Bulls lose, get 5th seed, face Miami, season not over.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 18, 2007 10:13 PM CDT in News

So many players were atrocious for the Bulls tonight: neither Gordon, Hinrich, or Deng played well. Ben Wallace was barely noticeable.

Things were so bad that even the one player that had a good statline I didn't want to see out on the court, and that was Nocioni

Why? Seeing Nocioni out there for 28 minutes makes me think that nothing has changed. The Bulls went 19-7 from the All-Star break until tonight, and a lot of it was because of the emergence of Tyrus Thomas. Tonight, Tyrus got 13 minutes, and sat the entire second half except for a garbage minute or two at the end.

Losing the 2nd seed isn't the worst part about tonight. They could've picked up that 50th win at any point this season, and they instead fall one game short. But I was more incensed over how they lost the game what what it may mean for the playoffs. Playing the guys that limit what the team can do: Having Duhon guard Vince Carter on several stretches in the game. Nocioni and Brown in a frontcourt tandem that's ripe for getting outboarded. Even a re-appearance of the 3-guard lineup!

Granted, if the starters didn't play so terribly then Skiles wouldn't have even had the opportunity to give so many minutes to Nocioni and Duhon (22). But when that group did get the Bulls to pull even at the end of the 3rd quarter, I thought it'd be a perfect time to go back to the, ahem, better players and try and close the game out. Instead Skiles kept the same team out there, and they gave up 35 4th quarter points. Wallace made a brief appearance, and as I mentioned earlier Thomas was only on the court after the game was decided.

As a result, the Bulls have backed their way into a rematch of last season's playoffs, and it's the same old guys who lost those playoffs who have me nervous. I think the Bulls have made so much progress since that time, and a lot of that has to do with the new additions. They've made the Bulls better, and Miami is worse. Couple that with home court advantage, and the Bulls should be the favorites.

But a game like tonight makes me worry it'll be the same type of series and the same result.

The tough road ahead is a blessing in a big picture sense...beating up on Washington or Orlando (can I even say it would've happened with Jersey after tonight?) wouldn't have told us as much about this group as a series against Miami or Detroit will. At least we can find out how much progress this team has really made since last year, and not just how much better of a season they've had.

Bring on James Posey and the Heat, I'll have much more 'what it all means' stuff in the coming days.

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Here is the bottom line from tonight. (Repost)

I am going to say this, then log off to regain strength and sanity for the playoffs.

(1) We played poorly overall, especially Gordon, Luol, and BWall. Our interior defense and rebounding was terrible. That's why we lost, IMO;

(2) We can beat the Heat. I think we are a better team than the Heat. However, they have two superstars, who typically get special treatment in the playoffs. We'll have to overcome that;

(3) I think we can beat the Pistons, as well. In fact, I think we WILL beat the Pistons if we can get through the Heat;

(4) Despite needless mockery of Noce, PaxJax is right about the team as a whole. We made progress this year as a franchise. It was a fun year in the UC. 31-10;

(5) It will be interesting to see how Paxson uses the Knicks pick and manages the offseason. Very interesting;

(6) The most difficult thing about the next few days will be the barrage of negative press about the Bulls. I'm sure Mariotti and Simmons and the rest will decry the team. The Bulls should ignore it. If they don't, it will either motivate them or destroy their confidence.

Regardless of what comes, I am going to be loud and insane come Saturday/Sunday and Monday/Tuesday. If one thing is certain, you KNOW the crowd is going to be nuts to play hated Riley and the Heat. I am going to scream until my voice gives out.

Yes, I'll even cheer for Chapu and Duhon. :)

by 1958ChiTown on Apr 18, 2007 10:23 PM CDT reply actions

agreed, the series will mean more this way.

And as I said when just a day ago we were so happy when columnists were picking the Bulls as the favorites: none of that matters compared to the actual results. We'll find out what level this team is at in the series.

Unlike last season, I will consider it a failure if they lose this series to the Heat. The Bulls are better and had the MUCH better season.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 18, 2007 10:26 PM CDT up reply actions

awful.

Does anyone really think we can do anything against shaq?

At least we get another shot at injuring posey. that piece of shit.

by dcarioca on Apr 18, 2007 10:25 PM CDT reply actions

Shaq, really?

If that's how you feel than I don't know how you could take any joy watching this team. Seeing them cream lesser opponents is fun but pretty meaningless. Taking on old Kazaam is doable and is an actual test for if these guys can be championship-caliber some day.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 18, 2007 10:28 PM CDT up reply actions

why i'm pessimistic

We don't have any tall players for one. With wade/refs in top form (and he will be, just watch) we are dead in the water. Plus I live in fucking miami and can't believe I have to go through this again.

But clearly, I love the Bulls...I just don't think we'll beat the heat. And I really hate the heat. Seriously.

by dcarioca on Apr 18, 2007 10:43 PM CDT up reply actions

another problem

is yeah they have home court but not only do they have to play who i consider to be the best center ever next to wilt, they are now mentally shaken

2007 First Round: Heat vs. Bulls

by hongydraw on Apr 18, 2007 10:53 PM CDT up reply actions

Mentally shaken?

Come on, a huge part of sports is shaking off a loss and looking forward to the next game. We've all commented on the fact that Bulls don't win if the 3 main offensive threats all have off nights - it's a shame it happened tonight with a playoff seed on the line, but it's happened before and it will happen again. And those other times the guys got it together and came back strong. Otherwise they would have lost every game from the 2nd one in Orlanda on.

I don't think this one loss is enough to make them forget that they won 49 other games and have the third best record in the league.

by wjb1492 on Apr 18, 2007 11:00 PM CDT up reply actions

If they are

Mentally shaken after this lose then we are screwed forever because if they can't handle this lose which is a regular season game how can we expect them to ever bounce back from a playoff lose?

by SRQman on Apr 18, 2007 11:03 PM CDT up reply actions

They are definitely shaken

you could see that at the end of the game. The question is will they be tomorrow? The way they came back from the Cleveland loss a few weeks ago makes me think they will rebound and be ready for the Heat.

by bullshooter on Apr 18, 2007 11:06 PM CDT up reply actions

right

I don't think there's ANY carry-over. They're pros and this isn't their first big loss nor their first playoff series together.

Just like how 'momentum' didn't mean anything going into tonight's game, it works the same way.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 18, 2007 11:41 PM CDT up reply actions

Well, there's always next year

I've been a Bulls fan since I've been alive. I watched them religiously for all those horrible post-Jordan years. Now, after two years of first round exits, I can honestly say I don't care if the Bulls are "tested". I want them to win.

I've been tested as a fan, and I'm ready to see some progress in playoff victories - not moral victories. Seeing the Bulls lose in the first round to an older and banged-up Heat team isn't what I've waited 82 games to see.

I can't stand the thought of going five months of off-season and checking the news sites daily for tidbits of news to get excited about the upcoming Bulls season just to be let down in the first round again.

I'm just sick of disappointment, and tonight I refuse to see hope in a team that somehow folded in a critical game against the inferior New Jersey Nets. Tomorrow I may feel differently, but excuse me tonight for not having a lot of hope in a team shutting down Shaq and Wade after giving up 20+ to Mikki Moore.

-- "I can picture in my mind a world without war, a world without hate. And I can picture us attacking that world, because they'd never expect it."

by Jimslam on Apr 18, 2007 10:43 PM CDT up reply actions

at least you won't be dissapointed then!

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 18, 2007 11:58 PM CDT up reply actions

Shaq just seems

so insurmountable. I honestly dont worry nearly as much about wade. Shaq does that double pump, no-foul-shoulder-shake, and a monster dunk, and its literally impossible to guard. If you dont get him in foul trouble, i just dont know how you can overcome that.

Fact: every team since jordan bulls that won the championship was either shaq's team or the team that beat shaq's team.

by hongydraw on Apr 18, 2007 10:36 PM CDT reply actions

Um, False?

2004-2005 Spurs.

That's still a pretty broad statement you're putting up, though. Especially when they still weren't in championship form in '98-'99, when they were swept by San Antonio.

But I think we all can agree here that the Bulls-Heat will be very exciting to watch.

PLAYOFF TIME. LETS GO CHICAGO!

by NittanyBull on Apr 18, 2007 10:44 PM CDT up reply actions

Bill Walton says

"But the Spurs beat the team that beat Shaq's team. The whole world goes through the Big Fella, trust me."

Watch your head, Tyrus!

by cubbybear on Apr 19, 2007 3:15 PM CDT up reply actions

Where the Hell Was Thomas??

I watched this game after the Cavaliers had things in hand and kept asking myself where Thomas was?

Can't believe he only saw 13 minutes, with how dominant he was at times against Cleveland and others down the stretch...

Makes no sense....

Fear The Sword

by FearTheSword on Apr 18, 2007 10:39 PM CDT reply actions

Yeah, I agree.

I was very disappointed to see his minutes dwarf down to only 13 this game. Could he have contributed effectively tonight? Who knowsss

PLAYOFF TIME. LETS GO CHICAGO!

by NittanyBull on Apr 18, 2007 10:45 PM CDT up reply actions

So it goes

If its not meant to be, its not meant to be. This team is actually better off losing to the Nets. They were destined to face the Heat before the season began, and nothing was gonna stop that. The importance of the Nets game is a drop in the Ocean compared to the importance of the Heat series. Now THAT'S a franchise changing event. The thing with the Nets game is, any good team can have a bad game, but a good team can't have a bad series. This team is going to get SHAT ON by the media and they will be 20 point underdogs to the Heat, but none of that matters. You relax, focus, and get ready for the ultimate test.

by vlad001 on Apr 18, 2007 10:40 PM CDT reply actions

Tonight sucked all around...

First the Bulls lost, which in turn gave the Cavs the 2nd seed which in turn will lead to more "King" James is the "Chosen 1" and crap like that after they dismantle the Wizards who also stayed at 7.

Then the Knicks win making our pick possibly "lower" and we'll see how Portland and Sacramento do to atleast keep the Knicks where they are. They're not looking too good right now.

by CubFan81 on Apr 18, 2007 10:41 PM CDT reply actions

Bulls own the Heat

Shaq is too old, Wade is too hurt. When both were healthy the Bulls owned the Heat. Contrary to popular belief, this should be a pretty easy series.

by vlad001 on Apr 18, 2007 10:46 PM CDT reply actions

I watched the bulls all year

and I don't think you can say Thabo is better than Duhon, or Thomas is better than Noc, at least today. I think that you could say both Thabo and Thomas will be better in the near future hopefully, and that both will get better only with playing time. So I think Skiles had his best players in at the end. But it's hard to get past the fact that Thabo was drafted for just this situation.

This Bulls team came pretty close to maxing out in the regular seaon. But whether it was Gordon missing the last shot, or Wallace not being able to get to control the boards, or Hinrich not making the right decision, or Deng having a cold shooting night, the Bulls were going to lose 33 games. It's a shame that it was one game short of the second seed, but I that had as much to do with the competition as it did with the Bulls abilities.

I am really curious to see how the Bulls rebound for the playoffs, and it will be interesting to see how Heat play, too. The Bulls can still advance, but only if reach their potential.

by bullshooter on Apr 18, 2007 10:50 PM CDT reply actions

the point of using Thomas

is that he has a chance to change the game. I don't have see the same liklihood with a hobbled Noc.

Besides, throughout the season the Bulls are better with Tyrus on the court.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 18, 2007 11:34 PM CDT up reply actions

They're also better with Wallace off the court

would you say that Tyrus is better than Wallace. Stats are misleading. My point is that you know what kind of game you are going to get from Noc, which isn't true of Tyrus. I think Tyrus is great when he is playing well, but he has off games too. If it were me, I'd have started Thabo over Ben Gordon just for the matchup, but I am not the coach, either.

by bullshooter on Apr 18, 2007 11:46 PM CDT up reply actions

well stats plus watching the freaking games

have you seen Tyrus play the last couple of months? At any point were you saying 'gee I wish Noc was out there instead'?

Noc is fine. Just in spare minutes. They needed him to start jacking up shots when nothing was happening on offense. I'm just saying it was wrong to sit Tyrus the whole second half, especially when the deficit re-exploded. Tyrus at least would've given them something different.

You win games because of Tyrus playing well. He can take them to hights that Nocioni can't, and I believe that more knowing that Noc is injured.

If the Bulls are better without Wallace then it's a huge clusterfuck. If they're better without Noc I can live with that, which is why I'm more likely to have his minutes cut even though his +/- is similar to Wallace.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 18, 2007 11:50 PM CDT up reply actions

I think you're missing the big picture

The 4 didn't kill the Bulls. It was the bad matchups at 1,2 and 3. Thabo is the guy who should have gotten more clock. He's the one who could have countered NJ's best and forced them to alter their game plan. Going smaller plays right into the Nets hands and Tyrus wasn't the answer to that problem. Noc or Tyrus, it didn't matter.

by bullshooter on Apr 19, 2007 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions

I realize Sefolosha

was something like +1 for the game, and maybe he should have played more, but the team is better off without the guy who can't guard anyone while standing up, and is a disruption to the offense even when he's making shots. Less Nocioni means more Thomas, and a little extra Sefolosha. Both guys can counter the bigger, more athletic Nets. Plus Thomas gets to the line.

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on Apr 19, 2007 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions

Haven't figured out why

you like to bash Noc so much. But it's not that important. I will say that Noc was 5-6 from the line, which means he got their as much as anybody last night. I still think replacing a subpar effort from Gordon (he played 44 minutes, which is just as egregious to me as Noc playing 28) with Sefolosha would have had a significant impact.

by bullshooter on Apr 19, 2007 12:38 PM CDT up reply actions

Because Nocioni deserves the bashing

and this (Thomas/Nocioni) is turning into a quasi-Duhon/Gordon situation. Bashing the most overrated player the Bulls have had since Horace Grant was fogging up his goggles for the Bulls seems far more reasonable than "Gordon shudda sat for Sefolosha."

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on Apr 19, 2007 12:48 PM CDT up reply actions

Since I am not going to change your mind

just ignore my posts in this thread I guess.

by bullshooter on Apr 19, 2007 12:52 PM CDT up reply actions

Do you think Scott Skiles is a moron?

Do you?

Or do you think that he is intentionally trying to lose games?

You must think one of those two things if you feel that he is making such a huge mistake by giving Nocioni so many minutes.

Now, I am not typically a coach acolyte. There are many coaches who are, in fact, quite stupid. However, based on all available evidence, Skiles isn't one of them. He is very highly regarded in the league, ESPECIALLY for his X's and O's. If we fired him today, three teams would try to hire him tomorrow. He and Paxson have engineered a complete turnaround of the Bulls. Paxson trusts him entirely and holds him in high esteem.

So I am going to give Skiles the benefit of the doubt when it comes to the rotation he establishes.

If he is playing Noce, don't you think he believes that Noce gives us the best chance of winning? I sincerely doubt that you have generated any insights or conclusions through statistical analysis or game observation that Skiles hasn't already considered. You are sitting on the internet, toggling back and forth between Blogabull, NBA.com, and Asian porn sites. Skiles livelihood depends upon basketball.

No one is infallible. Skiles makes mistakes. However, I doubt he would repeatedly make the same mistake over and over again if there were obvious evidence that some other course of action would win games. If he played Noce last night, it's because he thought it gave us the best chance at victory.

by 1958ChiTown on Apr 19, 2007 1:02 PM CDT up reply actions

Trust in Skiles?

OK, no need to get into the 'what are we all doing here as nerds on the internet questioning the coach'. That's what fans do.

I'm sure Skiles believes he's doing the right thing, that goes without saying.

My problem is I feel he's placing too much trust in what he 'knows' in his guys, and not enough gambling on the unknown. He knows what Noc and Duhon will provide, but thinks there's a chance Tyrus or Thabo will crap the bed if they're put in there.

My quarrel with that is that Tyrus can win you a game, whereas playing the same old crew seems like just trying not to lose it. If Tyrus plays well the Heat have no answer for him.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 19, 2007 1:09 PM CDT up reply actions

I find myself torn in this debate.

At some fundamental level, I agree with what you are saying.

However, certain posters make it sound as if the decision to take Nocioni out is obvious. I'm sure Skiles is aware of Noce's flaws, including his penchant for TO's, etc. However, Skiles nonetheless keeps him in the game in certain situations because he feels that his contributions outweigh his flaws. It's not as if Noce is a clownish buffoon. If he goes out on the free agent market, he'll fetch a nice contract from some other team. The decision to sit him in favor of rookies is much more nuanced and difficult than some posters make it out to be.

To play devil's advocate, what if Skiles inserts Thabo or Tyrus into a key playoff situation and they do, in fact, "crap the bed"?

I understand Skiles' dilemma.

by 1958ChiTown on Apr 19, 2007 1:16 PM CDT up reply actions

So you're suggesting

Kyle Orton start at power forward?

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on Apr 19, 2007 1:22 PM CDT up reply actions

And to crap on all of this

I don't understand how you on the one hand ask why Tyrus didn't play more, when to me the obvious question is why didn't Thabo play more. He's the guy who solves the matchup problem. I question Skiles whenever he leaves guys in too long like I think he did with Gordon, and then Noc in the 4th quarter.

But in this case I will argue that Noc played well and produced at least as much as Tyrus would have had he had the minutes (go look at the box score). I think Skiles had some kind of episode as a player where he felt he should have stayed in to finish a game. He always seems to ride guys too long after they make a comeback. But who knows, maybe somebody was hurt or sick. And the larger issue is when is he going to trust the rookies.

by bullshooter on Apr 19, 2007 1:26 PM CDT up reply actions

because it's almost too obvious?

Oh, I know that Thabo should play more (at least when facing guys like Vince freaking Carter), but I'm not holding my breath on that one. One battle at a time.

Besides, Skiles has never shown Thabo the trust (deservedly or not...Thabo hasn't done much to be honest) that he showed Tyrus for the past couple months. That's why it's more frustrating to see this reversion to the 'old' rotation.

"He always seems to ride guys too long after they make a comeback." Oh baby, definately.

And on 'solving matchup problems', the reason I champion Tyrus for more minutes is that he creates matchup problems for other teams. Especially slow old teams like the Heat. Playing Noc just tells them 'ok we can be slow too, but damned if we don't out-grit you!'...a strategy that I don't like.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 19, 2007 1:33 PM CDT up reply actions

You have to admit that Noce had a pretty amazing

series last year against these same Heat in the playoffs: 22 ppg, 9 rpg, 56% from the field, 48% from beyond the arc.

That doesn't sound like slow and old to me.

by 1958ChiTown on Apr 19, 2007 1:39 PM CDT up reply actions

The thing about Noc

I feel like he has his best moments in situations where somebody needs to be a fearless and force the issue, like when we are down 10. Last night was a case in point. He won't pass up an open 3 like Duhon always seems to, and he drives when the defense closes out. Last year against the Heat required that type of play because the only way the Bulls beat the Heat is if they keep them off balance and attack the whole time. If the Heat can slow it down and dump it into Shaq, it's no contest.

by bullshooter on Apr 19, 2007 1:48 PM CDT up reply actions

Isn;t that reallythe difference between this

year's Heat series and last year's?

Didn't we go out and get Ben Wallace PRECISELY so he could guard guys like Shaq in the post during the playoffs? Didn't we get hom for his interior playoff defense.

Last year, we had no one (literally no one) who could defend Shaq in the post. Now we have Wallace. That should help.

This is a side point, completely separate from the Noce issue. You're last line made me think of it.

by 1958ChiTown on Apr 19, 2007 1:54 PM CDT up reply actions

Don't forget PJ

you're right, it's a seperate issue but an important one. Pax learned against miami that they needed athletes but also guys to guard Shaq. Or at least better options than Schensher and Allen.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 19, 2007 2:03 PM CDT up reply actions

who's more likely to keep Miami off-balance

Someone they can watch shuffle inside and out and shoot jumpers, or somebody who can dunk on their head?

The whole point of this season is progress. If we're longing for a time when the Bulls needed Noc to come up with a monster series to make them competitive, then this team isn't any better than last season.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 19, 2007 2:02 PM CDT up reply actions

I don't disagree with that.

I really don't.

I got sucked into the argument because, at some level, I think it's unfair to bash Noce, who has done really nice things for this club over the last few seasons.

You won't hear me complain if Tyrus plays, though.

I am now withdrawing from this debate, because it is sort of taking the fun out of the imminent playoffs, which are supposed to be the best part of the season.

Regardless of who plays, I truly just want to advance out of the first round. I think it would be detrimental and traumatic to the franchise (and the fan base, myself included!) to have another first round exit.

by 1958ChiTown on Apr 19, 2007 2:08 PM CDT up reply actions

keen insight on my browser history...

but from your putting words in my comment box argument, I suspect you've been visiting this guy too often.

"I doubt he would repeatedly make the same mistake over and over again if there were obvious evidence that some other course of action would win games."

Chris Duhon
141 starts in 234 games

Ben Gordon
101 starts in 244 games

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on Apr 19, 2007 1:19 PM CDT up reply actions

Yeah, um, that's called

"begging the question."

You're presupposing, with no evidence or argument, that starting Chris Duhon and failing to start Ben Gordon were both repeated mistakes.

by 1958ChiTown on Apr 19, 2007 1:23 PM CDT up reply actions

Uh

I'm not interested in going over the Gordon is a lot better than Duhon and should start debate. Not only is it over, but the answer to "Who's better?" is really, really obvious. It's apparent that you would rather waste time with bogus points and stupid questions than actually give this any thought.

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on Apr 19, 2007 1:47 PM CDT up reply actions

As usual, you conveniently disregard

all detail and nuance.

Whether or not Gordon is more talented than Duhon (I presume that is what you mean by "better"), the question is whether it was a repeated mistake to start Duhon. You'll recall that there was a time when Gordon struggled mightily as a starter and seemed to thrive off the bench. Therefore, during the period in question, it may have superior to start Duhon despite Gordon's talent.

by 1958ChiTown on Apr 19, 2007 1:51 PM CDT up reply actions

not gonna dignify this

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on Apr 19, 2007 2:08 PM CDT up reply actions

going small did suck

but playing Noc at the 4 over Tyrus is also going small.

Seeing Duhon on Carter may be the worst sight of the night though. Almost makes me glad they aren't facing the Nets in the playoffs.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 19, 2007 11:10 AM CDT up reply actions

finally the miles steps in to settle this

i agree duhon played liek shit on VC, and thabo should have at least tried, but duhon did just as shitty as Jizzle and the captain....

by milesgmsu on Apr 19, 2007 1:03 PM CDT up reply actions

Nets

Bulls dont' match up well with Nets because Nets have 2 guards who can post (Carter/Kidd) the small guards up. I was at game, the size disadvantage and constant need to double team and help was why the Bulls lost.

I thought thats why Thabo was brought in to solve, maybe this is year to early but I agree Bulls got to stop with 3 guard lineup. Gordon and Duhon were not scoring that well so Thabo on D would have been nice.

I thought Noc did fairly well in his mins. Wallace didn't seemt to have impact and Deng was thrown off by fouls it seemed. I don't think Noc took Thomas mins as much as the dumb 3 guard lineup seemed too and PJ played too much. I like PJ for his size but Nets are not that big and PJ is better in smaller doses.

by NY Chicago Fan on Apr 19, 2007 8:00 PM CDT up reply actions

just for record

before anyone bashes me I don't mean because I was "at game" that I have better insight then someone watching on tv

I was just excited, my 1st live Bulls game ever, and it really sucked that they lost

by NY Chicago Fan on Apr 19, 2007 8:03 PM CDT up reply actions

thomas playing time

To be fair, Thomas was playing like shit pretty much and we all know Skiles likes to pull people out once they start making a couple of amateurish mistakes and thats what happens with Thomas.

He was playing pretty wild (that foul call that he got driving to the basket was lucky), he was not doing a good job defending the lane or rebounding. I know he is a great shot blocker but the whole thing where u leave the whole area under the basket undefended in order to go contest a shot gives miki moore 20+ points (i didnt know he had such a nice jumper though).

by Sambossanova on Apr 18, 2007 11:34 PM CDT reply actions

Thomas

I agree Tyrus didn't play well in the 1st half, but our entire team was awful. We started having better ball movement and energy in the second, and that's when I think Thomas really could have given a boost. He's our best finisher at the rim, and just one or two easy baskets or tip-ins would have given the Bulls more momentum in the comeback they were trying to achieve.

by nas on Apr 18, 2007 11:43 PM CDT up reply actions

Just to be clear, Tyrus wasn't guarding Moore for

most of thst stretch. Malik Allen was.

Malik kept leaving Moore to help in the post.

by 1958ChiTown on Apr 18, 2007 11:45 PM CDT up reply actions

PJ played too much.

Are draft pick fell back to 10.

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on Apr 18, 2007 11:46 PM CDT reply actions

no the draft pick is 8-10

by bullshooter on Apr 18, 2007 11:48 PM CDT up reply actions

yeah

is that right? thats a preety major drop down, from around 6th to 8-10

Significant percentage drop too if it is.

by rquinsee on Apr 19, 2007 12:03 AM CDT up reply actions

Somewhat OT:

When do the Bulls play? Saturday?

PLAYOFF TIME. LETS GO CHICAGO!

by NittanyBull on Apr 18, 2007 11:49 PM CDT reply actions

haha, far from OT

but I don't know. I'd imagine they'll release the schedule tomorrow.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 18, 2007 11:51 PM CDT up reply actions

Saturday

I think they said the East is Saturday. Makes sense because I think they want the almighty West on ABC Sunday.

Chicago will probably get really high profile time slots now because of the Miami matchup.

by nas on Apr 19, 2007 12:00 AM CDT up reply actions

Weak and scared and mediocre

That game reminded me of November/December sub-500 Bulls basketball. Just a disjointed poor effort where guys couldn't hit shots and the whole team seemed out of sync and less athletic than the opposition. Basically, it looked like every game the Nets played against the Bulls last season.

Maybe playing the Heat is a blessing in disguise. The Heat series will be monumental and I do think they can win.

The Knick pick dropping, however, truly sucks. Fucking Eddy Curry and his tip-in.

I never missed a free throw in an NBA game.

by preverbal on Apr 18, 2007 11:51 PM CDT reply actions

I'm going insane!

I can't believe I spent the past 6 months looking at Knicks scores!!! What the F***! What a waste of my damn time! Sweating out all those freaking scores.....all for 8-10 position. So many lucky plays....If it wasn't for Curry's silly tip-in or that crazy .09 last second shot, we would be splitting that % with Seattle.

* Stern go back to the EQUAL CHANCE envelope lottery!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Is it me or does Lebron walk like a duck?!

by GranvilleWaiters on Apr 19, 2007 1:56 AM CDT up reply actions

we went 14-3 in dec

by milesgmsu on Apr 19, 2007 1:04 PM CDT up reply actions

Ouch....

Never thought you could get hurt by two teams on the same night. Plus the two teams are separated by a river (New York and New Jersey).

Bad day for the Bulls.

However, after thinking about it, if they did beat New Jersey tonight, they still would have played bad during the game, and they might have had to play them in the first round. It probably would have gone to a 7-game series since the Bulls never win at the swamps. I know it's always nice having an easy first round opponent, but you can't argue that the Bulls will get more playoff experience by facing the Heat than facing an underachieving Nets team or a depleted Wizards squad. Now by facing the Heat, they play a team they are familiar with, and they get that much more confidence and experience if they do get into the 2nd round.

No matter what happened, this night belongs to the Sox. Congratulations, Buehrle! Hope this can get you a new contract and it helps propel the Sox to the finish! GO SOX!

by RingItUp26 on Apr 19, 2007 12:18 AM CDT reply actions

Count on a Sox fan

to root for the White Sox on a basketball blog.

Come on now.

PLAYOFF TIME. LETS GO CHICAGO!

by NittanyBull on Apr 19, 2007 12:29 AM CDT up reply actions

Personally,

I feel bad for Sox Management. Crede just cost him about $5M in my estimation.

Watch your head, Tyrus!

by cubbybear on Apr 19, 2007 3:28 PM CDT up reply actions

This town freaking sucks

I was unable to watch the game tonight. I had an old friend in from out of town, staying at a downtown hotel. We made plans to hang out. We went to THREE different venues and every single fucking one of them had the goddamn Cubs game on. That's a damn travesty.

So I have no thoughts on the game. Once again, no one is going to give a crap that the Bulls (like two years ago) are getting shafted by this stupid seeding. That's a travesty, too.

The Knicks are in a three-way tie for eighth instead of fifth where they belong because all these other teams tanked on purpose. And because they were the luckiest team on the planet this season (technical fouls giving them the game vs. the Wizards is the most notable). Travesty (I guess).

What's going to be the biggest travesty of all is when the Bulls beat the Heat in five games, they will receive no credit for toppling the champs. Everyone will blame Wade's injury or the fact that the Heat broke down or something. But now round 2 becomes a heckuva lot tougher.

Dammit. [I fully realize that maybe it's better that I missed the game, considering what everyone is saying about it - I might have tossed my TV out the window or something...]

Deng 4 MVP, 2008!

by corey williams corey benjamin on Apr 19, 2007 12:18 AM CDT reply actions

'credit'

really? If they beat the Heat I won't care if the media said it was because of Posey's BAC.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 19, 2007 9:05 AM CDT up reply actions

Right

You know what, I won't care either. I was just still really angry that (a) I couldn't see the game anywhere and (b) the Bulls lost. So I was ranting. I do think Bulls win in 5, though.

I'll also say this. I watched the ESPN and NBA.com highlights and neither of them gave me any indication about why the Bulls lost - or why the Nets won, for that matter. But I came here to Blobabull and got a very clear picture from the rest of you! So thanks, kids!

Deng 4 MVP, 2008!

by corey williams corey benjamin on Apr 19, 2007 1:46 PM CDT up reply actions

so ............

playing ESPNS Mock draft I see we are hovering around 10-11 at each pick

Did our chances for a top 3 draft pick really drop that much on currys 0.6 second tip in?

Yesterday every ¾ times id play we would get oden! Now, one day later it looks like we have preety much no chance!

Is that right? Not really sure how that can happen, the maths of it all and such.

by rquinsee on Apr 19, 2007 12:44 AM CDT reply actions

Miles provided a very good blog

about the draft a couple days ago, which is from this comment.

Here's the blog by itself.

You'll need to scroll down a bit, where he shows the calculations of the NBA draft.

And unfortunately, taking into account that Minnesota and Portland had the same record as the Knicks this time yesterday and both lost today, a win from the New York was/is sure to be very costly percentage-wise in this years' draft. Stupid Knicks.

PLAYOFF TIME. LETS GO CHICAGO!

by NittanyBull on Apr 19, 2007 12:55 AM CDT up reply actions

Cheers!

That explains it quite well

How dissapointing!

by rquinsee on Apr 19, 2007 1:04 AM CDT up reply actions

i was wrong about one thing

they split the percnetages between tied teams and if theres a leftover combination of numbers coinflip determines who gets it last....so we officially have a 1.3% chance or whatever it is

by milesgmsu on Apr 19, 2007 2:45 PM CDT up reply actions

Playoff schedule is out

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs2007/news/story?id=2842560

by Big D on Apr 19, 2007 12:47 AM CDT reply actions

Playoff scheduling is ridiculous

Bulls first game is on Saturday, with game 2 not happening until Tuesday.

by SuperContext on Apr 19, 2007 9:12 AM CDT up reply actions

Mikki Moore lead the nba in field goal %

http://www.nba.com/games/20070418/CHINJN/recap.html

what the balls

2007 Playoffs: Heat vs Bulls

by hongydraw on Apr 19, 2007 1:24 AM CDT reply actions

interesting and 'oh crap' at the same time

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/basketball/heat/sfl-spheat19apr19,0,3683065.story?coll=sfla-sport s-heat

2007 Playoffs: Heat vs Bulls

by hongydraw on Apr 19, 2007 1:28 AM CDT reply actions

The Heat suck

You can hear the 'asshole' coming through in every quote.

I hope we crush them. Let's let their title defense reflect the quality of their season -- 4 and out.

I never missed a free throw in an NBA game.

by preverbal on Apr 19, 2007 12:32 PM CDT up reply actions

As far as "bulletin board" material...

I find that pretty weak. Also find it interesting that the Heat felt a need to respond - feeling a little insecure maybe?

And what is Wade's deal with Hinrich? Seems lately that he really doesn't like him at all - maybe going all the way back to the 2003 NCAAs? Or does he just not like having someone referred to as the "Wade stopper"?

by wjb1492 on Apr 19, 2007 2:00 PM CDT up reply actions

I'd bet

Wade threw a hissy fit when he found out they would be playing the Bulls again in the playoffs. Kirk has had Wades number for a while now and I love seeing Wade get frustrated when Kirk guards him.

Tyrus Thomas is a human highlight reel.

by sue369 on Apr 19, 2007 3:31 PM CDT up reply actions

Did any of you

see CTL tonight? They talked with Mike Dipsquale of WSVN-TV in Miami. He said the team did not take well to Kirk's statements. He said Mo asked him to give the Bulls a message, "Be careful what you ask for."

I say let Tyrus loose on Shaq. Tyrus will be like the mosquito that buzzes in your ear when you are trying to sleep. You try to fan him away but he comes right back to torture you some more.

Tyrus Thomas is a human highlight reel.

by sue369 on Apr 19, 2007 6:20 PM CDT up reply actions

Didn't see it

I'm still on a Comcast boycott. Who the heck is Mo?

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on Apr 19, 2007 6:46 PM CDT up reply actions

I assumed

he was talking about Alonzo Mourning.

Tyrus Thomas is a human highlight reel.

by sue369 on Apr 19, 2007 7:19 PM CDT up reply actions

The problem with Tyrus being on the bench...

is that its part of the reason Deng, Heinrich, and Gordon didn't play as well. When Tyrus is out there, he's a threat to throw down an alley-oop every time down the court. Everyone knows that, and you have to respect it if you're defending the Bulls. That should open up the outside game a little bit more. He's not exactly a post threat, but he's the closest thing this team has to one and having him on the court gives the Bulls some much needed offensive diversity. When Noc is on the court, he's just another jump shooter.

Noc should be this team's 6th man - he'd be great in that role.

by Shawn Domagal-Goldman on Apr 19, 2007 8:29 AM CDT reply actions

Skiles fucking lost that game.

PJ Brown was getting his ass kicked as was Wallace who was on the bench when he came in for PJ Brown at the end of the game.

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on Apr 19, 2007 9:15 AM CDT reply actions

One Person Is Happy

That we lost to the Nets...SWEETS...this guy has got to be ecstatic cause he's basically the only guy on the roster big enough to battle Shaq. Wallace showed his weakness against Shaq last year..it's all about the Sweets baby! GO Bulls!!

F*ck the Heat!!

by BullShitzer on Apr 19, 2007 9:57 AM CDT reply actions

Skiles is a reasonable dude

Chris Sheridan:

But much to my dismay, Skiles walked off the floor with his head only slightly bowed, and he didn't even give the doorknob an angry twist as he let himself in to the coaches' room.

"I can't fly off the handle or anything off of one game," Skiles said. "I wanted them to perform well in this environment so they could take that momentum into the playoffs, but right almost from the jump ball we had busted coverage defensively, and things we would never normally do we started doing tonight. So we have to somehow shake this off."

Was it difficult, I asked Skiles, not to fly off the handle given the lost opportunity?

"No, I mean that's not productive, and I only do that once every couple seasons anyway. That doesn't serve any purpose right now, and the guys inside feel bad, I'm absolutely certain of that because I know them well. There were just some things out there you just can't do if you're going to win a high-level basketball game."

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 19, 2007 10:16 AM CDT reply actions

Last night was depressing, but

I do hope they will bounce back. For me the Curry tip-in was almost worse than our loss. I think Wallace can neutralize Shaq but Wade is another matter. This is a good test for us and it will be interesting to see how they respond.

I agree that sports can rip your heart out and then the next day have you jump out of your seat with joy. Right now I'm looking for my heart after it was ripped from my chest.

Beat the Knicks

by chgobr on Apr 19, 2007 10:40 AM CDT reply actions

wade will be neutralized by his shoulder

hinrich and playing in chicago

by milesgmsu on Apr 19, 2007 2:49 PM CDT up reply actions

I thought

they would come out fired up but it didn't take long to see they weren't. If they had to have a crappy game last night was it. Hopefully they have it out of their system and can put their focus on the Heat.

Have faith guys. It will get better.

Tyrus Thomas is a human highlight reel.

by sue369 on Apr 19, 2007 12:29 PM CDT reply actions

Im crying

you guys just dont know

AIM screen name : Option27

by Option27 on Apr 19, 2007 12:31 PM CDT reply actions

i threw up after the game anc urrry

by milesgmsu on Apr 19, 2007 2:46 PM CDT up reply actions

you threw up on Ann Curry?

(seriously Miles..just read what you just type once before posting.)

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 19, 2007 3:00 PM CDT up reply actions

I will bet anyone here

The Bulls will win this series...

The Heat are the defending champs but probably the worst defending champs the league has seen since the 99 Bulls.

AIM screen name : Option27

by Option27 on Apr 19, 2007 12:43 PM CDT reply actions

Well this sucks....

Let the media start crappin on the Bulls. Even NBA.com shows no respect, saying we split the year with the Heat, and in reality, we took 3 of 4 and went 3-1 against them.

http://www.nba.com/playoffs2007/series/series_e1s4.html#replay

2007 Playoffs: Heat vs Bulls

by hongydraw on Apr 19, 2007 12:48 PM CDT reply actions

Dude, who cares?

PLAYOFF TIME. LETS GO CHICAGO!

by NittanyBull on Apr 19, 2007 12:50 PM CDT up reply actions

ha!

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 19, 2007 1:06 PM CDT up reply actions

3 of 4 and going 3-1 are the same

by milesgmsu on Apr 19, 2007 2:47 PM CDT up reply actions

i know

im not really why i put both..

2007 Playoffs: Heat vs Bulls

by hongydraw on Apr 19, 2007 3:14 PM CDT up reply actions

BOYCOTT!

The NBA doesn't give us our season series props, we gots to forfeit, boy!

Watch your head, Tyrus!

by cubbybear on Apr 19, 2007 3:34 PM CDT up reply actions

Anyone else think that Jason Kidd played

out of his mind last night? (in terms of heady passes, deflections, rebounds, "energy" . . . )

by GWKD on Apr 19, 2007 2:12 PM CDT reply actions

anti-skiles fury

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 19, 2007 2:17 PM CDT up reply actions

Which is almost as bad as

Skiles FURY!

Watch your head, Tyrus!

by cubbybear on Apr 19, 2007 3:34 PM CDT up reply actions

Ok

I was so pumped to go to the game last night at the swamp. Left work early rushed thru the highway. Made the game. I didn't know how close I was to the floor. I was two rows behind the Bull's bench. Man that was nice. Then...
-
We all know how it ended. We all know the mismatches, the missed shots, THE REBOUNDING! So much went wrong I didn't even know what to be mad at anymore. I wanted BG to take more shots. I wanted Thabo and Tyrus to be in. I was screaming at Sklies so much the Security guard (or Blue Coats, as they call them there) told me to calm down. Even Andre the Giant turned around and looked like he was gonna cry. After every timeout they had their shoulder's down. They weren't poised, they seemed out of it. No clue why. Kidd was running at will. Pushing after every missed shot or TO. And the Bulls couldn't hold on to him. Defence sucked. Everything Sucked. I was screaming and lost my voice. At one point Malik Allen made their next 6pts! I was pissed and torn.
-
After sleeping on it, I popped in the first round of last year's POffs and remembered how close they were to beating the Heat.
Now, they have an improved Kirk, BG, and Deng. Plus Tyrus and of course Ben Wallace. I believe that they can beat this old Heat team. One thing to say is that All these players are competitors and they will bring it all no matter how old or hurt they are. It'll be a tough series, but victory is not far fetched.
-
The one thing that concerns me is this thing I read today that Sklies said. ( Im not good at formating things so quotes will do)
''I was trying to mix it up and see if we could stumble onto a lineup that could work and couldn't find one.'' -
I just hope he can Find one that'll be consistent with this Heat team. Luckily their back court is only Wade, his bum shoulder, and some other guy. And they are not that much taller. Shaq is big and Strong, but fouls will bring him down, I hope.
-
All in all, Bad loss, but oh well. Season's not over.
Let's Go Bulls!

by Goostafer on Apr 19, 2007 2:23 PM CDT reply actions

Oh once more thing

All this talk about 'mentally weak' or whatever you wanna call it is crap! I've played sports my entire life. After a loss you are disappointed, but if your next game is a diferent team, then the last game means nothing anymore. Especially if the next team is one you lost to before.

by Goostafer on Apr 19, 2007 2:35 PM CDT reply actions

You know what strangely makes me sad?

The most extreme optimism at Golden State of Mind. They're celebrating like it's 1975 all over again.

I always like to make fun of teams that stand a chance at winning, but taking a shot at the Warriors fans would almost be an equivalent to making fun of people who just recovered from mental breakdowns: it's not nice to make fun of the weak. I hope they win a couple games, with no sweep from the Mavs.

PLAYOFF TIME. LETS GO CHICAGO!

by NittanyBull on Apr 19, 2007 2:49 PM CDT reply actions

i hope they get a couple games too

if they somehow win the series, the mavs will be the ones with a 'franchise changing' loss

2007 Playoffs: Heat vs Bulls

by hongydraw on Apr 19, 2007 3:16 PM CDT up reply actions

I will be

The biggest Pistons and Cavs fan in the playoffs just cause unlike most people here, now I want the Bulls to have the toughest road to the Finals.

That will really prove everyone wrong.

It will also show how far the Bulls have grown.

AIM screen name : Option27

by Option27 on Apr 19, 2007 3:31 PM CDT reply actions

For legitimacy

If the Cavs win it all, everyone will say they had an easy road. If you come out of the east through Miami and Detroit, winners of the last championships, who can despute your legitimacy? I'm not saying the Bulls are going to go all the way, but imagine if they did. That's how you get respect.

by Hiryu on Apr 19, 2007 5:10 PM CDT up reply actions

Agreed. Good post.

PLAYOFF TIME. LETS GO CHICAGO!

by NittanyBull on Apr 19, 2007 5:28 PM CDT up reply actions

Funny

I'm suddenly a huge Raptors fan.

by wjb1492 on Apr 19, 2007 5:12 PM CDT up reply actions

I went back and watched the first half again

and I could go one of two ways. Rather than rehash the arguments above and retell everyone why they are wrong and/or dumb, I'll take the other route.

NJ did a hell of a job game planning for the Bulls. NJ knew exactly what the Bulls were going to do on both offense and defense and exploited it. They attacked Gordon on the breakouts in the first quarter, lobbed on Tyrus, forced Deng to take a few steps out of his comfort zone on his jumpshots, and chased Hinrich from behind into taller defenders. They crashed 4 on the boards and took Wallace out of the game.
NJ had a pretty incredible energy level considering it was their 3rd game in 4 nights and 6th in 9. Pretty remarkable if you think about it, they outran and outquicked and out rebounded the Bulls.

by bullshooter on Apr 19, 2007 8:02 PM CDT reply actions

couldn't agree more

especially as to Jason Kidd

by GWKD on Apr 19, 2007 8:35 PM CDT up reply actions

What was Skiles thinking

Hinrich sometimes dribbles too much and offense then dies. Seems Kirk has mental lapses or he thinks he's trying to be Steve Nash. If you watch Nash in the half court game, he usually has the ball 2 or 3 seconds and then he either passes or shoots. It nothing materializes from his pass, he will come back out, get the ball and reset within another 2 or 3 seconds. Nash's style is like clock work, he should be 3-time MVP hands down. Kirk's a good point guard, but doesn't seem to stay focus and drifts away from playing point full time. Kirk is also an effective 2 guard off the ball. Skiles was asleep... When this happens somebody else (not always duhon) should run the point, and then switch Kirk to off guard.

by exult463 on Apr 19, 2007 10:10 PM CDT reply actions