too, hate to think Bulls went 0-2 in that draft. Noah looks like he can play, missing a mid range jump shot and could use some bulk probably but he's decent already
by NY Chicago Fan on Dec 8, 2007 3:11 PM CST up reply actions
Yeah...that was a HORRIBLE call....
Daaaaamn
by Seth @ Blog a Bull on Dec 7, 2007 7:04 PM CST reply actions
I bet he's not too pleased about that
So I doubt if he's pissed about it.
I thought I heard coaches had to wear them,
In that situation, I'd either turn it off at the start (and probably get in trouble for violating the spirit of the law or something), or totally forget it was on when I lost my temper.
I heard coaches had to wear them
But if they ARE required to wear them, then I feel bad for 'em.
He is required
by KT on Dec 7, 2007 7:21 PM CST up reply actions
It's too bad
When Big Ben makes free throws
SIX of 'em no less....
nice flail job
by fundamentallysound on Dec 7, 2007 7:07 PM CST reply actions
Bulls sure are dominating on the boards
ok, how that wasn't a foul
by fundamentallysound on Dec 7, 2007 7:09 PM CST reply actions
Hahaha
by fundamentallysound on Dec 7, 2007 7:10 PM CST reply actions
Incredible, isn't it?
I can't believe it
That won't last
That said...I do have a gut feeling that the Bulls are indeed gonna pull this one out...
If you ask me
Watching Joakim
What IS a "pookie" anyway?
don't know if you remember
I was referring to that Barkley / Wade commercial
I'm just saying
Umm...I get it Alec...thank you
No worries
Yeah, it does take a while to get used to
It's funny how Deng and Prince seem to
The rebounding margin is crazy
with Noah playing this well
Ha!
Speaking of whom,
I swear - all Billups has to do is flinch
I hate Billups
I hate Sheed
I hate detwat
It almost seems
He kills the Pistons
Why WOULDN'T he play?
And his facial expression on the bench looks like he's been told he won't play at all tonight...
It really is insane
So dumb
Big Ben is on fire from the FT line tonight
for those...
i...
he gets a nice basket over a defender, and then hinrich commits a dumb foul while the pistons are dribbling back the other way.
"After Every Call!"
by Seth @ Blog a Bull on Dec 7, 2007 7:48 PM CST reply actions
Noc is probably the slowest
Could someone explain that to me?
:-)
Best flop ever
by Seth @ Blog a Bull on Dec 7, 2007 7:51 PM CST reply actions
They're hanging right there...
I'm starting to feel like a cliche-laden analyst - "one of these teams is going to go on a run here, and that's the team that will when it."
I think Du just committed
Hey but the Bulls have been winning
Just hope they can do it for the 4th too
This is gonna be a hard game to watch
Like I said though, I hope not
But sometimes when Detroit goes crazy
Bulls field goal percentage has been creeping up, so maybe we'll get one of those games where Detroit self-destructs.
I disagree
Shall we go double or nothing? :-)
WAIT!
I can never bet against these guys. I thought you meant the if the Bulls win, it's nothing.
Well make up your mind dude
:-)
I get that feeling too
(yes, that was a roundabout way of wishing Tyrus got off the bench. What a goddamned shame).
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 7, 2007 8:02 PM CST up reply actions
Ha! Noah made Sheed throw an airball!!!
The key for eventually beating Detroit
Another is athleticism. but we know Skiles hates that.
And yet another is Ben Gordon to figure out how to have a good game against Billups/Hamilton.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 7, 2007 8:04 PM CST reply actions
I swear it's insane
I know he's a rookie but I would love to see him play 20+ minutes a night
but does he ::gasp:: know the plays??????
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 7, 2007 8:06 PM CST up reply actions
for those who can't read into that
Maybe we need a substitute coach for the early part of the season, and have Skiles just watch and take notes. That way when he figures out who to play 2 months into the season, it won't be at the expense of wins and losses.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 7, 2007 8:07 PM CST up reply actions
know the plays??????
But who cares....as long as he keeps playing like he is...
Noc has been great.
And Wallace is having one of his 'live' efforts.
A deep frontcourt, egads.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 7, 2007 8:05 PM CST reply actions
Noah is a dude...
...and what the hell is Hinrich doing in there...I hope the only reason is BG's fouls...
by bullsfaninbigapple on Dec 7, 2007 8:09 PM CST reply actions
Gotta love Kirk D'ing up Rip
Smartest thing Kirk's done on the court all year.
Noc to Noah!
They keep feeding it to him down low
Noah is fifty times
by Rusty LaRue on Dec 7, 2007 8:13 PM CST reply actions
who came up with the
you may have been on to something. he never attacked the rim like this.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 7, 2007 8:14 PM CST reply actions
Noah with a nice pass there
...what a bunch of whiners
by bullsfaninbigapple on Dec 7, 2007 8:17 PM CST reply actions
Normally I don;t like trading baskets in the 4th
that's always the problem against detroit
gotta force turnovers, stops+rebounds, and run.
But I can already see this unit running out of gas, and Skiles isn't one to make a late substitution before the shit hits the fan.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 7, 2007 8:20 PM CST up reply actions
then again
I'd say Gordon, but he has (again) not had a great game. But they're going to need points, damnit
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 7, 2007 8:22 PM CST up reply actions
Matbe this is what he's been saving TT for...?
If they lose this game
well I wouldn't expect him
but we have a similar opinion on Skiles' job tonight. It's basically how he coached the entire playoff series.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 7, 2007 8:26 PM CST up reply actions
Well put in Noah then
But he's probably just trying to give Ben some 4th quarter love
how he coached the entire playoff series
I swear the stupid mic guy here
I got yer "deee twat baaaasketball"...
right HERE pal....
"This is gonna be a hard game to watch"
Like I said though, I hope not
by Option27 on Fri Dec 07, 2007 at 08:58:54 PM EDT
[ Reply to This ]
STOP THE MADNESS!
by Seth @ Blog a Bull on Dec 7, 2007 8:29 PM CST up reply actions
I'm not a Pistons fan
Can you imagine how his poor body
God, how we miss a finisher...
by bullsfaninbigapple on Dec 7, 2007 8:28 PM CST reply actions
This is one of those games where
This kind of exhausting game should make the Celtics game tomorrow interesting.
Maybe that's what Skiles is saving Ty for...
that WAS a big shot for Deng
and then Du for 3
Noce on the floor
by Rusty LaRue on Dec 7, 2007 8:32 PM CST reply actions
I don't wanna jump the gun
another HUGE shot made by Deng
turnaround fadeaway
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 7, 2007 8:35 PM CST up reply actions
woooooo
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 7, 2007 8:34 PM CST reply actions
And in the final minutes of the game!
Looks like I'll sleep happy tonight
Matt, how about for one night you
ok, but only because
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 7, 2007 8:40 PM CST up reply actions
Burn the clock boys....
I am really going to have an ulcer after this...
or Ben Gordon
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 7, 2007 8:39 PM CST up reply actions
True, that.
that's cuz he was suckin' rotten eggs tonight
A first?
Nice.
yet
This is nice because at the very least it's a return to "the old Bulls".
Which is better than what we've seen, but still the team that lost in 6 games to Detroit.
By the end of the season I don't want to have to rely on crazy-awesome efforts from Noc and Duh.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 7, 2007 8:43 PM CST up reply actions
Man, I hope Skiles
That means T-Time.
Awesome win though, makes tomorrow's game gravy.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 7, 2007 8:41 PM CST reply actions
BG should be pretty fresh, too.
I like BG tomorrow
Billups always owns his ass, sigh.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 7, 2007 8:44 PM CST up reply actions
And the guys get to visit their old friend, Posey
W
by fundamentallysound on Dec 7, 2007 8:41 PM CST reply actions
I think it was the Charlotte Bobcats
Part confidence builders, I think,
you mean this game?
I'd say it's playing shitty teams. But tonight they had plenty of good performances, and Noah was a big help.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 7, 2007 8:45 PM CST up reply actions
Not even close to staying up...
by Seth @ Blog a Bull on Dec 7, 2007 8:44 PM CST reply actions
Turning point of the game:
I wouldn't be surprised
That's alright though, more time for Noah. Wait, who's our coach? :)
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 7, 2007 8:46 PM CST up reply actions
It's at least nice to know that we can
You're so silly, Matt
I said that last time we played the Pistons.
by Johnnysharp on Dec 7, 2007 8:51 PM CST up reply actions
What sucks about tomorrow
I'll be watching my boy Floyd kick Ricky Hatton's ass
Shoot, I forgot about the fight. Will it be
Floyd is never boring
It's like watching the Bulls play stifling defense. It's not pretty but you appreciate the art of it.
I love watching Floyd box because he treats it like an art.
It's like fans that would rather watch a great pitchers duel in baseball than a home run festival.
I appreciate skills. Not just throwing wild punches hoping something lands
I'd enjoy it more if Floyd was put
fuck floyd
But enough about Tim Floyd...
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 7, 2007 8:54 PM CST up reply actions
enough about Tim Floyd...
Skiles looks a lot more relaxed now
I dunno
except he said something like "Skiles started the season playing Tyrus Thomas...now he has his competitors on the floor". He didn't make the clear connection but it was subconsciously done.
Also, I'd liked the irony in him imploring the Bulls to run.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 7, 2007 8:50 PM CST up reply actions
I'll never forget little van dragged across the
by Johnnysharp on Dec 7, 2007 8:52 PM CST up reply actions
VanG's commentary
by VivaLosToros on Dec 8, 2007 11:49 AM CST up reply actions
All I can say is I hope they don't let down
If they can win against Boston too, THEN I'll tend to think things are turning around.
I think the Bulls match up well with Boston.
Du
Hinrich
Deng
Nocioni/ Smith based on size
Wallace
Joakim played well. I was worried when they took him out.
by Johnnysharp on Dec 7, 2007 8:55 PM CST reply actions
It's funny how one big win has us
Why not what better test?
by Johnnysharp on Dec 7, 2007 9:03 PM CST up reply actions
The thing is...
As I said, Gordon hasn't been doing well so far, so... whatever. Without him starting, you're just not giving the team a consistent* opportunity to finish the first quarter with a lead.
*Notice the key words. There are obviously one game aberrations, but in an entire season it's about consistently giving the team the best chance to win. It's not a perfect science by any means, but that's my take.
it's not just the Bulls as a team
That's what I'm hoping, anyway.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 7, 2007 10:08 PM CST up reply actions
Watching the Spurs-Jazz game . . .
I heard that.
It was like that Milwaukee game
I have more respect for Skiles now.
by Johnnysharp on Dec 7, 2007 9:47 PM CST reply actions
Tonight's game was
Tomorrow night makes me very nervous. Boston scares me.
Good game tonight guys!!!! Get another win tomorrow night.
why does it make you nervous?
by Johnnysharp on Dec 7, 2007 10:12 PM CST up reply actions
If not then hey
by Johnnysharp on Dec 7, 2007 10:12 PM CST up reply actions
Boston is scary
Outside the Big 3
by Johnnysharp on Dec 8, 2007 12:30 AM CST up reply actions
If I recall correctly
I was thinking about the years he wasn't
by Johnnysharp on Dec 8, 2007 12:56 AM CST up reply actions
Pierce has hardly
http://www.basketball-reference.com/fc/h2h.cgi?req=1&playoffs=N&p1=piercpa01&p2=denglu01
ANDRES NOCIONI
"MY ELBOWS CAN DESTROY RICHARD HAMILTON'S FACE MASK."
"I GOOD BASKETBALL PLAYER."
by AngryAsianAce on Dec 7, 2007 10:32 PM CST reply actions
I wish Kirk and BG could have a good game
I think I'll
The play that should really get TT's
After the play, Stacy commented, in what clearly was a thinly veiled reference to the recent Thomas flap, that that's what Skiles means by running the court.
The biggest positive sign last night
I heard Flip Saunders
I don't know if this was just a one time thing, due to Noc's having a big offensive game, or if it's partly Noah "high basketball IQ," seeing what's going on and putting himself in position to take advantage of it.
Jesus and the Apostles
I do agree that he has been a sold. A breath of fresh air in the rotation, and maybe should have gotten a little more burn in the 4th, based on his play. (BB had me worried, especially when he, unlike Noah, was reluctant to take it to the rack at the end of the game.)
by VivaLosToros on Dec 8, 2007 12:03 PM CST up reply actions
great game
i think the time has finally come to start duhon and hinrich in the back court, and have bg come off the bench. bg and noc coming off the bench i think will work out well. even though kirk struggled offensively the last 3 quarters and was still making dumb decisions, his d at the end was huge. deng hitting those jump shots and noc and du taking it to the hole at the end was great to watch, and a good confidence booster for tonight.
by Conor on Dec 8, 2007 10:25 AM CST reply actions
Could the Bulls be headed
Yes, Kirk was good defensively, but Skiles said he ended up having to put Deng on Hamilton to try to get some size on him. But Skiles also said that pretty much nothing the Bulls did slowed Hamilton down. Sometimes Rip can just be unguardable, and it's not necessarily Kirk's or any defender's fault that Rip gets points.
How quickly things change.
You keep Noah. He gets better with each game. The kid can play 4 or 5 and runs the floor better then any pretty much any center in the league.
Tyrus can only play the 4 ( if Skiles lets him ever play again). Let's face it, he is firmly implanted in the Skiles dog house. They ended up trading Chandler, and odds are Tyrus is eventually gone too.
Noc is a force off the bench. So far he is a lock for 6th man of the year.
Deng looks to be fully recovered from his back problem. Plus, he isn't forcing low post shots into his game. He accepts that his bread and butter is that smooth 16 foot jump shot.
Once Gordon starts shooting better again this team is loaded ! Then it will be easy for this team to make a trade. See, what fans don't realize, you can't trade for Kobe when your players are playing like crap.
As LA starts to go into their usual funk, and as the Bulls start to his their usual mid season stride, teams will call them for trades, and not the other way around.
by RogersPark Kris on Dec 8, 2007 11:03 AM CST reply actions

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