Game Thread #66: Bulls vs. Boston Celtics

the dial-up monopoly (that used to be a good thing) was almost worth blogging about, but I don't have that option anymore. Even more so when I read the Deng quote this morning. The Fanhouse might be the leader in quota driven blogging right now. That's not to say I've never regretted clicking "publish."

I wish I had an Etch A Sketch to draw a parallel or two for other sports, because I've read and heard plenty from athletes and coaches about how they don't make big speeches, even more so before a 'big game'. I like the it's-a-job-we're-professionals lines from the Bulls, it's certainly closer to reality (mine at least) than the ridiculous salad bowl of honor Riley has in the Heat locker room.

them playing The Who in the background?

Great choice.

-Red

are noisy tonight. Did the Illini break them with that horrendous offensive display in the Big Ten tourney last week end?

sure was pretty.

Noted that, upon being subbed out, Tyrus stopped and asked Skiles a question. They were impressed that he was playing such a great game and still was eager to learn. Hopefully this, and his improved play, are signs he's maturing or some other cliche.

SINCE WHEN IS HE OUR GO TO MAN.  Why does gordon have so few shots. Get him the ball and let him shoot

Granted a couple were towards the end of the shot clock, but what the hell?

I always miss the damn green jersey game.

How did TT score 23? Dunks? Post moves? Jumpers?

I'm definitely not bragging.  I paid face value (plus Ticketmaster charges) at the start of the season for section 117, Row A, seats 5&6.  It was neat to be right behind press row and Ben Wallace's family.  You could see Matt's Man Sam, up close (he's skinnier than I realized and also looking older than ever, which of course makse sense since he is older than he's ever previously been).  However, those seats also happen to be directly behind the basket.  Which means you pretty much can't see a damn thing.  You have to spend the entire game switching from craning your neck to see the jumbotron to going back to the court when they get to a visible section of court.  For that much cash, these seats aren't worth it.  They should be noted as obstructed view.  Maybe I should have known better, but when it just says "Row A" and some numbers it's hard to tell.

Anyway, it was a fun game to attend.  Tyrus was all over the place - tons of energy, even if he failed to get a ball or missed a putback or something.  Ben Wallace is amazing to watch up close.  You really can't pick up his impact on TV (maybe he had a good game compared to others, but it's still different live).  Brian Scalabrene is downright hilarious to watch in person, as is Doc Rivers.

The Bulls announcer continues to screw up names, calling Delonte West "Dante" West at one point.

"Lola - your favorite circus dog" is the second-worst timeout performance I've ever seen at the UC.

Ben Gordon shot like crap, particularly from the line.  Near the end of the game, he kept grabbing his forearm or elbow and doing that "in pain" wince he often gives.  The Celtics clearly devised the bulk of their defensive gameplan around keeping the ball out of his hands, and the Bulls did the right thing in setting up the other players for points.  I sure hope he's OK, because if not, we're dead.

Kind of a sloppy game, but with Gordon being a non-factor and Nocioni still out, I'll take this win.

Matt - Best game preview ever.  You had me cracking up.  (Sooo wanted to use "yous" there, but it didn't make sense.)

That one handed dunk over Jefferson (I think that's who it was, anyway) was sick, sick, sick.

So was the alley oop reverse.

Wow.

Of all the damn home games to miss.

...was seeing very little of Chris Duhon and more of Thabo & Griff.

Du's stats don't really look that horrible, but it just seemed like he was really awful in his limited time last night.  The offense bogged down during his run (I think it was the tail end of the 1st Q when they gave up the lead).

Oh yeah, and my son was pissed that all those missed free throws (16!) cost him his free Big Mac.