Blog a Bull: An SB Nation Community

Navigation: Jump to content areas:

Around SBN: MLB postseason scores, schedules and blog coverage Bar-right-arrows

Open Game Thread #79: Bulls vs. Cleveland LeBrons

82486_160_tiny by bullshooter on

[Thanks to bullshooter for today's game preview. -Matt]

Playing out the String

Oh yeah, there is a game tonight.  That's been the prevailing feeling for the last few weeks now that Bulls have gone into unequivocal tanking mode.  Not coincidentally, most of you should feel lucky that you didn't witness ignominious defeats to Washington and more deplorably Miami.  

But that's in the past and soon this season will be thankfully as well.  As bad as this season has been, I still think the future is bright and tonight should bring more vivid glimpses of that future in the form of more minutes for Thabo (please God, let them bench Hughes), TT (stay out of foul trouble) and JoNo, regardless of whatever the official Boylan statements may be.

Tonight's opponent, the LeBron's come into town one pinched sciatic nerve from being in much worse shape than even our Bulls.  And I am not talking about Ben Wallace, who's played most of the season as if his lower vertebrae were fused in the offseason.  No, LBJ is wearing down and the Bulls have been able to overcome his hot starts and that fact that Loul can't seem to get in his way.  Earlier season victories featured a well-timed collision with Hinrich and later a double-team by Thabo and JoNo.  In fact, Boylan tried putting TT on Dwight Howard for stretches, why not try him on LBJ in the first half tonight.  Deng should be able to handle Wallace, I hope.

As an added bonus, tonight's game is on tWWL.  And doubly bonusly, the game starts at 6pm CDST (this time I am really sure), so you have time to watch the game and still go out and enjoy yourself.  So sit back and cheer on the Bulls in their quest for the 8th-most ping pong balls (they're currently tied in the win column).  And if you haven't figured out yet how to keep this Bulls team from screwing up your evening...

Blogging with the enemy:

Cavalier Attitude

Brian Windhorst

FanPosts are user-created posts from the BlogABull community, and are to be treated as the opinions and views of that particular user, not that of the blogger or blog community as a whole.

0 recs | Comment 200 comments

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

Display:

Sadly, though the standings
show us down a half to Charlotte, by virtue of taking 3 out of 4 on the season we are actually down 1 1/2 to the Bobs.

We've got some heavy tanking ahead of us if we want to capture that coveted 8th lotto pick.

Nice game thread, bullshooter.  Good to see you've been able to hang on to your sense of humor.

by alec on Apr 11, 2008 1:52 PM CDT   0 recs

I'm not sure if the tie-breakers are the same
for the lottery.  They may just split the ping pong balls.
Don't tell anybody, but here's hoping TT puts it all together.

by bullshooter on Apr 11, 2008 2:00 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Split the combinations...
...flip a coin for draft spots, IIRC w/ NY last year.
Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Apr 11, 2008 3:04 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

good
on multiple accounts.

by Illini15 on Apr 11, 2008 2:05 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

let;s hope
Hughes and Duhon can't play either so we see those young 'uns.  Maybe one could be a keeper.

by KT on Apr 11, 2008 2:21 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Im afraid Hughes
would play with a walking boot and his right arm in a sling. The guy will not be denied "his" minutes. I loathe him.

by sue369 on Apr 11, 2008 2:24 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Was someone asking about bJ Armstrong
a while back?

Randolph, a 6-foot-11 Dallas native averaged 15.6 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game this past season. He will be represented by former NBA player B.J. Armstrong within the Wasserman Media Group.

http://msn.foxsports.com/cbk/story/8009490/Source:-LSU's-Randolph-signs-with-agent

(Sorry, Matt--I'd put it in the draft thread, but it's become a little hard to negotiate.  What say you, Sue?)

by alec on Apr 11, 2008 2:31 PM CDT   0 recs

You guys can just change...
...the format of the comments. All new comments are at the bottom of every thread for me.
Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Apr 11, 2008 3:04 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

WMG?
Hey, that's our buddy Arn Tellem's people.  Too bad we don't have any FA cash to pay more WMG clients for their past performances.
The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Apr 11, 2008 4:22 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I knew I should have trademarked JoNo
Although I do give it the Sir Charles treatment when I say, YO-NO.
Stephen Curry is the lowpost answer!

by hscs on Apr 11, 2008 3:45 PM CDT   0 recs

Call him JoaNoah.
It rhymes and no I didn't steal it from Jesse Jackson.
The Kids Must Stay In The Picture!!!

by NBA Observer on Apr 11, 2008 4:23 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I linked to the original source...
Don't tell anybody, but here's hoping TT puts it all together.

by bullshooter on Apr 11, 2008 5:25 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Ahem, May I suggest
Oakim Noah? As in, no "J"?

What's that you say? No?

Very well then. No... It seemed to work just fine for Ason Kidd...

"Duhon, don't make that garbage-time jumper... Save it for the next game!"

by bullhockey on Apr 11, 2008 10:01 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

ugh
Time to hit refresh on WSCR's website again. JayJay heard Paxson might resign on Boers and Bernstein.
Stephen Curry is the lowpost answer!

by hscs on Apr 11, 2008 5:11 PM CDT   0 recs

Not that I have anything in particular
against Bill Wennington, but it would be nice to hear Paxson's ever insightful analysis on the Bulls' radio broadcasts once again.

by alec on Apr 11, 2008 5:24 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

wow
I still don't think Paxson has done much wrong.  A new GM would mean a much longer down cycle, and that would certainly curb my enthusiasm.
Don't tell anybody, but here's hoping TT puts it all together.

by bullshooter on Apr 11, 2008 5:28 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

This story reminds me of something
I once heard about flipping a coin.  

Let's say you just met two girls, and you're undecided about which one of them to ask out.  So you flip a coin.  Before you toss the coin, you say, "OK, Judy will be heads, and...I can't remember what her name was...will be tails."

Now flip the coin.  Heads.  Judy.  Immediately, ask yourself how you feel about that.  It is in this immediate checking in with yourself that the true value of coin flipping lies.  In that instant it opens a window to your true feelings.

So when I saw hscs's headline I experienced a momentary upliftedness, and I knew without a doubt I wanted Paxson gone.

BTW--I'm not saying this always works (or ever works), as the result of that coin flip and I ended up in divorce court not long after.  

by alec on Apr 11, 2008 5:53 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Boers and Bernstein's rumors
don't have a good track record (See Kobe trade).

I saw the story yesterday, but didn't put up a diary - but the tribune, sun-times and True Hoop all picked up the news out of Kankaee - Ryan Paxson is joining the Marines.  John just may have other things on his mind these days.

by KT on Apr 11, 2008 5:54 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

oh I know
Bernstein's sources could be JoeJoe and JoeJoe for all I know. The segment doesn't appear to be online, but I thought it was worth mentioning as we're officially in rumor mode until 2008-09 kicks off.
Stephen Curry is the lowpost answer!

by hscs on Apr 11, 2008 6:24 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I was listening at the time
and it can hardly be called a rumor.

They basically said that there's no way Paxson is fired, and the only way he leaves if he quits. Then they followed it up by saying how miserable he's been this year, so maybe he will quit.

Of course, after hiring Boylan, who would notice?

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 11, 2008 6:34 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

that was a travel by LBJ
but TT has looked as strong to start as Deng has looked weak.
Don't tell anybody, but here's hoping TT puts it all together.

by bullshooter on Apr 11, 2008 6:13 PM CDT   0 recs

Am I the only one watching this game?
24 for LBJ in the first?  Not to mention TT 5-7 with 6 boards?
Don't tell anybody, but here's hoping TT puts it all together.

by bullshooter on Apr 11, 2008 6:31 PM CDT   0 recs

This is going to be one of those LeBron games
Where he makes all his jumpshots, no matter how off-balance or ugly they are.  He's not getting the MVP, might as well capture the scoring title with a bang.
Dickey Simpkins>Ben Wallace

by Ozzie Montana on Apr 11, 2008 6:34 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I caught LeBron's last two baskets
and thought 'thank god we have Thabo as our stopper'.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 11, 2008 6:35 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

where does the Thabo hate
well up from?
Don't tell anybody, but here's hoping TT puts it all together.

by bullshooter on Apr 11, 2008 6:40 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Thabo's tears can cure AIDS
They've put Noah on James before, him and Thomas can do a better job than anyone else on the team.  If he's hitting these crazy shots, at least prevent him from getting those damn dunks where he preens and glares for 50 seconds afterwards.  
Dickey Simpkins>Ben Wallace

by Ozzie Montana on Apr 11, 2008 6:40 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

James 10/10 24 points
At the end of one freaking quarter.  I'm so glad he is testing out his back strength against us.
Dickey Simpkins>Ben Wallace

by Ozzie Montana on Apr 11, 2008 6:32 PM CDT   0 recs

So it seems to be going well tonight. ;)
I got in just in time to hear the recap of Lebron's big quarter - that's the kind of thing I enjoy in highlights on Sportscenter or when it's someone unexpected, but don't enjoy watching all that much.  No wonder Larry hated being on that team.
It takes a special coach to make Aaron Gray a guy you can see.

by wjb1492 on Apr 11, 2008 6:36 PM CDT   0 recs

I think I figured out where TT developed
his habit of dribbling up the court.  He got it from Noc...
Don't tell anybody, but here's hoping TT puts it all together.

by bullshooter on Apr 11, 2008 6:39 PM CDT   0 recs

Even I have to admit...
That pass to BG was nasty good.

by Khalid El-Amin on Apr 11, 2008 7:15 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Dammit put Big Z in
Fantasy basketball championship week, I need his double-double action.
Dickey Simpkins>Ben Wallace

by Ozzie Montana on Apr 11, 2008 6:42 PM CDT   0 recs

How is
Noc still in the game?

by jpchi on Apr 11, 2008 6:47 PM CDT   0 recs

It's kind of funny that Lebron is so near perfect
and yet the Cavs are under 50% shooting as a team.
It takes a special coach to make Aaron Gray a guy you can see.

by wjb1492 on Apr 11, 2008 6:48 PM CDT   0 recs

I think it is great
the more his teammates suck, the more likly he is to leave in a couple of years.
Don't tell anybody, but here's hoping TT puts it all together.

by bullshooter on Apr 11, 2008 6:49 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Not to mention a Boylan-esque coach
The only way the Cavs offense could be more boring is if they actually did play 1-on-5 and subbed everyone but LeBron out.
Dickey Simpkins>Ben Wallace

by Ozzie Montana on Apr 11, 2008 6:52 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

The Cleveland LeBrons...
bullshooter had it right

by alec on Apr 11, 2008 6:54 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

nice job
by ben gordon running that simple 3 on 2 break for a lay-up by nocioni.

by khandor on Apr 11, 2008 6:53 PM CDT   0 recs

that was a good break
he looked off the defender nicely.
Don't tell anybody, but here's hoping TT puts it all together.

by bullshooter on Apr 11, 2008 6:58 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

but
I don't like duhon & gordon on the floor together

by khandor on Apr 11, 2008 6:55 PM CDT   0 recs

What about Du, BG, and Kirk together?
Is that something you might be interested in?
Dickey Simpkins>Ben Wallace

by Ozzie Montana on Apr 11, 2008 6:56 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

no
only 1 of those 3 players SHOULD be on the floor at any time.

by khandor on Apr 11, 2008 6:58 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

my favourite
bulls line-up, right now, is:

1/gordon (or hinrich or duhon)
2/sefolosha
3/deng
4/thomas
5/noah

by khandor on Apr 11, 2008 7:01 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

nocioni is not a 4
duhon, gordon, deng, nocioni & noah is not a good line-up for the bulls

by khandor on Apr 11, 2008 6:57 PM CDT   0 recs

that was a bs call
LBJ gets all the calls...
Don't tell anybody, but here's hoping TT puts it all together.

by bullshooter on Apr 11, 2008 6:57 PM CDT   0 recs

funny how that works
great players get a lot of calls.

by khandor on Apr 11, 2008 7:02 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

glad to see thomas get some love
from an announcer since well... we know how red feels about him. :D

total crap call on noah, it looked clean to me.

"Joakim Noah looks like a young Kimberly Williams." - my mom

by Jaina on Apr 11, 2008 7:01 PM CDT   0 recs

Thomas once again has shown
that I have no idea what kind of player he'll be.  I give up.  He looks terrific.

Has his ballhandling improved?  He just looks...sure of himself.

by Freethefro on Apr 11, 2008 7:02 PM CDT   0 recs

Tyrus is a bum.
The genius mentor of young talent decided that TT did not deserve pt early on and has done his best to prove he was right in his evaluation..(Thomas doesn't run the court, doesn't play within the system (whatever it is) on either end of the court, yada yada yada.

Meanwhile, the novice Hubie Brown raves about his quickness, athleticism, upside, all around potential and says he needs to get more minutes.

So who are you going to believe, Jimbo the Giant, or little Hubie?  Oh what might have been if he was their coach.  Remember how he turned around a young Memphis team and how they collapsed once he left?  But what does he know?  Great work Jimbo, giving Duhon all these minutes tonight.

by Tyrusmancrush on Apr 11, 2008 8:04 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

wasn't hubie
just trashing tyrus like a month ago though?

i remember reading about it (and someone posted it too).  :P

"Joakim Noah looks like a young Kimberly Williams." - my mom

by Jaina on Apr 11, 2008 10:28 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Boylan sounds
like Mr. (formerly Ms. (formerly Mr.)) Garrison.  mmmkay?

by jpchi on Apr 11, 2008 7:04 PM CDT   0 recs

wow.
not a comment in an hour.

by ChiTownCritic on Apr 11, 2008 7:05 PM CDT   0 recs

Who is that guy in Wallace's uniform?
I distinctly saw his feet leave the floor on that block...
It takes a special coach to make Aaron Gray a guy you can see.

by wjb1492 on Apr 11, 2008 7:05 PM CDT   0 recs

oh.
wait... wtf?

by ChiTownCritic on Apr 11, 2008 7:05 PM CDT   0 recs

terrible foul call
by this official on deng

by khandor on Apr 11, 2008 7:06 PM CDT   0 recs

better change it them, huh
w.e ill do it later.. i wanna watch the bulls / cubs games now

by ChiTownCritic on Apr 11, 2008 7:07 PM CDT   0 recs

doesnt ilgauskus
look like a really tall dracula or something??

by ChiTownCritic on Apr 11, 2008 7:08 PM CDT   0 recs

as much
as i wish the bulls would tank, i do get major satisfaction in beating the lebrons and we're playing well so i can't wish for tanking tonight...
"Joakim Noah looks like a young Kimberly Williams." - my mom

by Jaina on Apr 11, 2008 7:16 PM CDT   0 recs

Definitely!
Let's at least prove that our garbage was worse than their garbage in that mid season trade.

by Khalid El-Amin on Apr 11, 2008 7:21 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I feel the same way
I still hope Charlotte ends up with a better record (somehow), but I like to see the guys play well.
It takes a special coach to make Aaron Gray a guy you can see.

by wjb1492 on Apr 11, 2008 7:22 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

was that the critical hard foul by TT
that cools off LBJ?
Don't tell anybody, but here's hoping TT puts it all together.

by bullshooter on Apr 11, 2008 7:31 PM CDT   0 recs

Are they showcasing Thomas???
Let us prepare for glory! --Michael Redd

by tyger1147 on Apr 11, 2008 7:37 PM CDT   0 recs

I hope not
He's not in foul trouble yet.
Don't tell anybody, but here's hoping TT puts it all together.

by bullshooter on Apr 11, 2008 7:45 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Showcasing
is when you leave a guy out there who is playing like shit, think Hughes.  Since they yank TT every time he gets in foul trouble, I really don't think they are showcasing him.
Don't tell anybody, but here's hoping TT puts it all together.

by bullshooter on Apr 11, 2008 8:00 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I don't know what the team's intent is,
but it's sure nice to see Ty showing what he can do when he gets the chance.  Joakim, too.
It takes a special coach to make Aaron Gray a guy you can see.

by wjb1492 on Apr 11, 2008 7:56 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

whats up with
these people putting all these quotes??

by ChiTownCritic on Apr 11, 2008 7:47 PM CDT   0 recs

DAMMMM
2 SLAMS IN A ROW FOR NOAH!

by ChiTownCritic on Apr 11, 2008 7:47 PM CDT   0 recs

HOLY xHIT
wtf is up with the BULLS FINALLY SHOWING OFF WHAT THEY CAN DO allll the way at the end of the season??

by ChiTownCritic on Apr 11, 2008 7:49 PM CDT   0 recs

HOOOOOOOOOLYYYYYYY FFFUUUUUUxxxxxxx
THE BULLS ARE EFFIN EXPLODING!!!!!!!

by ChiTownCritic on Apr 11, 2008 7:51 PM CDT   0 recs

HOPE.CHANGE.
And I approve this message.
"YES,WE CAN!"-B.OBAMA.

by Azabullsfan on Apr 11, 2008 7:56 PM CDT   0 recs