Open Game Thread #18: Bulls vs Boston Celtics

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 8, 2007 3:25 PM CST in News Comment 101 comments

Before we get to the game preview, I'll post the email exchange I had with Jeff of Celticsblog, a place I used to go and antagonize Gerald Green fans.

1. The Celtics are #1 in defensive efficiency this season. Is Kevin Garnett that much of a difference on that end, and who else deserves credit for this facet of the new Celtics?

Yes, Kevin makes that big of a difference. He's the anchor in the middle that also has enough quickness to keep up with the non-traditional bigs. So he gets the majority of the credit. Next in line is new assistant coach and defensive guru Tom Thibodeau. After that, you just have to chalk it up to more veterans (including James Posey) and a real commitment to defense (it doesn't hurt when KG is giving teammates the crazy eyes and barking at them all game - he's kinda nuts like that, in a good way).

There's also the motivation factor. Pierce is a much better defender this year because he's got more to play for and he has less to do on offense. Same for Ray Allen. So yeah, it is a lot of things, but mostly you can point to KG.

2. What non-Garnett/Allen offseason acquisition has been the best performer so far?

It is a tossup right now between Posey and Eddie House. House brings instant offense off the bench and Posey is a veteran leader who has really surprised me (and apparently Doc too) with how much he brings to the table. Not only does he play defense, but he hits dagger three pointers in the fourth quarter. And lately he's even been able to get to the rim more often as well.

3. Right now everything's going fantastic. But as the season goes on, what specific areas you be looking for as potential red-flags before entering the playoffs?

Well, everyone is watching the minutes the big three are playing with a stopwatch and a growing ulcer. The minutes are not out of control yet, but even Doc is starting to admit that he needs to steal some rest of those guys from time to time. It is the old push and pull that ever coach of a veteran team must deal with. How do you ignore the good of the individual game in order to preserve the long term benefits of more rest?

You can read my half of the Q&A here.

It was written before the Detroit game, so may seem a bit pessimistic considering that big win. And while it was big, it's only so because at the very least it's a return to "the old Bulls".

Which is better than what we've seen this year, 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. Skiles coached last night like he did the whole Pistons series. Maybe the difference is that this year Nocioni and Deng were hitting big shots posting up and taking it to the basket. But I still think they'll need Tyrus Thomas, so we'd best get him ready. At least Noah is seemingly on that path.

Ben Wallace played like he was alive last night, so he's sure to go back into the casket before the Boston game.

On the other hand, Tyrus Thomas was a DNP, and therefore well-rested to jump over some heads.

On the 3rd hand, Skiles will definately play Wallace 40 minutes and Tyrus 4. At least I get that feeling. Ok, on to chgobr's game preview.

To our delight we exceeded this weekend's expectations with a great win last night in Detroit. Returning last night were my screams of joy waking and shaking my house when Deng and Duhon iced the game. Is it just possible, I know it is too much to ask, but is it possible - - - ?

Unfortunately the main goal tonight may be to prevent the big three, on the bench, from sitting and laughing in the fourth quarter (Boston Herald). 16-2 with an amazing +14.1 point differential (ESPN) leads to thoughts that this team may not only win it all but could break the Bulls 1995-1996, Michael's first full season back from retirement, 72-10 all-time NBA best record (NBA.com) . A genuine villain returns, James Posey. His flagrant foul on Hinrich (with intent to injure), braking TT's nose in the first game last year and another intent to injure foul resulting in wrist surgery for Deng are enough to get us riled-up. (Boston Globe). Not being blown out seems a worthy goal.

After endless diaries trying to find an inside presence we found one in Noc. His desire, fearless drives to the basket may energize us to get us back over .500. In today's Chicago Tribune Flip Saunders singled Noc out -

"When it came down to it, we couldn't guard Nocioni," Pistons coach Flip Saunders said. "We tried to stay big and he either took threes or drove around us. We just couldn't contain him at all."

Is it possible, I know it is too much to ask, but is it possible - - - ?

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Big Game here for Bulls!

I have it recording but I'll watch it when I get home. I hope the Bulls are turning the corner and this seems like a game that can really signal the begining of a turn around. If the Bulls do turn the season around I will point to Joakims jump shot in Charlotte to be the igniter.

I wish Deng and Gordon and all the quite guys would get as jacked as Noah after big plays. I truely believe that the simple things that Noah and Nocioni do as far as energy after plays helps. When your tired and your guy is beating you in the forth and he still has energy to clap and go nuts that can be frustrating to the other teams. If Gordon would carry himself like Noah and be positive or just show some emotion then teamates feed off that. Rodman was good at that. Sometimes you need people yelling after big plays. I know it sounds dumb but the image it sends to other teams can be an advantage. I guess I would like to see more personality and emotion out of Gordon and Deng. More so Gordon. Like when Jordan dunked on Ewing in 92 and you could see every vain in his neck and bald head. Show us you care so much. Please. Ok I'm done.

by Johnnysharp on Dec 8, 2007 3:44 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Let's keep

this streak going. Please no let downs. We should be able to see in the first few minutes how this game is going to go. BG is due for a good game.

I f*#&ing hate Posey.

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

by sue369 on Dec 8, 2007 3:58 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

ANDRES NOCIONI

"I GIVE BIG ELBOW ON POSEY FACE WHILE I MAKE THREE POINT SHOTS"

youtube.com/angryasianace

by AngryAsianAce on Dec 8, 2007 7:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

At the risk of being called a suck-up

Matt has really interesting responses on Celticsblog.com.

by chgobr on Dec 8, 2007 6:16 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Anything better than an embarrassing blowout....

...is cake. Bulls still aren't their old selves yet, and even if they were, a homecourt loss to a hot Celtics team is no shame.

It'd be nice to make a statement though.

by T Maple on Dec 8, 2007 6:39 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

key to the game

how effective Thabo and Tyrus are in their 5 minute first half stint.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Dec 8, 2007 6:40 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Hate to rain on your parade...

but I'd be shocked if Thabo and Tyrus got even 5 min combined. I have a bad feeling we'll see the return of the 3 little guard line up and minutes for Adrian Griffin first.

by snley on Dec 8, 2007 6:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Usually

Skiles plays the bench more in a back to back. He didn't tonight. I haven't seen the game yet (tivo'd), just the box score, but I can imagine what the comments are going to be...

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Dec 9, 2007 12:27 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Matchups

here are enticing:

Paul Pierce has had horrid games against the Bulls since Deng started his ascent to near-miss-Allstar-status.
Ray Allen is every bit the outside shooting specialist that his younger UConn counterpart Ben Gordon hopes to be.
And of course, KG is everyone's problem. He will be exactly the kind of defensive matchup that Ben Wallace should get fired up for, if the Pistons game is any indication that the fire is back. It will be interesting to see how much Skiles rewards Noah with PT guarding Garnett. But the really intriguing matchup would be Tyrus Thomas, given his crazy athleticism.
Rajon Rondo is a putrid free-throw shooter (as in, not even 49%) and is smaller and lighter than BG, but he's also extremely athletic, so it'll be interesting to see how Ben does on defense. We might see Rondo go to the line late in the game, but on the other hand, the big 3 are such great passers they don't really need a classic, passing point guard on the floor with them at crunch time.
Kendrick Perkins is a beast, and a pleasant surprise for the Celts. He's 6'10, 264, which makes it exactly one Bull who actually outweighs him. He makes a living off of receiving the extra pass when everyone else is guarded/doubled, and the Bulls can't sleep on him.
Eddie House can fill it up from the outside. He's a poor man's Ben Gordon and is averaging 20 minutes per game, which is 4 minutes higher than his career average. He'll force the Bulls to stay honest on defense--we'll see how well the Bulls can stay home on him or recover back to him after the doubleteam.
Doc Rivers is not the brightest coach in terms of X's and O's, but has the reputation for being a player's coach--just the opposite of Skiles' reputation. But assuming the players do what they're supposed to, Skiles is clearly the better coach.

This Celtics team lost to the Knicks in the preseason (after they first beat the Knicks in the preseason, Isiah challenged his team's pride, leading to the upset). But then in the regular season, the Celts beat the Knicks to a pulp, by something like 40 points.

There's no doubt that the Bulls can pull this one out, at least on paper; but that's what we've said about the Bulls throughout this season, before they lost to the Knicks, the Clippers, the Lakers, et al.

Along with everyone else here, I'm just hoping, desperately hoping, for anything other than a blowout loss.

"But Butch, you said we could challenge you anytime we wanted to." "That's because I thought you never would."

by bullhockey on Dec 8, 2007 7:24 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

With a +14.1 point differential

almost every game is a blowout. I'm hoping it doesn't happen.

by chgobr on Dec 8, 2007 7:29 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

the exile of tyrus continues

mistake
mistake

by fireskiles on Dec 8, 2007 7:31 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

If we win

the bulls are vindicated, in my eyes, from all wrongs performed in at least the next 10 games.

by Seth on Dec 8, 2007 7:36 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Weird having the Boston feed for a home game

They keep saying "Perk" and I'm hearing "Kirk" - but at least when I keep thinking there's a foul on Kirk I can be psyched to find out there's not.

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

by wjb1492 on Dec 8, 2007 7:50 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

ANDRES NOCIONI

"IM ON THE FLOOR AND IM GOING TO ELBOW PAUL PIERCE FACE."

youtube.com/angryasianace

by AngryAsianAce on Dec 8, 2007 8:07 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Bulls might get run out of this one.

Four of five players played over 11 minutes in the first quarter? yikes.

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Dec 8, 2007 8:10 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I like what I'm seeing

out of Everyone who's been on the floor. The kicker is that the second quarter is notoriously our 'problem quarter'. This might bode well?

by Seth on Dec 8, 2007 8:26 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Seriously, Thomas is fucked.

This is beyond incredible.

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Dec 8, 2007 8:27 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

shit

what did thomas do. Does anyone in the chicago media have the the balls to ask?

by Sambossanova on Dec 8, 2007 8:32 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I'm at Union Station right now

Can someone tell me what has happened so far?

by Grass on Dec 8, 2007 8:33 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Down by 4 at the half

Game has been very back and forth. A couple lead changes, but boston has been just a little bit ahead for the brunt of it.

by Seth on Dec 8, 2007 8:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Are you sitting?

Kirk and BG are both shooting 50% or better for the first half, and only have one TO between them.

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

by wjb1492 on Dec 8, 2007 8:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Damn!!

Let's hope that continues in the second half too.

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

by sue369 on Dec 8, 2007 8:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

lol

Sue, my boyfriend said something about both guards finally playing well on the same night, so I said "Sue must be living right - she's getting her wish for that." Then he's all, "Who's Sue? We don't know anyone named Sue."

Apparently I need to keep my Blogabull-verse and reality separated a little better.

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

by wjb1492 on Dec 8, 2007 8:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

LOL!!

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

by sue369 on Dec 8, 2007 10:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Thomas

is he activated for tonight cause his name isnt in the espn gamecast thingy. Maybe he has some injury. Whatever it is, there has got to be some sort of explanation.

by Sambossanova on Dec 8, 2007 8:46 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

No, no. It's on there.

It's just waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay at the bottom.

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Dec 8, 2007 8:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Oops

No, it was replaced by Curry.

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Dec 8, 2007 9:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

too many

layups and little sneaky baskets for Rondo...I think Ben is getting gassed chasing him around...other than that, not a bad first half.

Thabo's appearance seemed kinda random. I'm still not sure why he was in there, other than to give Lu a break I guess. But that could've and should've been Tyrus.

I've called the Chicago Police and entered a missing persons report for Tyrus.

by ScottieCartwright on Dec 8, 2007 8:48 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Holy cow

Well, I'm not going to make it home before the end of the game. I'll keep my fingers crossed til then.

by Grass on Dec 8, 2007 8:48 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Gordon is playing terrible defense

Rondo is tearing him a new one. If he can't hit his jump shots, he should be benched because he is a huge defensive liability.

by RogersPark Kris on Dec 8, 2007 9:12 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

how many

times are they going to let Rondo blow by before they stop him? This is getting disgusting

by ScottieCartwright on Dec 8, 2007 9:13 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

It makes me ill

to see our vaunted lottery picks, Tyrus and Noah, outplayed by Big Baby. Pathetic. Some of this blames has to fall on Paxson. Outside his early success with Hinrich-Gordon-Deng, he's been mediocre.

by Freethefro on Dec 8, 2007 9:13 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

How can they be outplayed

when they played a combined 5 minutes? The only thing I'm seeing is that Skiles is afraid to play his young guys.

by RogersPark Kris on Dec 8, 2007 9:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

But when Skiles has played his young guys

they haven't produced. When Skiles had players ready to produce - Deng, Hinrich, Gordon - he played them heavily. Nor can you simply say that this is a team built to "win now" as opposed their rookie years. We NEED a productive power forward, and we aren't getting it between Tyrus and Noah.

Some of it has to fall on the youngbloods, too.

by Freethefro on Dec 8, 2007 9:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I can't agree.

I thought Noah was playing great in his last couple games when he was receiving significant minutes. As far as TT, it's a simple matter of not getting any minutes from being in Skiles dog house for whatever reason.

by RogersPark Kris on Dec 8, 2007 9:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I hope you're right

because when I see the numbers Ronnie Brewer and Lamarcus Ald. are putting up...big athletic defensive guard and tall post player...grrr....

by Freethefro on Dec 8, 2007 9:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Neither of which...

...would be playing more than 15 mpg here.

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Dec 8, 2007 9:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

not to mention rudy gay

Ita est, ergo ita sit.

by alec on Dec 8, 2007 10:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Not a good third

But I'm looking at the rebound margin and shooting percentages, and wondering how the Bulls are in it at all.

Well, let's have a big fourth, boys.

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

by wjb1492 on Dec 8, 2007 9:21 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

damn

must Noce shoot EVERY time he touches the ball?!?

by ScottieCartwright on Dec 8, 2007 9:27 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Count Chuck-Alot returns!

Noc just trying to start a spark...I think.

by RogersPark Kris on Dec 8, 2007 9:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Noc sounds good tonight...

I'd say "looks," but I'm on Audio League Pass.

by T Maple on Dec 8, 2007 9:28 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

It drives me crazy...

...that Noah didn;t play more earlier in the game. Sikles seems to over-think and make stupid decisions. Why not just play a guy who played well yesterday?

by bullsfaninbigapple on Dec 8, 2007 9:30 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Noah

today is today, yesterday was yesterday.

Yesterday Noah wasn't playing KG.

by ScottieCartwright on Dec 8, 2007 9:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Boy, they're good...

...they just seem tobe coasting. And our offense is so mediocre.

by bullsfaninbigapple on Dec 8, 2007 9:32 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Their play-by-play guys

sure got cocky since last year. Guess I can't totally blame them, but it's damn irritating.

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

by wjb1492 on Dec 8, 2007 9:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Cocky, yeah

but they've always been annoying.

by Jaina on Dec 8, 2007 10:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Hehe

Yeah, living in Boston and being forced to listen to Heinsohn every game, I'm always amused at the abuse heaped on Stacey King.
I actually like the Celtics (they're a far-distant second favorite team), but watching their games with that announcing crew I subconsciously root against them, even when I want them to win.

by bleargh on Dec 10, 2007 12:10 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Noce

must be trying to break his own personal record for number of shot attempts

by ScottieCartwright on Dec 8, 2007 9:38 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Gordon

is not good also :-(
When he's not "hot" he is so Bad...

by Azabullsfan on Dec 8, 2007 9:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

DAMN!!

ANOTHER 3-point attempt by Noce...STOP shooting the friggin ball!

by ScottieCartwright on Dec 8, 2007 9:40 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Bulls couldn't hit a three

if their life depended on it.

by RogersPark Kris on Dec 8, 2007 9:41 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

If nothing else,

it's good to see the Bulls starting to play entire games again. Although I hate that it's an improvement just for them not to give up in the 4th.

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

by wjb1492 on Dec 8, 2007 9:47 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Damn Garnett...

..he's a stud

by bullsfaninbigapple on Dec 8, 2007 9:47 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

KG

was big when they needed him and we couldn't do anything about it...he killed Big Ben in the 4th quarter

by ScottieCartwright on Dec 8, 2007 9:47 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Ugly drive

By gordon. He had no chance 1/3.

by RogersPark Kris on Dec 8, 2007 9:48 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Gordon

classical turnover at a crunch time...

by Azabullsfan on Dec 8, 2007 9:48 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

you can't blame him, it was

a blocked shot...not a turnover

by ScottieCartwright on Dec 8, 2007 9:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

seriously

I'm going to check Noce's stats...this HAS to be a record for shot attempts by him...yet another 3/long 2

by ScottieCartwright on Dec 8, 2007 9:50 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

not too far off

career high of 23 attempts...he took 19 tonight

by ScottieCartwright on Dec 8, 2007 9:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

He is

9/18 not bad actually.

by Azabullsfan on Dec 8, 2007 9:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry

8 from 19

by Azabullsfan on Dec 8, 2007 9:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

actually

8/19

by ScottieCartwright on Dec 8, 2007 9:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Noc went 8/19 and 1/7 for three

FYI Gordon went 5/20 and 0/4 from three. As a team the Bulls were 3/16 from three. I'm going to guess that they took so many shots from there because KG was clogging the lane.

by RogersPark Kris on Dec 8, 2007 9:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

This is going to be a frustrating season...

..sucks.

by bullsfaninbigapple on Dec 8, 2007 9:50 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

We still can do this

last couple of games(even todays lose)provided
some hope...
We haven't turn the corner,but it's close.
Need to shoot those open shots.

by Azabullsfan on Dec 8, 2007 10:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I hate Boston now

Why we did't brake Poseys' arm or something?
It would sweetened this lose...

by Azabullsfan on Dec 8, 2007 9:51 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

BG

0-10 in the 2nd half...that hurts...

by ScottieCartwright on Dec 8, 2007 9:57 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Really wasn't that bad of a game for the Bulls

The shots just were not falling. Gordon particularly took some tough/ill-advised shots, but we should be used to that by now. We all know the Bulls are a jump shooting team and when the jump shots don't fall, they don't usually win. That being said, they put up a good fight even when though they couldn't hit anything, and against a really good team.

As a Bulls fan, I can't say I am too upset. However if there is one person who should be upset it is Garnett. For people to refer to this Celtics team as a 3-headed monster is an absolute slight to him.

by CatBrains on Dec 8, 2007 10:03 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Why no Tyrus???

He had a great game against them last year.. granted it was the old Celtics, but he and Wallace played so great together that game. And Wallace was decent tonight too. Doing this to TT is such a mistake. Yeah maybe he needs to learn more but that ain't gonna happen sitting on the bench.

by Jaina on Dec 8, 2007 10:03 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I'd like

to know what the hell the deal is with Skiles not playing TT too. I wish someone had the balls to ask him after the game. We will never know if he could have made some difference tonight.

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

by sue369 on Dec 8, 2007 10:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

There's a small blurb

here but it really doesn't give much insight. I think part of my problem is Wallace playing so many minutes. The guy had another 40 minute appearance. He's getting old, he can't keep that up all season. There is definitely room for both Noah and TT if his minutes are reduced a bit.

by Jaina on Dec 8, 2007 11:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Once again

skiles playing his favourites. Gordon sucked soooo bad tonight but yet no tyrus at all.I hate Skiles!!!

by eross226 on Dec 8, 2007 10:12 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Don't think I've ever seen BG referred to as a

"Skiles' favorite" before

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

by wjb1492 on Dec 8, 2007 10:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

it is a new one

It's usually Du who gets that name more than anyone.

But I really don't think he has favorites. He just likes his vets.

by KT on Dec 8, 2007 10:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I didn't think

the Bulls would win but the way they played in the first half I thought maybe they had a chance.

BG just kind of was lost tonight. I had hoped he would have a good game.

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

by sue369 on Dec 8, 2007 10:15 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

BG just kind of was lost tonight

Little Ben couldn't even describe what the bottom of the net LOOKED like tonight...
What was he...0 for 10 in the second half?

The worst part is Skiles leaves the failing shooters in the game to the bloody end....
Why not at least TRY something....ANYTHING...with some other players?

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Dec 9, 2007 12:00 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Another 25% shooting effort

from our "scorer."

Whoa, yeah, he's makin' it rain. Woo. Hoo.

Rain bricks.

Nice game, BG.

"We goin' to the 'ship!" - LSU IS IN THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!

by 1958ChiTown on Dec 8, 2007 10:45 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

For a good time

I had to Tivo the game and just now watched it....
About halfway through the 4th I had seen enough to just hit the X2 button and left it in fast mode, only to see it become comical to watch in a different way -

When the C's had the ball, they would dribble, pass, and shoot and score.
When the Bulls had the ball they would dribble, pass, shoot and miss...or turn it over.
Same results...over and over on both ends...but in fast action....

Seeing that in regular speed is agonizing enough....Thank goodness for Tivo.
Geesh.

Oh....and not ONE BLOODY MINUTE of TT again tonight.
I'm beginning to wonder TT did Skiles' wife or something...

Is it spring training yet?

by Bluelou on Dec 8, 2007 11:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

He said after

the game he was just trying to be aggressive. Guess it didn't work huh?

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

by sue369 on Dec 9, 2007 11:54 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

My impression is that when Ben

says that, what he means is that he just shoots more. It has nothing to do with the types of shots he shoots more....

Ita est, ergo ita sit.

by alec on Dec 9, 2007 7:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

fire skiles now

by fireskiles on Dec 8, 2007 10:49 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Just Checked BoxScore

Kirk Hinrich
16pts
5-11 from the field
2-4 from 3pt range
6 assists
1 turnover

Those numbers seem oddly familiar

As for duhon
1 pt...

That number also seems familiar

im trying hard to become the next kirk hinrich, therefore im doing nothing more than being the next chris duhon.

by piccolomair on Dec 8, 2007 11:36 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Hinrich did all that in the first half

He went back to being terrible again in the second half. He stopped shooting, stopped driving to the basket . . . same old shit he's been doing all year.

by Big D on Dec 9, 2007 12:22 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah,

I was going to make the same point, though at least the guy only committed one TO. Actually we committed 9 to their 19... and still lost. Damn shooting.

by Jaina on Dec 9, 2007 12:51 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Soka

Sorry, didnt watch the game. Damn, 16 first half points, thats insane...What if he kept shooting in the second half....hinrich should never sit out...it is seeming like he gets cold, quick

im trying hard to become the next kirk hinrich, therefore im doing nothing more than being the next chris duhon.

by piccolomair on Dec 9, 2007 4:51 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Kirk had 12 in the first half

gameflow. He had the customary quiet 3rd. He had 4 in the fourth.

Nocioni-Khryapa in '08

by bullshooter on Dec 9, 2007 8:50 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Not impressed with Boston at all.

No depth.

by Johnnysharp on Dec 9, 2007 1:13 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Yeah this was a game to play Tyrus in.

Not sure hats going on with that.Really sucks. Couls have used some of Tyrus's play making close to the basket.

by Johnnysharp on Dec 9, 2007 1:15 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Question

Why should thomas have really played this game.
Again i missed the game so im sincerely asking. Thomas, as far as i know, is a dunker/blocker. Kg would never let him dunk, and by the looks of what i read, pierce didnt do anything, ray allen would be on the perimeter (so no blocking unless thomas ran out there) and kg would not be stopped by thomas (hes freakin kg!!). Maybe posey or rondo would get blocked, but how often did they go inside when the bulls were actually set on defense? (thats another honest question, didnt watch the game so...)

im trying hard to become the next kirk hinrich, therefore im doing nothing more than being the next chris duhon.

by piccolomair on Dec 9, 2007 4:54 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Rondo was shredding Gordon

Ty could have given some help against that. I remember Wallace coming over and helping (his one block) but I am guessing Ty would have done a better job as Rondo was extremely quick.

And I hear your arguments about Ty vs Garnett, but who on the Bulls is that not true about? You can see how effective Wallace was in the highlights when Garnett put the final nail in the coffin with like 40 seconds left with a sick fadeaway over Big Ben.

And then when others were cheating to try and double Garnett, KG was finding the open man every time. And not only that but he seemed to make the pass at the perfect time, when the defender had JUST slipped off his man enough. Garnett played even better than his box score indicated (and his box score was extremely impressive).

by CatBrains on Dec 9, 2007 10:04 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

They had problems with Rondo last season.

by Johnnysharp on Dec 9, 2007 12:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah I can type.

BG is really struggling.

by Johnnysharp on Dec 9, 2007 1:16 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

I can't fucking stand BG's body language.

Can someone email the guy with all the gay sound effects at the UC?Tell him to stop.

by Johnnysharp on Dec 9, 2007 1:19 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

I Typed Bulls-Celtics into Google News..

The 4th result was this:
"Open Game Thread #18: Bulls vs Boston Celtics
Blog a Bull, IL - 21 hours ago"

Seriously? Blog-a-bull is rolling like that?

by Seth on Dec 9, 2007 12:52 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

On last night

We took an old fashioned ass-whooping. We used to dish a couple of those back in the 90s, teams would get a little uppity and they might dare to suspect that some redemption might be possible-- e.g, We're only down 5!...at the very least humiliation avoided, and then our guys would hit every single shot in the entire fourth quarter to settle that matter. That is my recollection of what happened last night, give or take.

I mean, we caught breaks when we needed to but I suspect they were just for some sort of cinematic effect: the offensive fouls... the out of bounds, the bad pass, the rare three by nocioni. We'd grind out a possession, get our two, the garnett would take take that step back fadeaway jumper.

I swear the guy didn't touch rim all night.

by Seth on Dec 9, 2007 1:10 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Ass whooping?

I watched the whole game and didn't see an ass whooping. I saw a Bulls team miss like 15 open shots in a row at one point and not take to the basket. Also I think Skiles made some poor choices leaving Smith,Wallace and Gordon in for a long drought.

I personally didn't see a great Celtics team in fact had the Bulls made their open shots they could have easily beat the Celtics by ten.

But they didn't make their open shots which means mentally the team was intimidated by Boston. It's a lack of focus. The help side defense was poor all night. It all mental if you ask me. The whole night the Bulls kept making silly mistakes. I don't understand this team. Boston didn't really play well.

by Johnnysharp on Dec 9, 2007 1:53 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Good effort

I thought the Bulls looked a lot more like the team they should be tonight. I was especially happy that Hinrich looked normal for once. Too bad BG couldn't buy a basket. I didn't expect a win against such a good team, but too at least give a normal Bulls effort is encouraging. Now if they can just beat the teams that they are supposed to be better than that would be great.

by bigballa10 on Dec 9, 2007 5:04 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Agrees

I wasn't really wowed by them and we were not blown out like they've done to other teams. If we just had a couple more guys playing better games things might have turned out different. The Celtics didn't do anything that would make me think we couldn't eventually beat them when/if our players get on the same page.

by cranscape on Dec 9, 2007 8:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs