Open Game Thread #55: Bulls at Houston Rockets

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 24, 2008 4:05 PM CST in News Comment 207 comments

Lets see if the Bulls are still in the post-trade honeymoon phase, on the road and against a team that's won 11 in a row.

Boylan has said that Gooden and Hughes will not start tonight, and I'm guessing that Nocioni will continue to start ahead of Deng, who still hasn't looked 'back'. I'm just glad that I successfully learned not to listen to Boylan anymore, just post-whine when the rotations don't make sense. It'll be real interesting to see how (and how often) the new guys are brought off the bench.

ESPN is televising the game tonight, and the afternoon previews said "the new look" Bulls. Heh.

0 recs | Comment 207 comments

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

bleak but glimmering hope...

That's sort of how I feel after one game sans old guys. Looking forward to seeing how everyone gets melded together. I'll actually be at this game as I live in Houston...

Incidentally, here's a link to one of the worst / least informed game previews of all time.

by micah on Feb 24, 2008 4:39 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

against a team that's won 11 in a row

Far be it for me to be positive, but hey - it's been a decent day.

I believe Yao will be saying "OH!" and the Bulls are will take it to 3 in a row and snap Houston's win streak.

Yo.

Spring training....FINALLY!!

by Bluelou on Feb 24, 2008 4:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'd like to see them put together

2 in a row first. Let's not get ahead of ourselves yet.

Why don't you crack an egg of knowledge all over me, buddy.

by MarketMaker on Feb 24, 2008 6:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh...oooops....

I forgot they LOST to NJ the other night...
Musta been dreaming...

Spring training....FINALLY!!

by Bluelou on Feb 24, 2008 7:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I just started watching the Cavs game

Just to see how frustrated LeBron gets with Wallace

by Option27 on Feb 24, 2008 5:03 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Oh Lord

They're starting Wallace. Poor, poor Cleveland.

"Jerome James PER.. is 46.68... Do that trade now! Screw Horford, we don't need him. Jerome is a monster!!!!!!!!!" - BNeL21

by NittanyBull on Feb 24, 2008 5:12 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Wallace after 1 quarter

10 min - 4 points, 2 rebounds, 1 steal and a turnover

And the announcers still hype him up as if he's the difference maker.

LOL

So glad he's someone else's problem now

by Option27 on Feb 24, 2008 5:38 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Also 2-2 from charity stripe

Maybe he's only been pretending that he can't play anymore...

by paxson43 on Feb 24, 2008 5:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It's the same old story

These announcers are like King and Dore.

"He's got a great stroke to his shot. Maybe he'll start shooting 75% from there"

EXACT same situation

by Option27 on Feb 24, 2008 5:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

you never know

This could turn out as well as Shaq to Phoenix is doing so far......

by KT on Feb 24, 2008 6:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Right

They just go smashed by 30 points at home.
Maybe you're right.

"2nd half Ben Gordon bonanza. It's coming :)" - Matt, Blog-A-Bull

by Goostafer on Feb 24, 2008 6:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't think

they got Shaq to play against the Pistons, as disappointing as today's loss was. He isn't really effective against a team like the Pistons. They got him to beat the Western bigs and the Celtics. Realistically the Pistons are not a real threat to the Suns in the long run, so long as they don't end up meeting each other at the finals.

by cranscape on Feb 24, 2008 6:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Since they haven't won

2 in a row yet this month now would be a good time to start. I'm glad Bolylan is going with the same lineup and I hope they play like they did Friday night. Noah...run Yao's ass off tonight.

It will be interesting to see how the newbies fit in tonight.

by sue369 on Feb 24, 2008 6:29 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

CSN has been

calling them "the new look Bulls" since the trade.

by sue369 on Feb 24, 2008 6:33 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Today

Sucks for the new guys, i hope shannon brown is in, for he may have a better role in todays game. We play the rockets today, no more so, we play Yao Ming, a 7'6 wall, and an athletic forward in T-Mac. The bulls best chance of scoring will be hot shooting, pts in the paint are gonna be really hard to get with yao and tmac. Heres hoping larry hughes doesnt try to shoot 3s.

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

by piccolomair on Feb 24, 2008 6:52 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I'm so excited!

by gobulls1124 on Feb 24, 2008 7:00 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

HERE WE GO

I too am really excited.

So excited, I just ran 3 miles before the game to help me get pumped.

Now I can't get calm.

Bad idea

by Option27 on Feb 24, 2008 7:03 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Anyone

have any tips on how to calm down the body after excessive running?

by Option27 on Feb 24, 2008 7:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Usually people "walk it off", literally.

by RogersPark Kris on Feb 24, 2008 7:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Uho

My Comcast station just went out. And it is still out. 0_0 This is not good. I don't get ESPN.

by cranscape on Feb 24, 2008 7:05 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

WHA!?!

Gamecast just said Thabo BLOCKED Yao?! Tell me!

by paxson43 on Feb 24, 2008 7:12 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

indeed

weak side help.

It was awesome

by Option27 on Feb 24, 2008 7:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yes sir he did

by gobulls1124 on Feb 24, 2008 7:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Tyrus

has officially become a force

by Option27 on Feb 24, 2008 7:12 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Gooden time

by Option27 on Feb 24, 2008 7:14 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I wish

Tyrus wasn't so foul prone

by Option27 on Feb 24, 2008 7:15 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

DREW!

by Option27 on Feb 24, 2008 7:20 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Gooden just posted Scola up!

I think that's the first time in three years a Bull actually posted somebody up.

by Big D on Feb 24, 2008 7:21 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

HUGHES!

by Option27 on Feb 24, 2008 7:22 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I think Duhon

is now the odd man out!

YES!

by Option27 on Feb 24, 2008 7:23 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Absolutely, yes!

And no "unfortunately" about it. :)

Maybe I'll take up hockey.

by wjb1492 on Feb 24, 2008 7:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

now we know LH can

get to the basket

by eGirl on Feb 24, 2008 7:23 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

These new Bulls

Ain't bad at all

AT ALL!

by Option27 on Feb 24, 2008 7:23 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

new guys are OK

by eGirl on Feb 24, 2008 7:24 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

energy?

... is that energy? i could have sworn i just saw some... it's been so long...

by leeac on Feb 24, 2008 7:25 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Don't tell me Hughes can't play.

Haven't seen a guard go to the basket like that in a while!

by hhi on Feb 24, 2008 7:25 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

i

don't think anyone said he couldn't play... i think the knock on him has been that he has a crappy jump shot...

by leeac on Feb 24, 2008 7:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

So far . .

Gooden and Hughes seem to like life without LeBron handling the ball at all times

Option27 likes to jump the gun

by Option27 on Feb 24, 2008 7:26 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

This team looks pretty good

I would like to see more aggression from noc though

by armstrong2389 on Feb 24, 2008 7:26 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

this

is a sentence i never thought i would read...

by leeac on Feb 24, 2008 7:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

So far so great!

by chgobr on Feb 24, 2008 7:26 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

sit ben please

i want to see thabo with LH

by eGirl on Feb 24, 2008 7:30 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Turned on late

to see Gray steal the ball only to see BG give it back...

Hmmm...

Spring training....FINALLY!!

by Bluelou on Feb 24, 2008 7:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

or bring thabo in for deng

by eGirl on Feb 24, 2008 7:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

not a bad

lineup for a second unit...

by leeac on Feb 24, 2008 7:33 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Isn't it awesome to be watching a game

and be excited to see it?

Maybe I'll take up hockey.

by wjb1492 on Feb 24, 2008 7:34 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

word.

Spring training....FINALLY!!

by Bluelou on Feb 24, 2008 7:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Hey, you know some statistics, right?

Care to help a brother out with something?

"Jerome James PER.. is 46.68... Do that trade now! Screw Horford, we don't need him. Jerome is a monster!!!!!!!!!" - BNeL21

by NittanyBull on Feb 24, 2008 7:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I know some stuff.

Not to mention, if you throw something stats-ish out there I'm willing to bet you'll get a bunch of comments on it, along with a lot of "healthy" disagreement! ;)

Seriously, I'm always happy to help out a fellow Bab'er if I can.

Maybe I'll take up hockey.

by wjb1492 on Feb 24, 2008 7:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Figured it out

I wasn't sure if you'd respond, so I took a gut feeling on the answer. In case you want to know, it had to do with binomial random variables. Thanks though :)

"Jerome James PER.. is 46.68... Do that trade now! Screw Horford, we don't need him. Jerome is a monster!!!!!!!!!" - BNeL21

by NittanyBull on Feb 24, 2008 7:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Any time!

Maybe I'll take up hockey.

by wjb1492 on Feb 24, 2008 7:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Ohh. You showed us the Lenovo site

I defer to you in all things statistical

by eGirl on Feb 24, 2008 8:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Nah, I just like stats stuff

But I'm sure most people here know more than me. I'm still learning it all.

I just found that site and wanted to share it with everyone else, too. It's fun though, huh?

Maybe I'll take up hockey.

by wjb1492 on Feb 24, 2008 8:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

::she raises her hand::

I know you don't believe me, but I actually know that stuff.

by eGirl on Feb 24, 2008 7:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Ok

I'm taking a liking to Hughes a lot

by Option27 on Feb 24, 2008 7:39 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

So far Hughes looks good

...Gooden?
ehh.....no so much.
Rather see TT in there.

Spring training....FINALLY!!

by Bluelou on Feb 24, 2008 7:39 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Ask and I shall receive

I guess Boylan heard me about Tyrus...

Spring training....FINALLY!!

by Bluelou on Feb 24, 2008 7:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

great! I didn't see that

by eGirl on Feb 24, 2008 7:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

TT got two quick fouls

not much to do other than bring in Gooden

by eGirl on Feb 24, 2008 7:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Hughes

there's something to be said for a confidence

by Orlando Woolridge on Feb 24, 2008 7:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Hughes!

He really deserves to start over Thabo

I should also add, I LOVE THABO

by Option27 on Feb 24, 2008 7:42 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I'm happy with either of them starting

and just being able to feel that way is happiness beyond belief after what we've been through this year...

Spring training....FINALLY!!

by Bluelou on Feb 24, 2008 7:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Boylan handling the guard logjam

is the one thing I'm actually worried about for the rest of the year. Not so much who starts and who comes off the bench, but getting some kind of semi-steady rotation down.

Maybe I'll take up hockey.

by wjb1492 on Feb 24, 2008 7:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

guard logjam

Agreed.
I am concerned as well.

Spring training....FINALLY!!

by Bluelou on Feb 24, 2008 7:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I really want to see

thabo and LH

by eGirl on Feb 24, 2008 7:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Duhon

0 minutes.

by leeac on Feb 24, 2008 7:47 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Jon Barry

said the same thing

by eGirl on Feb 24, 2008 7:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Wallace 12-10 DD today for Cleveland

When was the last he did that for Chicago?
What a bum.

Spring training....FINALLY!!

by Bluelou on Feb 24, 2008 7:54 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

He actually played horrible

Don't let that fool you

Most of those rebounds weren't even fought for and all 5 FG's were easy dunks from nice passes

I was watching

by Option27 on Feb 24, 2008 7:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Everything about Wallace

was a fake...
Bottom line is it's great that he's gone.

Spring training....FINALLY!!

by Bluelou on Feb 24, 2008 7:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Landry cries too much

by RogersPark Kris on Feb 24, 2008 7:55 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

every play so far

but I liked him a lot at Purdue

by eGirl on Feb 24, 2008 7:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

So did I

Things can only get better! http:\playahatersblog.blogspot.com

by TMD on Feb 24, 2008 8:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

i hated him

by milesgmsu on Feb 24, 2008 8:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

lol!

wonder why?

Maybe I'll take up hockey.

by wjb1492 on Feb 24, 2008 8:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Noah with the steal!

wooo!

"Jerome James PER.. is 46.68... Do that trade now! Screw Horford, we don't need him. Jerome is a monster!!!!!!!!!" - BNeL21

by NittanyBull on Feb 24, 2008 7:57 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Nice Joakim!

Sefolosha comes in and we go on a nice run!

by Option27 on Feb 24, 2008 7:57 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

It's true it's only game 2 of the honeymoon

but doesn't it seem a little obvious that Wallace was somehow bringing down the kids rather than helping them?

Maybe that "vote" on Noah did more harm than was let on...?

Spring training....FINALLY!!

by Bluelou on Feb 24, 2008 8:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

That's why I had written a few days ago that I'm really glad we're the youngest team in the NBA again.

These guys seem to play harder and have more fun when the older guys ain't there

by Option27 on Feb 24, 2008 8:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Wow

The Bulls are trying a zone!

by RogersPark Kris on Feb 24, 2008 8:04 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Guys are still feeling it out

but you see where this bulls team could be really good.

Baby Bulls II?

by bullshooter on Feb 24, 2008 8:12 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Staying close in

the first half. Keep it going Bulls. No Duhon...never thought I would see that. I'd like to see Kirk and Hughes in the back court once ya know just to see how it goes.

Noah's steal and dunk was awesome!!!!!

by sue369 on Feb 24, 2008 8:13 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

There are suddenly a bunch of combos I'd

like to see get a chance.

Here's to hoping Boylan manages to explore the different possibilities in a non-Du-ish manner!

Maybe I'll take up hockey.

by wjb1492 on Feb 24, 2008 8:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Does it not look like BG doesn't

fit in with these guys?

by hhi on Feb 24, 2008 8:18 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

He had to play PG pretty much the whole time

because Hughes doesn't know the offense well enough yet to share PG duties. He fit in fine last game.

by Scotter on Feb 24, 2008 8:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

he seems reluctant to take early shots

but you can't really hold that against him.

Baby Bulls II?

by bullshooter on Feb 24, 2008 8:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

These last two games have been close

to how I've wanted the team to play since Thomas and Sefolosha were drafted. Playing fast on both defense and offense.

by Scotter on Feb 24, 2008 8:19 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

One thing the Bulls are gonna have to address

is perimeter defense...
JR the other night....T-Mac tonight...

Spring training....FINALLY!!

by Bluelou on Feb 24, 2008 8:28 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

TT!

Looks so much more comfortable!

Jump hooks!?

by Option27 on Feb 24, 2008 8:29 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

you know whats funny

all these road announcers keep saying "that's not really his game" for various things. I don't think anybody really knows what his game is.

Baby Bulls II?

by bullshooter on Feb 24, 2008 8:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

oooooh

that's good :)

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 24, 2008 10:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

If Noah doesn't start, who would?

Gray? Have they thought about the fact that the Bulls are a little thin at center with all these comments about Joakim off the bench? Are are they suggesting small ball against Yao?

Maybe I'll take up hockey.

by wjb1492 on Feb 24, 2008 8:31 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Gray would match up a little better

size wise....
Not sure about his footwork though.

Spring training....FINALLY!!

by Bluelou on Feb 24, 2008 8:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

finally caught up (thanks tivo)

thoughts:

Hughes and Gooden looked real good; their plus minus was +5 i beleive

What was the bet with deshaun stevenson? Fucking stevenson

Deng looks good tonight, but he looks heavy

Has anyone ever been to the Toyota Center; looks like a pretty depressing arena

by milesgmsu on Feb 24, 2008 8:33 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Another good game

for Tyrus so far

Things can only get better! http:\\playahatersblog.blogspot.com

by TMD on Feb 24, 2008 8:35 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Tyrus

has turned into a whole new player since the trade

I LOVE THIS GUY

by Option27 on Feb 24, 2008 8:35 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Gooden so far: C-

by eGirl on Feb 24, 2008 8:36 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

NO!!

PLEASE JOAKIM!

by Option27 on Feb 24, 2008 8:37 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Hughes for three...

...hits.

This no Du is awesome.

by cranscape on Feb 24, 2008 8:38 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Yep, and maybe now

people will start to understand that the little 15 foot jumper is a part of his game. If I hear one more "that's not his game" comment (only to later be revised by "if he can hit that shot, he'll put up numbers!"), I'm going to turn down the volume. He's worked on that jumper all summer, and he's taken enough shots where we should realize he's more of a perimeter based player who can do the dirty work inside when the match-ups allow for it, not the other way around.

Hughes and Gordon looks like a poor man's version of Hughes-Arenas three seasons ago.

by messwiththebull on Feb 24, 2008 8:38 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

This was in regards to Tyrus

not Hughes.

by messwiththebull on Feb 24, 2008 8:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

he's just gonna have to

teach people what his game is

by eGirl on Feb 24, 2008 8:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I thought I heard

That TT was originally recruited to LSU as a PG but grew a few inches and they moved him to forward. I would think if that were true he could hit the 15 footer

Things can only get better! http:\playahatersblog.blogspot.com

by TMD on Feb 24, 2008 8:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

He played PG some in HS,

but there are a lot of PGs who had to learn how to make a 15 footer in college or even the NBA. No need to shoot a jumper when you could get to the basket every play in HS.

by Scotter on Feb 24, 2008 8:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That is true

There are plenty of guys who were lights out in college too and can't make the jump to the NBA

Things can only get better! http:\playahatersblog.blogspot.com

by TMD on Feb 24, 2008 8:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

who is our oldest player?

LH or DG?

by milesgmsu on Feb 24, 2008 8:42 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

LH

at 29

by Option27 on Feb 24, 2008 8:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm sick

of everyone making every 3 against us!

by Option27 on Feb 24, 2008 8:42 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

how much faith does boylan have in ben?

we're about to find out. does he keep him in there at 1-7 when he's got new wcoring options?

by eGirl on Feb 24, 2008 8:43 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

DREW!

WOW!

by Option27 on Feb 24, 2008 8:49 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Yo!

Baby Bulls II?

by bullshooter on Feb 24, 2008 8:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

i like Gray

but he has a really bad habit of picking his own guys on the defensive end.

Baby Bulls II?

by bullshooter on Feb 24, 2008 8:49 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

HOLY SHIT

Dunk of the year right there!

by Big D on Feb 24, 2008 8:49 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Not too impressed with Deng tonight

definately needs more time to get his groove back

Spring training....FINALLY!!

by Bluelou on Feb 24, 2008 8:49 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

how in the hell was that not a foul on Yao

by milesgmsu on Feb 24, 2008 8:49 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Gooden now up to a B+ :)

by eGirl on Feb 24, 2008 8:50 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Only way to win this game

Is to limit Noc and Gray's minutes

by Option27 on Feb 24, 2008 8:52 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

down by 9 into the 4th

feels doable though.

Spring training....FINALLY!!

by Bluelou on Feb 24, 2008 8:52 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

OK It's time to see

Kirk
LH
Thabo
TT
Noah

by eGirl on Feb 24, 2008 8:52 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

for the record

this commerical with Ryan Miller is just about as bad ass as possible

by milesgmsu on Feb 24, 2008 8:52 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Anyone remember the last game vs HOU?

This is much better, isn't it? And Rockets weren't hot then like they are now.

by marionette on Feb 24, 2008 8:54 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Man - Hughes can RUN!!!

Spring training....FINALLY!!

by Bluelou on Feb 24, 2008 8:56 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Gooden and Hughes do alot of stupid things.

but I'm actually fine with that because Boylan can't use that as an excuse for playing them over Thomas, Noah, and Thabo the way he did with Smith, Wallace, and Griff.

by Scotter on Feb 24, 2008 8:57 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I'm afraid

a) Gooden and Hughes will prove to be Bulls' dumbest (BB IQ) players.

b) Boylan will find another excuse, or not need an excuse to play them over TT and Thabo.

c) BaBers will make one or the other their new whipping boy.

by marionette on Feb 24, 2008 9:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Noah must be hurtin'

by eGirl on Feb 24, 2008 8:57 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

need to get

Gordon out of there. That runner was ugly.

by fundamentallysound on Feb 24, 2008 8:59 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

wow Gooden

just let Jackson blow by him right there.

by fundamentallysound on Feb 24, 2008 9:00 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Where was THAT foul?

NO one touched him...

Spring training....FINALLY!!

by Bluelou on Feb 24, 2008 9:00 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

that was a DWade call

Baby Bulls II?

by bullshooter on Feb 24, 2008 9:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Get Gooden out of there

he is so bad

"Jerome James PER.. is 46.68... Do that trade now! Screw Horford, we don't need him. Jerome is a monster!!!!!!!!!" - BNeL21

by NittanyBull on Feb 24, 2008 9:01 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

New players or old....

if all we do is shoot jumpers it doesn't happen! Same stuff. Different day.

by hhi on Feb 24, 2008 9:01 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Bring Thabo in there

Hughes ain't doin much about now

by Option27 on Feb 24, 2008 9:01 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

put Tyrus back in

please. Two horrendous jumpers by Gooden in a row.

by fundamentallysound on Feb 24, 2008 9:01 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

interesting. boylan gives up on BG

down by 10 with nine minutes left

by eGirl on Feb 24, 2008 9:02 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

He's 1-8 for the game, 2 pts.

I think it's warranted

"Jerome James PER.. is 46.68... Do that trade now! Screw Horford, we don't need him. Jerome is a monster!!!!!!!!!" - BNeL21

by NittanyBull on Feb 24, 2008 9:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

He only has, like,

one made shot. And Bobby Jackson is blowing by him.

by marionette on Feb 24, 2008 9:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

BG is bringin' up the rear

in the guard competition tonight

by eGirl on Feb 24, 2008 9:03 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Wouldn't that be Du? ;)

Maybe I'll take up hockey.

by wjb1492 on Feb 24, 2008 9:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

oh, yeah. forgot about him

thankfully, so has boylan

by eGirl on Feb 24, 2008 9:06 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

It's over

Was exciting though

by Option27 on Feb 24, 2008 9:07 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I do not like that Hughes and Gooden

are playing over TT and Thabo right now.
They haven't "earned" their time yet...

Spring training....FINALLY!!

by Bluelou on Feb 24, 2008 9:07 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I think Gooden's getting some extra

minutes because Noah twisted his ankle

by eGirl on Feb 24, 2008 9:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Tyrus sat way too long

boylan screwed that one up

by eGirl on Feb 24, 2008 9:09 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

BG can't handle it well enough to create

nor drive well 'cause he's too short so he's about jump shots. The whole team has gone back to the jump shot offense, and we have fallen farther behind.

by hhi on Feb 24, 2008 9:09 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Why no continuation

call for Tyrus there?

by marionette on Feb 24, 2008 9:09 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I fear Gooden, Noc, Deng, Hughes, and Hinrich

is Boylan's new veteran lineup.

by Scotter on Feb 24, 2008 9:10 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Yep.

That WOULD fit in with Boylan's MO...
And it would suck just as much.

Spring training....FINALLY!!

by Bluelou on Feb 24, 2008 9:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

calm yourselves

there is no way that is going to happen.

Baby Bulls II?

by bullshooter on Feb 24, 2008 9:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

agreed

that's just being paranoid

by eGirl on Feb 24, 2008 9:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Tyrus has got to keep starting

it keeps him focused. Gooden can contribute off the the bench.

by Freethefro on Feb 24, 2008 9:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Tyrus and Noah

needed to play a lot more

by Option27 on Feb 24, 2008 9:10 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

kirk finally gets one of those calls

probably his last one for the season.

Baby Bulls II?

by bullshooter on Feb 24, 2008 9:14 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

so frustrating

but not as frustrating as the Dec. 22 game against Houston

the lack of PT in the heart of the 2d half for Thabo and TT was rough

by Orlando Woolridge on Feb 24, 2008 9:15 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

wow

could the Rockets miss at least one jumper? Please.

by fundamentallysound on Feb 24, 2008 9:16 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

WAY too many three's being hit

for Houston.

Spring training....FINALLY!!

by Bluelou on Feb 24, 2008 9:17 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

This got away really quickly

What happened with Noah? Sprained ankle?

Shit the Bulls defense is atrocious

"Jerome James PER.. is 46.68... Do that trade now! Screw Horford, we don't need him. Jerome is a monster!!!!!!!!!" - BNeL21

by NittanyBull on Feb 24, 2008 9:18 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Is it easy to hit 3's against the Bulls ?

Seems every team gets hot on us from there

by Option27 on Feb 24, 2008 9:19 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

at some point it stops

being just a coincidence

by eGirl on Feb 24, 2008 9:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Kind of

unlucky...guys in the 3 point contest even have a hard time hitting over 59% of their threes. Houston is just on right now

by jpchi on Feb 24, 2008 9:19 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

They're up 16

with 1:57 to go and CALL TIME OUT?

by marionette on Feb 24, 2008 9:25 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

What was it Melo said about the Bulls Friday?

They're shooting 150% - sort of how I'm feeling right now.

Still, tough game to integrate new guys without a single practice, against the hottest team in the NBA right now.

Ty is looking damn smooth lately, too!

Maybe I'll take up hockey.

by wjb1492 on Feb 24, 2008 9:26 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

TT was definitely the silver lining tonight

by eGirl on Feb 24, 2008 9:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

best part of his improvement

is that he is cutting out more and more of the dumb mistakes.

Baby Bulls II?

by bullshooter on Feb 24, 2008 9:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

you're right

all of a sudden he just looks like a seasoned veteran. It's like night and day

by eGirl on Feb 24, 2008 9:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That's why I'm hoping

we don't pull him out of the starting slot. He's playing really well - in fact he's been our best these last two games. Why mess with his head?

by Freethefro on Feb 24, 2008 9:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

pfft

or just a victory for per-posession stats :-p

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 24, 2008 10:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Perimeter defense failure

killed the Bulls tonight.
I hope tomorrow isn't more of the same against their old nemesis Kidd.

Spring training....FINALLY!!

by Bluelou on Feb 24, 2008 9:29 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Houston outscored the bulls in every quarter

kind of hard to win when that happens. Hope Noah isn't hurt badly.

Baby Bulls II?

by bullshooter on Feb 24, 2008 9:29 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Ty damn smooth

and Thabo's shot was money tonight.

by marionette on Feb 24, 2008 9:31 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Over all good job on Yao, too.

Gray is useful for this.

by marionette on Feb 24, 2008 9:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Pluses for

Ty, Thabo, and Hughes.

by Kemp on Feb 24, 2008 9:33 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

How do you find the +/- ?

Care to link?

"Jerome James PER.. is 46.68... Do that trade now! Screw Horford, we don't need him. Jerome is a monster!!!!!!!!!" - BNeL21

by NittanyBull on Feb 24, 2008 9:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

nba.com

keeps a running tally during the game as part of the boxscore, and popcorn machine will have more analysis up in the gameflow tomorrow morning.

Maybe I'll take up hockey.

by wjb1492 on Feb 24, 2008 9:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Sweet, thanks

I kept looking around ESPN for it, because I know popcornmachine doesn't come out with theirs for a while. Thanks wjb

"Jerome James PER.. is 46.68... Do that trade now! Screw Horford, we don't need him. Jerome is a monster!!!!!!!!!" - BNeL21

by NittanyBull on Feb 24, 2008 9:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I wasn't

talking about +-, I just thought they looked good. Though they did have the best +-es.

by Kemp on Feb 24, 2008 11:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Did I hear correctly

that tomorrow's game is on TNT?

Spring training....FINALLY!!

by Bluelou on Feb 24, 2008 9:34 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

schedule says

nbatvhighdef, not sure what that means. I don't see anything on tnt's site about having the game tomorrow.

Baby Bulls II?

by bullshooter on Feb 24, 2008 9:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Okay thanks.

My schedule says WCIU, which usually means NBATV or the other team's feed.
Just thought I heard the comms say TNT....

Spring training....FINALLY!!

by Bluelou on Feb 24, 2008 9:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

TNT

only broadcasts games on Thursday.

by ScottieCartwright on Feb 25, 2008 9:26 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Have you noticed TT's assist numbers?

They seem to be pretty high for a pf

by eGirl on Feb 24, 2008 9:35 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

They ran into a buzzsaw tonight

The Rockets were terrific - and are a superb team in general - but that doesn't make the Bulls defense any more palatable. I don't know when we became such a poor defensive team. We used to be the best in the league. I'd be curious as to see when we got so bad, and what bearing - if any - Boylan's presence has had on our defense.

by Freethefro on Feb 24, 2008 9:38 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

part of it may be

that he's gone so uptempo...but I'm sure someone here can quantify whether or not that's true

by eGirl on Feb 24, 2008 9:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

we've been horrible

at closing out the 3 point shot all season. nothing new.

that singlehandedly killed us. we played decently tonight.

all in all i'm pretty pleased with what i saw from the 2 new guys. can't wait till they actually learn our sets. :)

by Jaina on Feb 24, 2008 9:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree

our defense has been awful against the 3 all year, it's not just a result of going up tempo - most of these open shots seem to be the result of helping and being unable to recover. My question - what changed from the last two years?

by Freethefro on Feb 24, 2008 9:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Nothing really

the defensive system was always prone to giving up 3-pointers because it involves so much hedging and recovering to shooters. All five guys have to be in sync for that to work, which is part of the reason why the defense wasn't that good until later in the season the last two years. The players never got in sync this year and lot of the veteran guys were a step slow this year.

by Scotter on Feb 24, 2008 10:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

They gave up

105 points per 100 possession under Skiles, and 107 under Boylan playing at the same pace. The Bulls are still a top ten defense this year, but they're giving up about six more points than last year per 100 possessions.

The offense was scoring 99 points under Skiles and it has been 106.8 points under Boylan.

by Scotter on Feb 24, 2008 10:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Noah was neutralized tonight

on the offensive end; I'm curious to see what he can do against Dallas and Erick Dampier, who's roughly his length. He played excellent defense against Yao, however.

by Freethefro on Feb 24, 2008 9:46 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

4 steals before he hurt his ankle

by eGirl on Feb 24, 2008 9:47 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Nothing about his ankle on post game show

or in Boylan's press address...
Good indication he's not hurt bad and hopefully plays tomorrow.

Spring training....FINALLY!!

by Bluelou on Feb 24, 2008 9:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I missed Boylan

I was waiting to see the nfl combine 40 yd dash times on espn

by eGirl on Feb 24, 2008 9:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

How quickly the "Core"

has become the Old Core

by hlac on Feb 24, 2008 9:51 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

New core, old core

Luol better be a part of it.

by Freethefro on Feb 24, 2008 9:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

in knee-jerk BaB land

sure.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 24, 2008 10:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Gordon had a bad night--again

Send him a comforting E-mail. Tell him that we need his scoring and that he is indispensible-- and that he's worth every penny of $6.4 million.

by hlac on Feb 24, 2008 10:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

only if you do the same for Sene

I think he's in Boise.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 24, 2008 10:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

How about no Duhon tonight?

Very nice. I thought too much Hughes and Gooden, not enough Hinrich and TT. Still though, No Duhon is a good thing. Nice to see Boylan can get that right.

Why don't you crack an egg of knowledge all over me, buddy.

by MarketMaker on Feb 24, 2008 10:07 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

We would have won this game if we still had BW!

Kidding =P

by RogersPark Kris on Feb 24, 2008 10:18 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

nobody went more than 28 minutes tonight

and Dallas had a tough game in MN tonight. I smell an upset tomorrow.

Baby Bulls II?

by bullshooter on Feb 24, 2008 10:34 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

i see that boylans

approach to a "rotation" is to simply play everyone the same number of minutes. this isnt c.y.o. ball jim, everyone doesnt have to play equally.

by Mike C on Feb 24, 2008 10:44 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

No wants to hear this but...

Ben Wallace, 12pts 10 rebounds....im hoping that was a statement game, hopefully it doesnt become a norm for him.

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

by piccolomair on Feb 24, 2008 10:57 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

not a statement game

it's a grizzlies game. Tough to learn anything from those :)

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 24, 2008 11:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Am I the only one

not impressed by those numbers? He was bound to improve not being saddled with the center position, but look who they were playing? I can't say if he was holding back with us all along or if he can bring that every night, but he wasn't working out for us and it wasn't for the lack of playing him or making every concession to him along the way.

by cranscape on Feb 24, 2008 11:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

We're Better Off

I thought we played with played very efficiently in the first half especially in the transition game. Houston simply shot lights out tonight, especially from the 3-point line. It's hard to beat a team that makes 13 3's (that's 39 points right there - you block out on 4 of those and this game is very close). Losing Noah to the ankle injury didn't help either. I think a lineup Boylan should have tried is this:

PG - Hinrich, Hughes
SG - Thabo, Gordon
SF - TT, Deng
PF - Gooden, Noc
C - Noah, Gray

I think TT is suited more at the 3, at least until Deng fully recovers.

F*ck the Heat!!

by BullShitzer on Feb 24, 2008 10:57 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Although...

I just started getting into reading Blogabull the last few months...I'm starting to see more and more of what is said actually happening. No Duh tonight (everyone clearly wants that) . .the "corpse" trade. . .there is still plenty of room for improvement, but at least the games are enjoyable again seeing the rookies playing, now all we need is a good coach and we're back on track.

And the starting line up for your world champion Chicago Bulls. . .

by AGBallinisaHabit on Feb 24, 2008 11:28 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

One thing I found funny

was when the ESPN announcers were all "if Noah had some sort of back to the basket game.. or some sort of offensive game at all, I'd totally start him, but now I'm not so sure..."

um. WE WERE STARTING BEN WALLACE.

by Jaina on Feb 24, 2008 11:30 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

extactly

Noah doesn't have to shoot a jump shot or jump hooks, he at least is a threat to drive and can dunk make layups, plus is a better passer and free throw shooter

by NY Chicago Fan on Feb 24, 2008 11:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs