Open Game Thread #31: Bulls vs. Portland Trailblazers
by bullshooter on Jan 3, 2008 4:54 PM CST
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Print[Thanks to bullshooter for tonight's game preview, even though he still believes in this Ben Gordon benching thing, and hates Tyrus Thomas. -Matt]
A Tale of Two Franchises
or Two Draft Picks, or Two Forwards... Tonight brings the Portland Trailblazers to town. If the Bulls are copying Detriot's blueprint for building a champion out of many good players, but no dominant ones, then the Trailblazers are copying the Bulls blueprint for drafting winners from strong college programs, at least according to GM Kevin Pritchard. The Bulls' and Trailblazers' fate was also intertwined by a 2006 draft day trade. In that trade, the Bulls swapped the rights to LaMarcus Aldridge taken with the second pick and a conditional second round pick for the rights to Tyrus Thomas taken with the fourth pick and young forward and Blogabull favorite Viktor Khyrapa. Aldridge and fellow 2006 draftee Brandon Roy form the nucleus of a young Trailblazers team that has finally suceeded in putting the Jailblazers teams of the recent past behind them.
On draft day in 2006 scouts were questioning whether or not Aldridge could fill out or have enough toughness, while Thomas was seen as having the most upside. However, Aldridge has emerged to start and average 18.1 points and 7.3 rebounds per game this year, while Thomas's future remains cloudy. Thomas started 11 games at the beginning of this year, but has logged only 16 minutes in three games since the Bulls fired head coach Scott Skiles five games ago. The reasons for this benching are a continuous and inflamatory source of debate here on blogabull. Thomas's inconsistent minutes beg the question: could the Bulls have gotten Aldridge and Roy instead of Thomas and Sefolosha, another young Bull seeing very limited minutes so far this year? Also, you have to feel kind of sorry for Khryapa who's played about 10 minutes since that trade after starting for most of the previous year for Portland.
Aside from that idle speculation, the Trailblazers come into the UC on a hot streak having won 14 of their last 15 games, even without injured number one overall pick Greg Oden. The Bulls have won 3 of 4 under new coach Jim Boylan and scored over 100 points in each game, making the move to bring Ben Gordon off of the bench look like the greatest idea since sliced cheese. Interestingly, Accuscore gives a decided edge to the Bulls tonight. The game is on TNT at 8pm EST, so need to hunt down bootleg LP feeds.
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bullshooter's other crimes against humanity
Look for Ben Gordon to be a spark off the bench.
The TT comment was strong
Monthly Commentary.
For January, we beat the bobcats again, now we face Portland tonight gonna be tough the trailblazers are 13 and 2 there last 15 games and just got a 13 game win streak snapped while the bulls ha yet to win 3 in a row all year. I thought portland was going to be bottom of the barrall but looks like I was wrong. Game is in chi-town so I hope that helps. Maybe well see more Noah and maybe some TT against the young portland squad. The one player I see us having problems with is Brandon Roy, we have nobody thats can stop him in our regular rotation. Maybe thabo will get more tic but he needs to limit is shooting and mistakes.
So for january the bulls should go 11-5 if they play like the been playing. We got the kings without artest, martin and bibby on saturday, got the knicks, sixers, hawks, heat, grizz, pacers,bobcats and the Timberpups twice to close out the month. Not going to get gready but maybe they show me better and steal one from the warriors or pistons at home maybe even a payback at the majic in o-town.
Still I say 11-5 which would put them at 23-23 .500 a good shot to be contending for a lower tier playoff spot in the EAST, a little after half there games have been played.
Maybe you didn't notice the game preview
Maybe my math is off but I could have swore
by Ibleedbullsred on Jan 3, 2008 7:44 PM CST up reply actions
If anyone cares...
Thanks.
go back a few game threads
No League Pass Thursdays
Looking forward to this game
Bruce Bowen has taken Roy out of the games against the Spurs to give the Spurs a chance to win.
Aldridge should not be double teamed on the low block with Wallace guarding him. If the perimeter defenders cheat down on Aldridge it's going to be a long night.
Can't wait for another night with Charles and Co.
I am a little worried about this game
You're right
Geez, Matt, talk about blogging with the enemy!
ok i missed some of it
They were discussing Pip's "analysis"
Barkley also mentioned
HEY!
What did he say?
he said all the negative nancy's
is Blazers Edge an SBNation blog?
Thought
Nice 24 reference
by TMD on Jan 3, 2008 7:24 PM CST up reply actions
Smith
boylan motivational speech was shite...
And I'm sure TT is gonna play like crazy
"what is it gonna take
not a last place record in the east?
by bullsfaninla on Jan 3, 2008 7:28 PM CST reply actions
Have you noticed he's been really quiet lately?
Time to get our Energy guy to the court.
Noah is in so hopefully he gets more clock
Doesn't even look like Wallace
by RogersPark Kris on Jan 3, 2008 7:40 PM CST up reply actions
Seems like
Nate saw what was coming in Seattle
Bet he's really glad he did.
Hinrich is going to pick up a cheap foul
It's Noah time
Noah really looks like he's finding his rhythm
hey bullshooter go back up and read my answer
There you have it I said I didn't check.
by Ibleedbullsred on Jan 3, 2008 7:52 PM CST up reply actions
you didn't read the preview either
For what it's worth
Portland is not shooting good
Looks sort of like an early season Bulls
Rebounding is atrocious
Smooth shot from TT there
Does our new coach
He was OK with BJ
sigh
and he's back on the bench...
I know...did he lose a tooth on that last arm
ouch.
Ben's shot is falling
My take on Gordon
Isn't Spurs vs Nuggets on League pass?
oh great
One thing lost
Kirk...what a stupid foul
wallace should have stuffed that
And it just got worse....A DRAIN is in....
W-T-F?
Damn
Thabo in street clothes?
by bullsfaninla on Jan 3, 2008 8:09 PM CST up reply actions
He was recalled
by TMD on Jan 3, 2008 8:11 PM CST up reply actions
thats sad thabo can't even register a dnp-cd
by Ibleedbullsred on Jan 3, 2008 8:18 PM CST up reply actions
Because...
WHAT IS WITH THE MISSED LAYUPS!?
How many shots
If Wall-ass would start setting an example
It really doesn't help to take it to the hoop when you throw up a girly layup and MISS....
geesh...what happened to being aggressive?
The only dunk
No - Smith dunked one to end that debacle
they about to trade him.................
by Ibleedbullsred on Jan 3, 2008 8:12 PM CST up reply actions
buckeyes giving the illini all we can handle,
Kansas is up!
half my co-workers are hokies and the director
by Ibleedbullsred on Jan 3, 2008 8:32 PM CST up reply actions
Collins saying it like it
by bullsfaninla on Jan 3, 2008 8:12 PM CST reply actions
I'm gonna pull my hair out
And Craig saggy-ass....what a clown
OOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMM
Actually, I am SOoo magellin....I'm chillin....
You know, they're really right
And when the hell was Du's last made basket?
1973
LOL
I couldn't help checking - he was 3-9 on Sunday against the Knicks. Nothing since. Last good shooting game was 5-6 agains the Spurs - so apparently Du is allergic to starting?
I love all the analysts
I think they're blinded by his
The more I watch Smiths' game
H-mmm
But tonight I think you could make a reasonable
TNT crew just gave hope
Barkley says bulls are going to make the playoffs
Wow
Like in the game with Magic
Great - they just said Lu won't be back
There goes my fantasy night.
Noc has 4 now?
That is possible
Deng's got a sore achilles
Way to go Chicago media on getting that scoop.
That's a scary issue. If it tears... well, I can't think of many guys that have been the same player after that. and he's not too quick to start with.
I dunno if rest will prevent a worse injury or play can create it, but if there's any danger of it, they better shut his ass down.
umm...yeah...are you readin the posts?
I don't see where anyone explicitly
Bulls F Deng leaves game
Bulls F Deng leaves game
Thursday, January 3, 2008 09:55 PM
CHICAGO (Ticker) -- Chicago Bulls forward Luol Deng left Thursday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers with a strained Achilles tendon.
The 6-8 Deng was in the second quarter and did not return after being replaced by Tyrus Thomas at the 10:04 mark of the period. Deng had two points on 1-of-5 shooting.
In his fourth season out of Duke, Deng entered the game as Chicago's second-leading scorer at 18.5 points and its second-leading rebounder at 7.0 per game
Ouch. No Deng
Oh, what's that? TT still only got 3 minutes? That hurts. Doubly.
I swear - wallace is chicken of stuffing it
Good - Du is sitting and BG is coming out
Wouldn't you know that's how Du would get a
And when the heck did Wallace develop delusions of having a low post game. I just shudder when he throws those up.
Thwe Bulls all of a sudden look like
And Wall-ass looks completely LOST out there.
Nocioni
Smith has been THE man tonight
Noc!
F
Just F'in F.
Who'd have thought
All I see right now is the Bulls collapsing
Had this game and let them back in it. Just hope the Bulls can shoot next Q.
This is absurd
Yikes, glance a way for a second
Where the f**k is Craig Saiger
Refs didn't call the screen foul on Outlaw,
You know,
I got your vein
Skiles is gone - and good riddence.
What's your argument against Skiles?
joe smith was doing his thing, but he is -8
Noce
I wish they wouldn't call Boylan the interim coach
WTF
This has gotten completely out of control
Groan
BG!
A-Drain lights it up
I want
I have lost count
a!#@$@!$!
Boylan has no ballls WTF with A-drain?
Gordon is my ONLY HOPE!
And what is wall-asses issue?
Boylan should put Noah back in to replace Ben...
Geesh..
I never thought I would say this
You can thank him
at least at this pick on Smith,cause Roy looks really good.
Here we go again....
I don't know if I can stand to watch another heartbreaker tonight.
Orlando all over again....(sigh)
Seems like Lu has missed some time
Yep...and now his achilles?
Gordon made it a
he got hacked by Roy
Actually
I'd rather have Deng in there with one
by rexisourqb on Jan 3, 2008 9:36 PM CST reply actions
yeap, finally hope he can keep it up cause
by Ibleedbullsred on Jan 3, 2008 9:38 PM CST up reply actions
Oh no....not another overtime....
Third time's a charm, right?
Dumb by them not to run a (real) play!
Portland went to the Bulls patented
That crap might work if you're Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, or Dwayne Wade, but most teams should just run a real play.
by rexisourqb on Jan 3, 2008 9:39 PM CST reply actions
Joke of a team
It's completely joyless and predictable. I hate it.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 3, 2008 9:39 PM CST reply actions
Hey, Mr. Sunshine joined us!
hey Matt - nice to have someone to share
This has been
GORDON - WTF was THAT??!!
and in Bulls fashion
Man we shit the bed on that possession
Without question
I am about ready
Yeah but don't forget
like stupid turnovers....
first team to 100
argh...
If the Bulls are incapable of sticking
by rexisourqb on Jan 3, 2008 9:50 PM CST reply actions
You've got me there
by rexisourqb on Jan 3, 2008 9:59 PM CST up reply actions
With these "high degree of difficulty"
Ben or Tyrus or Joe can stay in the post
Man we need a stop
oh bu-ruth-er
Or a buzzer beater to win the game for portland
of how about a double-overtime...?
No kidding
this team is
by GoldenThreePeat on Jan 3, 2008 9:54 PM CST reply actions
Go to guy for the season, maybe you
Plus Deng is out of the game, so that's one less option we have. Not that he wouldn't have disappeared about now anyway.
by rexisourqb on Jan 3, 2008 9:58 PM CST up reply actions
I'll second that
by TMD on Jan 3, 2008 9:58 PM CST up reply actions
Fuck!2 nd overtime!
What the FUCK
...
Fuck it. I'm not leaving.
at some point
F!
How many $#%@^ open shots can one team
by rexisourqb on Jan 3, 2008 10:02 PM CST reply actions
Please
Sucks, huh.
Absolutely F-ING PATHETIC
Clutch Free Throws
If you can BG out for def
1:29 left tied
We were up by fourteen
you should save comments like that
Ha-ha-ha!Some humor
"This is why you play the game"
why dont they draw up plays for 2 or more
How many times have we seen Kirk
shyte.
Nails in the coffin
Damn damn damn, OK its crystal clear we
Gah!
Not funny.
Here it comes
If I'm Portland, I tell my guys . . . Everyone guard Gordon, he never passes in this situation
Way to go Ben Gordon
Fire Boylan
I'll believe we have a fucking coach when we run something besides Ben Gordon plays with the ball at the end of the game
Game Over.
Just awful. Being a fan of this team is pure agony.
by fundamentallysound on Jan 3, 2008 10:17 PM CST reply actions
Bright side
And Noc is the icing on a really stale cake
I'd like to think we win this game
by RogersPark Kris on Jan 3, 2008 10:23 PM CST reply actions
I had a similar excuse after the Magic game
I can't wait to go back to school
Fuck!
hand it to the blazers
Well, that was suckier than most.
This is really awful
Done.
by Freethefro on Jan 3, 2008 10:28 PM CST reply actions
Not so much start over
And btw
OK. I feel better now.
Goodnight all.
by Freethefro on Jan 3, 2008 10:35 PM CST reply actions
Trade Tyrus
OK
to start(fuck, again?,)rebouilding process.Raptors have a better chances than this Overrated team :-( Shit!
Allright.
Well my
Sue!
But this team is going nowhere.We need a D Wade or LeBron who can finish games like this.Actually bigger games,where we don't have to worry if Gordon being "hot" all night on shooting will lose it in last possesion.
ya know since we didnt need him
by bullsfaninla on Jan 3, 2008 11:05 PM CST up reply actions
Just got back from the game
- The 3-guard lineup made an appearance! (before the end, where we needed a 3)
- 3-guard lineup was then broken up by Griffin replacing Hinrich. WTF??
- Disappointed not to see TT get more time once I realized Deng was out.
We had an atrocious lineup to begin the 4th, I believe - only 1 guy, BG, could shoot the ball. He was on the floor with Noah, Wallace, Duhon, and Griffin! Right there, the game is over.
I agree with whoever said if Deng had been in the game we probably would have won in regulation. As poor as the play was at the end of the game, the guys were clearly tired, from having not been subbed since early in the 4th.
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