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Open Game Thread #17: Bulls at Detroit Pistons

Jayhawk_tiny by wjb1492 on

[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.)

Blogging with the enemy:

Detroit Bad Boys
Need4Sheed

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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I'd like
to see any signs of life out of Kirk tonight. Hope TT gets more playing time too. I liked what I saw out of Noah the other night so I want to see him get some time too.

Ben just needs to move on. He's not been happy since he got here.

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

by sue369 on Dec 7, 2007 4:47 PM CST   0 recs

What I don't get
is why he apparently keeps talking to the Detroit guys.  If I griped to a friend about not liking my current job, I'd be a little pissed to read about our private conversation in the newspaper.  (Not that anything I do is news-worthy or anything)

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 believe. I believe. It's silly, but I believe." (Miracle on 34th Street)

by wjb1492 on Dec 7, 2007 5:38 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

I'll second that...
The most frustrating part about the whole situation to me is that by the time he realizes that the rest of his former teammates have moved on, Ben won't be as good as he should have been. He's all but wasted the first two years of his Bulls deal wishing he was still a Piston. Then he'll just waste the last two years sucking. I won't say the sign was a bad move as I DO think he brought something to this team that TC couldn't last year but man, come on. Get over it already.

by CubFan81 on Dec 7, 2007 5:41 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

R.I.P. Thomas Gardner
Apparently he's been released to make room for Cav's cast-off Demetris Nichols.

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.

"I believe. I believe. It's silly, but I believe." (Miracle on 34th Street)

by wjb1492 on Dec 7, 2007 4:54 PM CST   0 recs

he's been released
Didn't get to see too much of Gardner, but I seem to recall him playing well that one game just before he became inactive....

Bummer.

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Dec 7, 2007 5:31 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Best into to in-game thread ever
I also pick the bulls.

REPEAT THE THREE-PETE!

by Seth on Dec 7, 2007 5:19 PM CST   0 recs

I don't know about you guys
But I've been dying to find out what the hell comes out of Skiles mouth a lot during games and halftimes and timeouts.

I GET MY WISH TONIGHT!

by Option27 on Dec 7, 2007 5:57 PM CST   0 recs

Lottery games
This one and Boston are going illustrate
how very far out of contention we are.

by Rusty LaRue on Dec 7, 2007 6:06 PM CST   0 recs

Huh???
We've already beat the Pistons once this year and have a good shot at it tonight.  We've never played the Celtics as they are now so I can't comment there, but why would playing the Pistons show "how very far out of contention we are".  For me it is our poor play against average teams that frustrate me the most.  We seem to play well against the Pistons and come a little more alive against the traditionally good teams.

by cranscape on Dec 7, 2007 6:25 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

OK,..warm-ups...oh, what's that?
Ben Wallace warming up over on the Piston's side of the court.
Ita est, ergo ita sit.

by alec on Dec 7, 2007 6:07 PM CST   0 recs

Like I said
He's too good

by Option27 on Dec 7, 2007 6:19 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Not lately

by Rusty LaRue on Dec 7, 2007 6:20 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

He's a great player
He'll work his way out of it. You don't just forget how to shoot

by Option27 on Dec 7, 2007 6:21 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

He's a career 41%.....
He's never known how to shoot.

by Rusty LaRue on Dec 7, 2007 6:39 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Wow, I run to grab a burger
and by the time I get back (thanks, Chilis) Kirk has practically doubled his season's points output.  :)
"I believe. I believe. It's silly, but I believe." (Miracle on 34th Street)

by wjb1492 on Dec 7, 2007 6:24 PM CST   0 recs

Wallace!
Don't bounce a pass low to the knees!  flails  That looked sloppy.

by cranscape on Dec 7, 2007 6:27 PM CST   0 recs

Last thing I want to see tonight
is a Wallace/Wallace showdown....
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.
Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Dec 7, 2007 6:32 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

And just as I say that
Sheed drains another trey...
Good thing though that Ben has 8 boards so far...
Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Dec 7, 2007 6:34 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

that was a great feed by Hinrich
to Wallace for the And 1. Nice to see him coming out and playing well early.

by fundamentallysound on Dec 7, 2007 6:35 PM CST   0 recs

Both Ben AND Kirk
:-)
Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Dec 7, 2007 6:36 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

I really think the final line up change should be
Noah in for Joe Smith....

I'd be happy with that lineup for the rest of the year

by Option27 on Dec 7, 2007 6:35 PM CST   0 recs

How do I always seem to have to be away
for the games the Bulls play well?  Although listening to the audio feed does bring back memories of last year in my pre Leauge Pass phase.
"I believe. I believe. It's silly, but I believe." (Miracle on 34th Street)

by wjb1492 on Dec 7, 2007 6:36 PM CST   0 recs

I personally believe
if the game is available to me, and I don't watch it, the Bulls play better.

That, of course, is total bunk, but I just like to believe it.

by KT on Dec 7, 2007 6:44 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

I'm kind of hoping for a patented Wallace meltdown
Got to get Ty on him at some point.
"I believe. I believe. It's silly, but I believe." (Miracle on 34th Street)

by wjb1492 on Dec 7, 2007 6:39 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Ben Wallace and another blunder
goes to the hoop for a T-hawk stuff and misses it...oops...
Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Dec 7, 2007 6:42 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

that missed dunk
was just the picture of what has happened to Big Ben's athleticism.  It's dropped off to the point that he can't finish a dunk he formerly would have thundered down.  It's like he didn't even realize he wouldn't make it to the rack.  Kinda sad really.

by fundamentallysound on Dec 7, 2007 6:43 PM CST   0 recs

What was the point?
Of drafting Aldridge and trading for TT if he is on the bench and in the doghouse?
TMD- Boiler Up!

by TMD on Dec 7, 2007 6:43 PM CST   0 recs

Skiles wants to prove that he can
win with the least athletic team possible.

by philosoball on Dec 7, 2007 6:45 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

That maybe sad
But true
TMD- Boiler Up!

by TMD on Dec 7, 2007 6:49 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

That ain't funny
'cuz it might be true
Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Dec 7, 2007 6:50 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

I'd give real money if ANYONE besides Noc
could get some consistancy going this year...

BG especially...hot one night...ice cold the next...

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Dec 7, 2007 6:51 PM CST   0 recs

He shot over Sheed earlier
it would be great to see him do more of that tonight
Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Dec 7, 2007 6:56 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

nice catch by Noah
maybe he really is Tyson Chandler with hands.  That pass was too low and easily could have gotten away from him, but he snatched it up and got the easy dunk. Nice play, rook.

by fundamentallysound on Dec 7, 2007 6:57 PM CST   0 recs

stupid foul by Smith
he was way late coming over...
Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Dec 7, 2007 6:58 PM CST   0 recs

At least it was a hard foul.
Something I didn't know the Bulls could do anymore.

by philosoball on Dec 7, 2007 7:00 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Jesus
I wish we had a player who even has legit potentional to be capable of doing what prince just did

by Seth on Dec 7, 2007 6:59 PM CST   0 recs

What's a potentional?
:-)
Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Dec 7, 2007 7:01 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Yeah, ugly phrasing.
I wish we had a player with even the physical potential to do what Prince just did.

I mean, other than Tyrus Thomas :)

by Seth on Dec 7, 2007 7:06 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Yeah, ugly phrasing
Hehehe...I was just kickin' yer tires...   :-)
Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Dec 7, 2007 7:09 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

couldn't agree more
Deng is a great player but you can't learn athletism which has always been the knock on Deng.  Would be nice if Bulls starting 3 could attack the rim and dunk once in awhile.  Would help him get to the line.  He's just not a great leaper and doesn't explode to basket in traffic (ballhandling issue?)  That and the lack of a 3pt shot is really what I think will hold Deng back from him being the guy you can build a team around.

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 to parent up   0 recs

Yeah...that was a HORRIBLE call....
I hate detwat
Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Dec 7, 2007 7:02 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Daaaaamn
It's rediculous that Skiles is MICd. I bet he's not too pleased about that. But, wow...

by Seth on Dec 7, 2007 7:04 PM CST   0 recs

I bet he's not too pleased about that
I don't think he is required to agree to wearing a mic...
So I doubt if he's pissed about it.
Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Dec 7, 2007 7:07 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

I thought I heard coaches had to wear them,
but would be able to turn them off at times if they felt the need.

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 believe. I believe. It's silly, but I believe." (Miracle on 34th Street)

by wjb1492 on Dec 7, 2007 7:10 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

I heard coaches had to wear them
I could be wrong...don't know for sure.

But if they ARE required to wear them, then I feel bad for 'em.

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Dec 7, 2007 7:16 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

He is required
the league agreed to do this - the coaches can't opt out and none of them are too happy about it.

by KT on Dec 7, 2007 7:21 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

It's too bad
they're making the coaches wear the mics but then they're only broadcasting them cheerleading.  I'd like to hear something insightful, even if it's delayed a bit so strategy isn't given away

by Sports2 on Dec 7, 2007 7:36 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

When Big Ben makes free throws
I just have to feel good about the game.
"I believe. I believe. It's silly, but I believe." (Miracle on 34th Street)

by wjb1492 on Dec 7, 2007 7:05 PM CST   0 recs

SIX of 'em no less....
Very cool...
Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Dec 7, 2007 7:10 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

nice flail job
by Muscles there.  That was a bad call that went our way.  Good to see him making foul shots though.

by fundamentallysound on Dec 7, 2007 7:07 PM CST   0 recs

Bulls sure are dominating on the boards
Too bad it's because they're missing so many shots.

by Big D on Dec 7, 2007 7:08 PM CST   0 recs

ok, how that wasn't a foul
on that Hinrich shot where he got mugged on the baseline is beyond me.  Wow.

by fundamentallysound on Dec 7, 2007 7:09 PM CST   0 recs

Hahaha
JVG calls out the Pistons for being the most complaining team in the NBA, that was great.  "They complain about EVERY call." Classic.

by fundamentallysound on Dec 7, 2007 7:10 PM CST   0 recs

Ben!
6FTs!

by Option27 on Dec 7, 2007 7:10 PM CST   0 recs

Incredible, isn't it?
He's hitting nearly 86% tonight, so far.  It's got to be KILLING the Detroit fans!  :)
"I believe. I believe. It's silly, but I believe." (Miracle on 34th Street)

by wjb1492 on Dec 7, 2007 7:12 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

I can't believe it
BB would average a double double if he could hit those every night. I think I agree with the comment that Noah is Tyson Chandler with better hands
TMD- Boiler Up!

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

That won't last
They're gonna have to shoot better if they're gonna win this...

That said...I do have a gut feeling that the Bulls are indeed gonna pull this one out...

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Dec 7, 2007 7:20 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Noah is playing
like the lottery pick he was.
Ita est, ergo ita sit.

by alec on Dec 7, 2007 7:14 PM CST   0 recs

If you ask me
I would consider him almost untouchable. Future Wallace replacement and they already know he'll be better than how Tyson plays even now.

by Option27 on Dec 7, 2007 7:20 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Watching Joakim
shoot free throws makes me smile.
Please get this season turned around and play some great basketball.

by sue369 on Dec 7, 2007 7:19 PM CST   0 recs

did you see the
article I linked to your comment on the earlier thread?
Ita est, ergo ita sit.

by alec on Dec 7, 2007 7:20 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

no
Please get this season turned around and play some great basketball.

by sue369 on Dec 7, 2007 7:22 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

What IS a "pookie" anyway?
Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Dec 7, 2007 7:21 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

I don't know.
Please get this season turned around and play some great basketball.

by sue369 on Dec 7, 2007 7:23 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

don't know if you remember
Calvin and Hobbes...Calvin mortified at being called "Bitsy Pookims"...the same, I'd say, as being called "pookie."
Ita est, ergo ita sit.

by alec on Dec 7, 2007 7:24 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

I was referring to that Barkley / Wade commercial
Wade is "pookie"...
Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Dec 7, 2007 7:30 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

I'm just saying
it's a term of endearment...like a sound you'd call your pet.
Ita est, ergo ita sit.

by alec on Dec 7, 2007 7:32 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Umm...I get it Alec...thank you
it was just a joke....
Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Dec 7, 2007 7:38 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

ok. fine.
I don't get what you're doing.  Just dense on my part.
Ita est, ergo ita sit.

by alec on Dec 7, 2007 7:42 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

No worries
I agree that it's easy to misunderstand what people are saying sometimes...
Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Dec 7, 2007 7:51 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Yeah, it does take a while to get used to
everyone's sense of humor, especially all the sarcasm that goes on around here.
"I believe. I believe. It's silly, but I believe." (Miracle on 34th Street)

by wjb1492 on Dec 7, 2007 7:53 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

The rebounding margin is crazy
Bulls have 16 offensive boards to only 14 defensive boards for the Pistons?!  And 16 defensive rebounds to 5 offensive for Detroit.
"I believe. I believe. It's silly, but I believe." (Miracle on 34th Street)

by wjb1492 on Dec 7, 2007 7:26 PM CST   0 recs

with Noah playing this well
what are the Bulls going to do with Thomas?  Are there any minutes available?
Ita est, ergo ita sit.

by alec on Dec 7, 2007 7:27 PM CST   0 recs

Has TT even played tonight?
Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Dec 7, 2007 7:31 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

not one second
Ita est, ergo ita sit.

by alec on Dec 7, 2007 7:33 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Ha!
The radio guys are laughing ove