Game Thread #74: Bulls vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
As I'm sure everyone here knows, a win places the Bulls at the #2 seed.
There were a couple things that I liked in that Pistons game (there were a lot of things not to like, mind you) that I hope continues. One was the offensive aggressiveness of Ben Gordon, who was drawing fouls early and getting the Pistons in the penalty. Hopefully that agressiveness wasn't also the reason he was getting dumb fouls himself in that game, and he can do one without the other.
But speaking of dumb fouls, Tyrus Thomas managed to not do that, which meant he stayed on the floor to the end, and finished with only 1 foul and 3 (hey, that's good for him) turnovers. Both Gordon and Tyrus are guys who are their own worst enemy in terms of playing time. I think Skiles has enough faith in each of them now to leave them out there as long unless the fouls and turnovers force him otherwise.
Another huge game on national TV. That means it could be another monster night for Ben Wallace. For those who say that shot he made down the stretch was lucky, well of course it was. But it was just as unlucky for Ben Gordon to miss 3 free throws in a row. If you were going to say that was him not being 'clutch', then fine, acknowledge Wallace's off-the-top-of-the-backboard shot as 'clutch' too, and then realize how silly that word is.
0 recs |
91
comments
Comments
Hinrich
He needs to back off a little bit once he picks up a couple of fouls (which always seems to be within the first quarter). He can be too overagressive on defense but that probably has to do with the fact that he is short and isnt extremely fast and doesnt have long arms.
by Sambossanova on Mar 31, 2007 12:59 PM CDT 0 recs
He did that Thursday
by wjb1492 on
Mar 31, 2007 1:59 PM CDT
up
0 recs
With an 1+ hour until tip...
Today's Sun Times (Brian Hanley)
http://www.suntimes.com/sports/basketball/bulls/321491,CST-SPT-bull31.article
Here is one excerpt:
"....which is why some fans will wonder whether it might be better for the Bulls to hang tight as the No. 5 seed and take their chances -- without home-court advantage -- against the Toronto Raptors or the Washington Wizards."
This has to be the single worst, most inaccurate assessment of the current playoff situation I can imagine.
Check it out...
by Scott 9 on Mar 31, 2007 1:00 PM CDT 0 recs
I want
GO BULLS!!!
by sue369 on Mar 31, 2007 1:55 PM CDT 0 recs
This is one of the big games this year - -
by chgobr on Mar 31, 2007 2:05 PM CDT 0 recs
Man, Bill Walton just bugs me.
by wjb1492 on Mar 31, 2007 2:07 PM CDT 0 recs
fucking a
whew that flet good
by milesgmsu on Mar 31, 2007 2:43 PM CDT 0 recs
well i guess that hughes shot
by milesgmsu on Mar 31, 2007 2:52 PM CDT 0 recs
matt;
by milesgmsu on Mar 31, 2007 2:54 PM CDT 0 recs
this
by Sambossanova on Mar 31, 2007 2:58 PM CDT 0 recs
infuriating
by Sambossanova on
Mar 31, 2007 2:59 PM CDT
up
0 recs
Walton sucks!!
by sue369 on Mar 31, 2007 3:12 PM CDT 0 recs
Tell us how you really feel, Sue!
by wjb1492 on
Mar 31, 2007 3:16 PM CDT
up
0 recs
I know.
by sue369 on
Mar 31, 2007 3:21 PM CDT
up
0 recs
Nah, I'm just teasing you.
by wjb1492 on
Mar 31, 2007 3:28 PM CDT
up
0 recs
combination
Although I do thing bill walton has a thing for luol deng and malik allen.
by Sambossanova on Mar 31, 2007 3:37 PM CDT 0 recs
If you turn down the Bass on your TV
by Grass on Mar 31, 2007 3:43 PM CDT 0 recs
Well
by JC on Mar 31, 2007 4:11 PM CDT 0 recs
jeesh
by fundamentallysound on Mar 31, 2007 4:33 PM CDT 0 recs
OT
by Goostafer on Mar 31, 2007 4:34 PM CDT 0 recs
the refs have called a terrible game
by milesgmsu on
Mar 31, 2007 4:35 PM CDT
up
0 recs
anyone know
by fundamentallysound on Mar 31, 2007 4:39 PM CDT 0 recs
jesus
by fundamentallysound on Mar 31, 2007 4:50 PM CDT 0 recs
If you had read this game thread...
Tyrus Thomas
Min -- 37
Pts -- 27
FGM/FGA -- 9/11
FTM/FTA -- 9/10
Reb -- 8
Steal -- 3
Blk -- 3
TO -- 1
PF -- 2
I didn't know he could have his best game of his career, and it would be so "quiet." Of course, unless that's a fuck up by ESPN.
by tyger1147 on Mar 31, 2007 4:53 PM CDT 0 recs
Ty played great today.
by wjb1492 on
Mar 31, 2007 5:25 PM CDT
up
0 recs
can we please
by fundamentallysound on Mar 31, 2007 4:53 PM CDT 0 recs
What is the record...
Gordon choked today.
by shawndgoldman on Mar 31, 2007 4:53 PM CDT 0 recs
jesus
by fundamentallysound on Mar 31, 2007 4:53 PM CDT 0 recs
but Matt and Pax Jax said...
by tyger1147 on Mar 31, 2007 4:54 PM CDT 0 recs
Although I do admit...
by tyger1147 on
Mar 31, 2007 4:57 PM CDT
up
0 recs
Painful Loss
by Grass on Mar 31, 2007 4:57 PM CDT 0 recs
That's how I feel, too.
by wjb1492 on
Mar 31, 2007 5:07 PM CDT
up
0 recs
Skiles
by babybulls on Mar 31, 2007 4:57 PM CDT 0 recs
Anyone mention
by Paxson Jackson on Mar 31, 2007 5:04 PM CDT 0 recs
Well good old Mr. Bill Walton had a lot to say
by wjb1492 on
Mar 31, 2007 5:09 PM CDT
up
0 recs
I watched the GN feed with the sound off
by Paxson Jackson on
Mar 31, 2007 5:11 PM CDT
up
0 recs
Here are my favorites
A shot clock violation that he was positive hit the rim.
The fact that anyone would call a 3-second violation in the last minute of a game.
And at least 2 statements about Salvatore and Smith just standing around and letting Zarba "take over the game" (with particular reference to the charge calls on LBJ).
by wjb1492 on
Mar 31, 2007 5:18 PM CDT
up
0 recs
calls were terrible all the way around
by milesgmsu on
Mar 31, 2007 6:04 PM CDT
up
0 recs
Oh, I agree
by wjb1492 on
Mar 31, 2007 11:51 PM CDT
up
0 recs
Ch-ch-ch-Chapu, where are U?
I was forced to miss most of the game, but I luckily tuned in w/ 8 mins to go in the 4th. My roommate (objective Pistons fan) had watched a bit and told me that BG had been lighting it up. I did not see evidence of that from the point where I tuned in. He looked very hesitant on drives and did a bunch of herky-jerky moves when his floater would have resulted in a good look. Turnovers in the lane were killing me. Cleveland defended him well, going with height and doubling like crazy. As others have noted, they need someone else to score. Again, we miss Chapu. Particularly in this game because Cleveland's power forwards were able to set up in the lane defensively. Normally, Ben could just kick out to Noce for a clean shot. If he doesn't come back, we have to run the offense differently.
Also, two horrendous calls that may not have affected the game, but horrendous nonetheless. The out-of-bounds timeout was blatant. Furthermore, in OT, LeBron had a clear double-dribble that went uncalled. They just chucked a shot up out of that, but they may have gotten the board? Or was that when Wallace was fouled? Objective roommate agreed both calls were awful, and voiced the same complaints about Walton's ridiculous reaction to the charges called (way before I arrived home).
It pained me greatly to see Malik Allen in the game in the 4th quarter. I realize we went with a short bench today, but come on. Was PJ hurt? Malik gave up at least two offensive rebounds because he didn't box out. In an OT game, you can point to anything, but that's the game right there, too. Box the Fuck OUT!
I did like that on the last play of regulation, the Bulls didn't even let LeBron sniff the basketball.
Obviously needed more from Deng today, but checking LeBron ain't easy. If he has to pick one end to spend his energy, defense would be the correct choice today. But five turnovers? Yikes!
Man, I thought Ben's three was good. Two inches off... Plus, James and Hughes are 69 and 66 percent free throw shooters, but today they combined for 19/23.
2nd is still possible and the Bulls have a much better conference record which I believe is the 2nd tiebreaker, right?
OK, I'm done rambling. Imagine if I watched the whole thing! You guys are lucky...
by corey williams corey benjamin on Mar 31, 2007 5:32 PM CDT 0 recs
Just back from UC. I am going to vent.
Let me count the f*cking ways:
(1) Last play of regulation. The replay on the big screen CLEARLY showed that the Cavalier pussy did not have possession of the ball until he was OUT OF BOUNDS. You can't call a TO until you have possession. Hence, it should have been the Bulls ball with three seconds left in the game. They should have had another chance at a winning shot. Dogsh*t number one.
(2) There was no f*cking foul on the LeBron spin move when we were up by four. None. It was a piece of sh*t reflex call by the cowed and ignorant officials. Dogsh*t number two.
(3) On the possession after the spin move, Ben Gordon got into the lane and was hammered. No call. Did the ref think that the ball fell two feet short of the rim because Ben just missed? There was obviously no blocked shot. Did the walking douchebag not see the contact? Dogsh*t number three.
(4) At some point, Cleveland made the decision to absolutely manhande BG. They switched and jumped out on every screen, typically bumping BG off of his trajectory. They reached in and slapped his arms every time he went around a screen. They did everything but tackle him. The refs refused to do anything about it. It was ridiculous. Dogsh*t four through seventy six.
The worst thing was having to listen to nasally, fat, cheesy, low class, low rent twinks from Cleveland talk sh*t after the game on the concourses. I just kept telling them that, although they may have won the game, they were still from Cleveland, and nothing could erase that stain from their souls. Chicago should never lose anything to that urban blight.
The only positive coming out of this game was the continued improvement of Tyrus, who was a monster at both ends tonight.
It'll take me a few days to come down from the height of rage I currently occupy.
by 1958ChiTown on Mar 31, 2007 5:57 PM CDT 0 recs
just got back from the UC also
by SRQman on
Mar 31, 2007 6:14 PM CDT
up
0 recs
Also back from the UC
by Squirrley on
Mar 31, 2007 7:40 PM CDT
up
0 recs
commercials
by SRQman on
Mar 31, 2007 8:18 PM CDT
up
0 recs
I hate to disagree...
by corey williams corey benjamin on
Apr 1, 2007 3:34 AM CDT
up
0 recs
You could be right.
I just saw the replay once on the big screen.
by 1958ChiTown on
Apr 1, 2007 12:46 PM CDT
up
0 recs
about the loss
by zjuic on Mar 31, 2007 8:58 PM CDT 0 recs
5th Seed
by vlad001 on Mar 31, 2007 10:07 PM CDT 0 recs
If we did play the heat
by Squirrley on
Apr 1, 2007 10:36 AM CDT
up
0 recs
I've calmed down
by sue369 on Mar 31, 2007 10:19 PM CDT 0 recs
Looks like I missed one helluva game
Wish I had seen Ty's gaudy performance though.
by Colossus on Mar 31, 2007 10:24 PM CDT 0 recs
For the second time in three TV games
Despite what Sambossanova might think, the Bulls need to give Hinrich the ball at the end of games. Until BG gets calls more consistently, he's hurting them. It's too tough for him to get his shot off either because he isn't big enough, or the refs can't see him getting hacked in the middle. I don't know which it is, but he isn't getting the results the Bulls need. And another thing, the entire league knows that Gordon is going to drive parallel to the free throw and turn the corner for a floater by now. Is that the only play the Bulls can run?
Tough loss today, but the real test will be tomorrow against Atlanta.
by bullshooter on Mar 31, 2007 10:25 PM CDT 0 recs
Hinrich should take the last shot
Also anyone thinking if Thomas continues to play like this he could be a huge X-factor in the playoffs and a big time player next year
by SRQman on
Mar 31, 2007 11:13 PM CDT
up
0 recs
My problem with the last shot,
by wjb1492 on
Apr 1, 2007 12:07 AM CDT
up
0 recs
SAmbossanova
Hinrich is also short and on an iso play would probably fair as badly as gordon or a little better since he probably wouldn't turn the ball over. The bulls need to close these games out much stronger.
Also, is it me or did Ben Wallace do an awful job of guarding the paint and boxing out, espescially in the first half? Sort of dissapointing since hes been doing so well lately and the game was on TV so youd expect him to bring his A game.
Overally tough loss but its good experience for the bulls. Hopefully they pull through during the playoffs and close out games better. FOr some reason, I feel like they were better at closing out games the past two seasons and won more of these close games.
by Sambossanova on
Apr 1, 2007 12:56 AM CDT
up
0 recs
One other thing
by bullshooter on Mar 31, 2007 10:42 PM CDT 0 recs
Dog Sh*t Calls
by vlad001 on Mar 31, 2007 11:34 PM CDT 0 recs
So, i need to say a few things...
I am a very optimistic person and I really think they can pull it off and get enough wins to take the 2nd spot, if not then they will do fine in the Playoffs as 5th. If not, I really won't argue with any, if any, moves are made at season's end. Including players and/or Coaching staff. - I'm going to sleep.
by Goostafer on Apr 1, 2007 12:48 AM CDT 0 recs
I think (it is is arguable) I'm now rational
That was a tough loss. A few thoughts
1- No doubt Varegeo was out-of-bounds when he called the time-out with three seconds left in the game.
2- TT is for real. He played smart, stayed in the game and gave us an inside presence. Very impressive!
3- I like Goostafer's comment that we still can get the 2nd spot and if not so-be-it.
4- Gordon's decision-making at the end of the game does bother me.
5- I hoping the Knick pick gives us a boost next year because we still lack something to get us to win games like this.
by chgobr on Apr 1, 2007 9:23 AM CDT 0 recs
#1 was Sasha something or other
by Paxson Jackson on
Apr 1, 2007 9:27 AM CDT
up
0 recs
Bethlehem "Plaschke" Shoals
by Paxson Jackson on Apr 1, 2007 11:39 AM CDT 0 recs
Cavs contenders
by Qtip15 on Apr 1, 2007 11:57 AM CDT 0 recs
It's the East
by Paxson Jackson on
Apr 1, 2007 12:01 PM CDT
up
0 recs
No not really
by Qtip15 on Apr 1, 2007 1:41 PM CDT 0 recs
With the exception of the bottom
by Paxson Jackson on
Apr 1, 2007 1:48 PM CDT
up
0 recs
Yeah who needs someone to create anyway
Best of luck to the kids winning a series against Detroit, Miami the Cavs relying on jump shooting and playing hard. That's not the formula to win in the playoffs.
by Qtip15 on
Apr 1, 2007 3:24 PM CDT
up
0 recs
meaningless cliche
Ben Gordon does create his own shot off the dribble, he just isn't very big, and doesn't get Lebron/Wade charity from the refs. Maybe he will in the playoffs.
by Paxson Jackson on
Apr 1, 2007 5:06 PM CDT
up
0 recs
Close call
by vlad001 on Apr 1, 2007 3:13 PM CDT 0 recs
Ugly, but the Bulls win.
I have to say this. Even on the radio, Tyrus SOUNDS exciting. He had a very mediocre game overall, but he contributed a very nice fourth quarter. He had a steal, a couple of dunks, a couple of nice blocks, and, most encouraging from my perspective, a few astute assists on nice passes. I wish I could have seen his block of Smith or his three point play. Neil Funk made them sound epic.
by 1958ChiTown on Apr 1, 2007 3:31 PM CDT 0 recs
They were nice
by bullshooter on
Apr 1, 2007 3:42 PM CDT
up
0 recs
It's probably asking too much for the Celtics to
by 1958ChiTown on Apr 1, 2007 6:47 PM CDT 0 recs
Looks like they pulled it out, if barely.
So, back within 1/2 game of the 2nd seed.
by wjb1492 on
Apr 1, 2007 7:30 PM CDT
up
0 recs
Caron Butler might be out for the playoffs
If he is, I sure hope we get Washington in the 1st round.
by Big D on Apr 1, 2007 7:00 PM CDT 0 recs
We'd play Washington
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/standings;_ylt=AvaY6GuOJPkEfhKxkbpZj6a8vLYF
by Colossus on
Apr 1, 2007 7:20 PM CDT
up
0 recs
Yup
by Goostafer on
Apr 1, 2007 7:46 PM CDT
up
0 recs


