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Open Game Thread (Rant) # 67: Bulls vs. New Jersey Nets

Jayhawk_tiny by wjb1492 on

[ed note: Thanks to wjb1492 for the game preview. This is great stuff. By the way, I'm one of the 'lucky' ones that's referenced at the end. -Matt]

With more than 80% of the season gone now, and the Bulls barely clinging to that 10th spot in the East while still talking about making the playoffs, what is left to say about this team?

  1. We've all heard that stat about the Bulls not having won 3 in a row all season.  I recently read a blurb stating that the other teams without a 3-game winning streat this season are the Heat, Grizzlies, and Timberwolves.  That's some fine company to be in!  (Sorry, I don't remember where I read that to link to the original.)
  2. I think we can pretty much conclude that no lead is safe.  I'm not sure whether I feel worse when the team gets blown out from the opening tip or builds a lead then coughs the game up late.
  3. Boylan's post-game speeches seriously sound like a fill-in-the-blank multiple choice thing.  "Tonight we lacked ___ (choose from (a) an answer, (b) effort, (c) leadership).  I am ___ (choose from (a) in charge here, (b) a professional, (c) responsible for the development of whichever random player did well tonight."  I'd have some sympathy for him trying to figure out what to say loss after loss, except he says such stupid things and doesn't seem to have any recognition of his own role in all of these losses.
  4. The unpredicatble guard rotation is driving me nuts, so I can only imagine that it's making them absolutely crazy - Duhon aside, since we know how he feels about it.  Ben's minutes have ranged from 14 to 33 a night this month, Kirk's from 16 to 41, and Larry's from 18 to 43.  I'd include Thabo, but since he's either still on a minutes limit or earning his way back into the lineup, his minutes have been consistently low.
Enjoy the game, everyone, especially those of you lucky enough to be there in person!

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a loss tonight
and that's 'realistically' it, right? You'd think it has to be.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Mar 18, 2008 4:57 PM CDT   0 recs

I keep imagining this nightmare scenario
where the Bulls are tied for the last playoff spot going into the final game.  That would mean another month of this "still not out of it" crap.
Maybe I'll take up hockey.

by wjb1492 on Mar 18, 2008 5:35 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Let's see
it was Ben's turn to sit on the bench Friday night and Kirk's last night so it must be Hughes turn tonight. Boylan's an idiot so who knows. The only thing I can think of why Thabo didn't play much last night is he is still bothered by his injury. But again Boylan is an idiot. :-)

by sue369 on Mar 18, 2008 5:00 PM CDT   0 recs

i think thabo is feeling fine
and boylan is an idiot

by ihatenoce on Mar 18, 2008 7:34 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

On the brightside
when theres no more hope, the continual 4th quarter collapses will turn from the darkest of dark comedy to more airy and jim carrey like

by lampnasty on Mar 18, 2008 5:02 PM CDT   0 recs

Nice preview, WJ.
I am definitely going to heckle Boylan tonight. Maybe I'll make a sign, just to alleviate the boredom.
LSU 38 OHIO STATE 24 - LSU IS THE NATIONAL CHAMPION AND I AM THE KING OF BOURBON STREET!!

by 1958ChiTown on Mar 18, 2008 5:07 PM CDT   0 recs

If I lived
in the Chicago area I'd have my ass in front of the UC for every home game remaining carrying a sign saying "Boylan is an idiot needs to go".

by sue369 on Mar 18, 2008 5:15 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I predict
a Bulls loss tonight. One so bad Paxson has no choice but to fire Boylan immediately. I just hope I can watch TT, Thabo and JONOAH play some meaningfull minutes.

by Bulls4Ever on Mar 18, 2008 5:30 PM CDT   0 recs

We can only hope
At this point I'd rather see Scottie Pippen in there.  

by Takeaseat on Mar 18, 2008 5:41 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Pax will not
fire Boylan for what little is left of this season. The season is over and deep down Pax knows this.

by sue369 on Mar 18, 2008 6:09 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

And for that, PAX should be fired
because a new coach - whoever it is - would likely translate into enough "newness happyness" for the players to play well enough to win themselves a playoff spot.
Spring training....FINALLY!!

by Bluelou on Mar 18, 2008 6:36 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Game preview of the year!
If there were Oscars for BAB postings over the course of the season, this one would be far and away the game preview of the year.  Using embedded links to add snark always earns points in my book (partially because I know how much extra work the html requires).  

To the things we can say about this team, let me add that Joakim Noah has been a revelation.  In the most disappointing season that I have ever experienced as a Bulls fan, he has been the lone reason for hope.  His numbers of late have regressed a bit and I imagine he's hitting his rookie wall now, but the enthusiasm he brings to the court night in night out reminds me of why I loved the Bulls so much the last two seasons.  (Oh wait, was Joakim appreciation day last week?  Sorry, couldn't help myself)  Here's to a Boylan-free future.

by paxson43 on Mar 18, 2008 6:01 PM CDT   0 recs

I didn't even set the DVR to record this
I'll probably catch cursory glances from the gym.  I think the basketball there is better coached than the Bulls under Boylan.
The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Mar 18, 2008 6:04 PM CDT   0 recs

chants
I'll be there, too.  Any chance we can get a FIRE BOYLAN chant going?

by Stay Chisel on Mar 18, 2008 6:10 PM CDT   0 recs

How 'bout a simple
"Boy-lan-sucks!" chant?
Spring training....FINALLY!!

by Bluelou on Mar 18, 2008 6:22 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Enjoy the game(s)
The Lakers / Mavs game is on at the same time (for those watching NBALP)...

Let's see...LAKERS?
or the Bulls?

Hmmm....tough choice....(not)

I'll prolly record the Bulls and watch the Lakers live - that way if (when) the Bulls game goes to crap I can just fast-forward through to the miserable end.

Spring training....FINALLY!!

by Bluelou on Mar 18, 2008 6:14 PM CDT   0 recs

That's a top shelf preview & recent summary
A montage of Bulls/Boylan suckitude.  At best, tonight's game will be in the background while I spend time drilling holes in my hand...
"I'm very important. I have many leather-bound books and my apartment smells of rich mahogany." - Ron Burgundy

by mdmnd9294 on Mar 18, 2008 6:15 PM CDT   0 recs

Hehehe!
Oh...and don't forget the Celts / Rockets game at 6:30 ET on TNT...

There IS good basketball being played tonight...it's just a matter of what you wanna put yourself through.   :-)

Spring training....FINALLY!!

by Bluelou on Mar 18, 2008 6:19 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

or the opening round game for the ncaa's
two crappy teams that would give the bulls a headache any night

by ihatenoce on Mar 18, 2008 7:38 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

wjb1492 - you topped yourself with this preview
I cannot avoid watching tonight and following the blog despite the horrible  season.  Great preview!

by chgobr on Mar 18, 2008 7:19 PM CDT   0 recs

Great preview
I can't believe how many people are already in here.  Are you guys really going to watch the game?  (I am...)
Baby Bulls II?

by bullshooter on Mar 18, 2008 7:29 PM CDT   0 recs

Thanks everyone for the comments on the preview
It was a little therapeutic to write, honestly.

I'm just so glad I have someplace to come and share my Bulls angst with people who feel the same frustration!

Maybe I'll take up hockey.

by wjb1492 on Mar 18, 2008 7:35 PM CDT   0 recs

i think stacey king really wanted his key
to the game to be "make it fast this shit has gotten brutal"

by ihatenoce on Mar 18, 2008 7:42 PM CDT   0 recs

Loose balls and penetration?
Nobody seems to be editing the graphics at comcast...
Baby Bulls II?

by bullshooter on Mar 18, 2008 7:42 PM CDT   0 recs

i was laughing
when kerr said "loose balls, that all i've got to talk about"

by ihatenoce on Mar 18, 2008 7:45 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I'll still watch
Just to hopefully get that occasional glimpse of that Noah/Thomas frontcourt

by Option27 on Mar 18, 2008 7:42 PM CDT   0 recs

it seems like 15 minutes ago i was sitting
on this very couch watching the end of the hornets game vowing to never watch again, why do i do this to myself??

by ihatenoce on Mar 18, 2008 7:48 PM CDT   0 recs

the better question might be
why do you do this to us?
Baby Bulls II?

by bullshooter on Mar 18, 2008 7:49 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

yeah
probably

by ihatenoce on Mar 18, 2008 7:52 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

did anybody count
it wasn't more than 25...
Baby Bulls II?

by bullshooter on Mar 18, 2008 7:53 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

"It's time" is already here!!!
Noc replacing Noah.

Hot! Hot! Hot!!! This telecast is getting turned off. I'll wait for bullshitter to tell me when Tyrus has earned his minutes.

Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Mar 18, 2008 7:51 PM CDT   0 recs

BTW...
...I have ZERO DOUBT that Deng is going to breakout as a superstar for the Bulls next year. He's ready.
Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Mar 18, 2008 7:53 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I have a sneaky suspicion
that Deng is also being "showcased"...
Baby Bulls II?

by bullshooter on Mar 18, 2008 7:54 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Good!!! Showcase him then!!!
There is no doubt he is a good player and we can get something of value for him.  But I'm tired of all you fantasy land guys who see superstardom in this guy.  He has very little athletic upside and is already very close to his ceiling.  He's not like Kevin Durant who will grow into his body and likely be an offensive beast in the league for quite a while.  The only thing Deng can really do is add a post-up game but he has been reluctant to do that.  I'd rather add a true post threat if that's possible.  We have enough guys that shoot 19 foot jump shots already so Deng can go!

by lexdiamonds0730 on Mar 18, 2008 9:44 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Tyger, what are you smoking????
What have you seen out of Deng that makes you think he'll be anything but an average to above average small forward?  Are you kidding me?

Don't be fooled by this "solid" performance today.  As I've said on several occassions, in blowouts either way, Deng looks great.  But when the game is tight, he pulls his "David Copperfield" disappearing basketball player act.  And don't tell me about what he did last year against the Heat in the playoffs.  What has he done for you lately???

He'll be decent, but no "breakout" superstar.  I GUARANTEE you that one of next years rookies becomes an all-star/superstar before Deng does.  Hell, I'll go so far as to say one of the 2009 Draft rookies will be a superstar before Deng and we have no idea who'll be coming out.  Hopefully though, whichever rookie we draft is the one that becomes that superstar!!!

by lexdiamonds0730 on Mar 18, 2008 9:41 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

What the fuck?!
Noah os already out?!

AND FOR NOC!?

by Option27 on Mar 18, 2008 7:52 PM CDT   0 recs

Seriously...
...Nocioni is bad. I hope he's used as the "other piece" in a sign-and-trade w/ Gordon.
Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Mar 18, 2008 7:55 PM CDT   0 recs

you have to admit
he's entertaining
Baby Bulls II?

by bullshooter on Mar 18, 2008 7:58 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

So if the Bulls
We can blame it on the second game of a back to back

by RogersPark Kris on Mar 18, 2008 7:56 PM CDT   0 recs

It's too easy for New Jersey to get to the rim
Why?

Cause those Bulls love to go small

by Option27 on Mar 18, 2008 7:58 PM CDT   0 recs

OMG!!!!!
Tyrus, Joakim and Thabo all on the court at the same time!

PINCH ME NOW!

by Option27 on Mar 18, 2008 8:03 PM CDT   0 recs

with Kirk and BG
ladies and gentlemen, your 2008-2009 Chicago Bulls.
Baby Bulls II?

by bullshooter on Mar 18, 2008 8:05 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

deng
6th man of the year

by ihatenoce on Mar 18, 2008 8:07 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I'd rather Deng
Be included...

But hey, can't be greedy

by Option27 on Mar 18, 2008 8:08 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

probably be better off
with two gaurds starting anyways

by ihatenoce on Mar 18, 2008 8:11 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Good lord, Tyrus
That block was straight-up filthy

by Illini15 on Mar 18, 2008 8:04 PM CDT   0 recs

wow
an end-of-quarter shot that actually worked

by NormVanBeer on Mar 18, 2008 8:05 PM CDT   0 recs

wat are the odds tyrus is on the court to start
the 2nd...or for that matter comes in again this game?

by lampnasty on Mar 18, 2008 8:06 PM CDT   0 recs

Man, only 2 assists for the whole team
that quarter.
Maybe I'll take up hockey.

by wjb1492 on Mar 18, 2008 8:07 PM CDT   0 recs

Let's all just take notice
what kinda run the Bulls just went on with Joakim, Tyrus and Thabo all in at the same time.

I could only hope Boylan is actually watching the game

by Option27 on Mar 18, 2008 8:11 PM CDT   0 recs

I'm still stunned he stumbled upon that lineup
to start with.  It took long enough.
Maybe I'll take up hockey.

by wjb1492 on Mar 18, 2008 8:12 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

but he always does this
i don't know why its clear to us they are effective together and he can't see it

by ihatenoce on Mar 18, 2008 8:15 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I'd like to see this lineup for another few minute
and then bench all 5 of them for the rest of the game.  No sense in winning games now.
Baby Bulls II?

by bullshooter on Mar 18, 2008 8:11 PM CDT   0 recs

yeah if you're bringing deng in
it has to be for thabo or bg

by ihatenoce on Mar 18, 2008 8:17 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

It was good seeing you Tyrus
Catch up with ya next game buddy

by gobulls1124 on Mar 18, 2008 8:17 PM CDT   0 recs

You know what I like about Noah?
He gets after the ball.  Always seems to be working at getting to the ball.

by California Al on Mar 18, 2008 8:19 PM CDT   0 recs

Loved when he saved that one under the basket
and you could see him looking for a teammate instead of just blindly flipping it back inside.  
Maybe I'll take up hockey.

by wjb1492 on Mar 18, 2008 8:22 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

The Kid just works constantly... Don't forget...
He gets out there and sets screens too.  The corpse didn't do that.

by BiNgO on Mar 18, 2008 8:23 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

why is boylan going 3 gaurds
he has no idea what he is doing

by ihatenoce on Mar 18, 2008 8:19 PM CDT   0 recs

its okay if one of the three is thabo
because he can rebound and guard a three...but if its hughes, kirk, and ben, then we have a problem

by lampnasty on Mar 18, 2008 8:21 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

we're better defensively with deng, thomas 3,4
rather than thabo, deng 3, 4

by ihatenoce on Mar 18, 2008 8:24 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Hey Jim!
Look, you don't need Gooden in there to be effective!

It's possible

by Option27 on Mar 18, 2008 8:20 PM CDT   0 recs

Shhhhhhhh
I was just thinking how numbnuts is going to make some subs to close out the half

by California Al on Mar 18, 2008 8:21 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Frank looks a little stressed
Someone ought to remind him it's the Bulls tonight - no need to worry till the 4th quarter.
Maybe I'll take up hockey.

by wjb1492 on Mar 18, 2008 8:23 PM CDT   0 recs

God I know the Bulls are bad offensively
But imagine a starting 5 of Hinrich, Sefolosha, Deng, Thomas and Noah . . .

That defense would be insane

by Option27 on Mar 18, 2008 8:23 PM CDT   0 recs

that should be our lineup
and i hope it is next year

by ihatenoce on Mar 18, 2008 8:25 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Man, that would be fuckin' great
Gordon and the rest come off the bench but in limited roles

by Option27 on Mar 18, 2008 8:30 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

yup
i think gooden and maybe even hughes would be good for us coming off the bench if we started those guys every night

by ihatenoce on Mar 18, 2008 8:37 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

That is a great lineup
I would just like Thabo add strength in the off season.  He's very talented and over the long stretch that could be the difference.  He has the mentality to be a top guard in the league. Lots of untapped ablity.

by Takeaseat on Mar 18, 2008 9:09 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

That is the
lineup I want to see now and next season.

by sue369 on Mar 18, 2008 8:48 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

at this moment
both the Bulls AND the Lakers are up by 10....

good omen

Spring training....FINALLY!!

by Bluelou on Mar 18, 2008 8:25 PM CDT   0 recs