Open Game Thread #82: Bulls vs Toronto Raptors
Ah...finally this awful, awful season is over.
And so is the season of the open game thread, specifically the last game thread on the `old' SBNation platform (BaB is migrating this weekend).
Special thanks to those who helped me this season in writing previews for each game. As you can likely tell they're not my favorite thing to do here, but beyond the shared workload I enjoyed getting new voices in on the action once in a while. So much gratitude to commenters joemoses, wjb1492, chgobr, bullshooter, Big D, and prashantrao for helping out.
It's also a goodbye to Boylan, Duhon, and likely a bunch of other Bulls. Even though this team this season brought feelings of ambivalence to outright hatred, I'll miss actually watching them play. The offseason seems fun but it's really short bursts of fun spread out into a verrry long time.
One of those bursts of fun is the lottery, and the Bulls are one win `ahead' of Charlotte. Both teams (Charlotte with the Sixers, Bulls with the Raptors) are facing playoff teams with their fates already decided.
So I guess it'll depend on who wants those pingpong balls more. Ugh, that's enough to forget what I said above: I'm truly glad this is it for a while.
0 recs |
130 comments
Comments
No Joakim tonight.
by sue369 on Apr 16, 2008 6:45 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
tankalicious!
by bullshooter on Apr 16, 2008 7:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You forgot to put in another joke
by NittanyBull on Apr 16, 2008 7:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
you don't get all of hscs's jokes?
by bullshooter on Apr 16, 2008 7:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I guess you do,
I did the latter. I bet it is funny, and worth diary-ing about, but meh.
by NittanyBull on Apr 16, 2008 7:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was just messing with you.
by bullshooter on Apr 16, 2008 7:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Whoosh
I guess I don't understand anyone's jokes. See you guys in October.
by NittanyBull on Apr 16, 2008 8:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i will miss them
by tyrus4prez on Apr 16, 2008 7:20 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Happy birthday Luol Deng!
by Ozzie Montana on Apr 16, 2008 7:30 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Charlotte is up but 17
by chgobr on Apr 16, 2008 7:32 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Go to South Side Sox
by Ozzie Montana on Apr 16, 2008 7:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Gray overheard before the game
That still cuts me up...
by bullshooter on Apr 16, 2008 7:34 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Thanks Matt!
by BiNgO on Apr 16, 2008 7:38 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Thanks for the 1-line responses
by Ozzie Montana on Apr 16, 2008 7:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
was that at me?
:-p
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 16, 2008 10:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
wait
by bullshooter on Apr 16, 2008 7:39 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Sue is JoNo's publicist
by bullshooter on Apr 16, 2008 7:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
53 seconds in
by bullshooter on Apr 16, 2008 7:42 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
How much is Calderon worth?
by Ozzie Montana on Apr 16, 2008 7:44 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
what a %$@$#@^#^$# call
by bullshooter on Apr 16, 2008 7:44 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Who has the "tie-breaker"
by Freethefro on Apr 16, 2008 7:52 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
split the ping pong balls evenly
by bullshooter on Apr 16, 2008 7:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
But for the draft spot...
Since it's only a 2% of winning the lottery, tying is really about this anyway.
by tyger1147 on Apr 16, 2008 8:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah you're right
by bullshooter on Apr 16, 2008 8:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
where is everybody?
by bullshooter on Apr 16, 2008 7:55 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Basically
by Ozzie Montana on Apr 16, 2008 7:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Big Gray!
by armstrong2389 on Apr 16, 2008 8:03 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
AG with a double double in the 1st quarter
by bullshooter on Apr 16, 2008 8:03 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Tyrus with the 22 foot jumper!
by armstrong2389 on Apr 16, 2008 8:06 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
that's a new twist on the BG TO
by bullshooter on Apr 16, 2008 8:09 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
And Bobcats win
by Freethefro on Apr 16, 2008 8:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If Thabo can get to the rim like that
by bullshooter on Apr 16, 2008 8:31 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
they just showed the Ivey Incident
by bullshooter on Apr 16, 2008 8:40 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Thanks Matt
We meeting for the draft again?
by corey williams corey benjamin on Apr 16, 2008 8:40 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
no worries CWCB
Draft Party is likely.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 16, 2008 10:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
This Game is kind of boring
by piccolomair on Apr 16, 2008 8:42 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
um
by Jaina on Apr 16, 2008 8:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Im completely out of it?
by piccolomair on Apr 16, 2008 9:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
How good would Hughes look
by bullshooter on Apr 16, 2008 9:01 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
That, or any one of 28 others.
by wjb1492 on Apr 16, 2008 9:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
how would toronto look wit hughes?
by ChiTownCritic on Apr 16, 2008 9:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
bulls need to remember to lose this game.
by bullshooter on Apr 16, 2008 9:13 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
they're gonna waste the Bobcats effort
by Freethefro on Apr 16, 2008 9:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
again,
by ChiTownCritic on Apr 16, 2008 9:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nothing wrong with going out with a little style
by gobulls1124 on Apr 16, 2008 9:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah,
by ChiTownCritic on Apr 16, 2008 9:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
AG is going to need an IV after this
by bullshooter on Apr 16, 2008 9:18 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Red may need an IV, too.
by wjb1492 on Apr 16, 2008 9:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The only thing that would have made that
by bullshooter on Apr 16, 2008 9:25 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
That falls under the
by NBA Observer on Apr 17, 2008 8:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Gray was playing so bad at the start of the third
That's the only time I saw him, but he had the amazing sequence of dropping the ball, missing a 2 foot hook shot [missing the whole rim actually], missing another, and ... just generally sucking.
TT swished a bunch of jumpers though.
plays NBA 2k8 to forget about the horror ... the horror
by Prevenge on Apr 16, 2008 9:27 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
in the world of 2k8
Tyrus thomas and hinrich can be paul and chandler/nash and stoudemire
Ben gordons height means nothing
Thabo can take off from the freethrow line and posterize the poor sap under the rim
Kirk hinrich can average 10 assists per game
Joakim Noah kind of sucks
Big name trades could be made so long as the salaries match and you showcased a player a few times.
Kirk hinrich is a true leader
Scott skiles is still the coach....
In two seasons times the entire bulls roster is filled with allstars
In the world of 2k8, everything is the way it should be, everything is right....
yes i like escaping into the world of 2k8 myself
by piccolomair on Apr 16, 2008 9:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pretty much,
Actually, I traded Joakim/Tyrus/Sefo to the Sonics, so I have a frontline of Green/Durant/Noah/TT/Sefo. Run on people, dunk, rinse/repeat.
by Prevenge on Apr 16, 2008 9:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
A couple steals
One is a 7'3 chinese dude, his name is Ha. I like him cuz of his size, he is also strong. Beware though, until you give him some defensive training, guys like d-wade will be dunking all over him. However couple him with Noah and he is the post option for the bulls.
The next guy is pg named Kopenen (i think thats how you spell it) His overall is 60, however he is money from the 3 pt area. His shot animation is real smooth so its easy to hit. Also his stealing is like 79 or something already high, and with a bit of training in a season or two he becomes a monster thief. He is basically a good combo guard to have, though sort of slow, because he is a pg he is adequate in passing and handling so he gets the job done.
Also i like Thadeus Young from the 76ers. The cpu never really uses him so you can get him for a steal, the best part about him is he is quick, has more hops then Ty2 (in the game) and has real good awareness. I like him as my alleyoop man...he does some insane stuff.
I dont know if you save your replays, if i go to my cousins this week ill see if i can post them on youtube to show you mine.
Also, in the draft (which is always random players) i got this 7'2 monster of a center named Glover. He has post moves like shaq in his prime. gonna be my rookie of the year. Although my seasons going pretty bad (3 wins 5 losses thus far).
by piccolomair on Apr 17, 2008 12:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i may be slow...
by ChiTownCritic on Apr 16, 2008 9:27 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
lmaoooooo
by ChiTownCritic on Apr 16, 2008 9:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It was
by bullshooter on Apr 16, 2008 9:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
lol
by ChiTownCritic on Apr 16, 2008 9:33 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Du for 3
by bullshooter on Apr 16, 2008 9:33 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
AG is turning pink
by bullshooter on Apr 16, 2008 9:39 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I can't wait
by bullshooter on Apr 16, 2008 9:42 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I know you are kidding...
by Khalid El-Amin on Apr 16, 2008 9:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
no kidding
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 16, 2008 10:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
grrrr
by bullshooter on Apr 16, 2008 11:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He turned it over
Bargnani can't rebound, nor can he box out. He just doesn't know rebounding position yet.
by NBA Observer on Apr 17, 2008 8:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
CSN
by ChiTownCritic on Apr 16, 2008 9:43 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Kerr
by bullshooter on Apr 16, 2008 9:45 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
that was pretty impressive
by bullshooter on Apr 16, 2008 9:49 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Time to lose
by bull83 on Apr 16, 2008 9:49 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Sorry
by bull83 on Apr 16, 2008 9:50 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I haven't been
by sue369 on Apr 16, 2008 9:51 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Boylan STILL using subs
Moon's a great defensive player already.
by NBA Observer on Apr 17, 2008 8:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
he's 'already'
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 17, 2008 9:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
exactly
by NormVanBeer on Apr 17, 2008 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
on the bright side
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 17, 2008 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Since age isn't a factor
Moon's a great defensive player already for his first season in the NBA.
He's clearly learned what skills will get you past the cut group and keep you in the NBA for a solid career.
by NBA Observer on Apr 17, 2008 12:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good blogging with you all
by Freethefro on Apr 16, 2008 9:52 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
My Prediction
The Bulls stay at #9 and get somebody nowhere near as good as Joakim Noah.
Bleh. Worst Bulls season of all time.
by BullsFanInSeattle on Apr 16, 2008 9:55 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
like i've said before
with a new & better coach (than boylan) things should get a lot better, quickly, for the bulls next year.
by khandor on Apr 16, 2008 9:56 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
bye.
by ChiTownCritic on Apr 16, 2008 9:57 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
AAAARGH why did we win this game?!?!!!
The first 70 games of the season the team couldn't get a damn win for nothing; the end of the season comes around, and we really need a loss, and now we start winning.
Worst. Season. Ever.
by Jivas on Apr 16, 2008 9:58 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Kendall isn't impressing me
by bullshooter on Apr 16, 2008 10:03 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
we have consensus around here?
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 16, 2008 10:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
not so much consensus
by bullshooter on Apr 16, 2008 11:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
lest I forget
by bullshooter on Apr 16, 2008 11:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
negativity
by hughes sucks on Apr 16, 2008 10:21 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Man, how well will Dwight Howard do
Sure, the Raps clearly didn't care, but even still...
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 16, 2008 10:38 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Howard isn't the x factor
Howard had a monster 37 point, 18 rebound, on 13-18 shooting night and the Magic still lost at Toronto.
by NBA Observer on Apr 17, 2008 8:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wow
It's been a roller coaster from the Kobe trade rumors to the high expectations to the new coach to the players we hated to see play to the biggest let down of my sports life . . . and now onto the off season
I can't wait for this team to get overhauled
by Option27 on Apr 16, 2008 10:53 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
What time wil l the news conference be
by hlac on Apr 16, 2008 11:32 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
lol - Was it too much to ask for an immediate
by wjb1492 on Apr 16, 2008 11:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
KC Johnson is running with the Noah was late
http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/fullcourtpress/2008/04/no-noah.html
Gimmie a fucking break. The guy was going to a funeral for a close friend out of town. If he had said he was too emotionally distraught to play tonight, probably no one would have even questioned him. But he tries to come back and play in a meaningless game, but since he was late, he gets benched. Fuck you, Jim Boylan. I hope you enjoy fetching coffee for Scott Skiles next year.
by Big D on Apr 16, 2008 11:47 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
i saw that
pretty ridiculous. no one even mentions that he was going to a funeral.
by Jaina on Apr 17, 2008 7:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
scratch that
by Jaina on Apr 17, 2008 7:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What a horrendous season
If it takes more than a week to fire Boylan, I'd be shocked. Let the Rick Carlisle chase begin!
by Ozzie Montana on Apr 17, 2008 12:26 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Tonight reminded me of
The crowd was small, alternating between desperate enthusiasm and restless apathy.
When the shot-clock malfunctioned, there was a protracted period of time during which various members of the crowd performed 1980's robot dances to such timeless classics as "Bust a Move." Even the players were watching the jumbotron and laughing.
Tyrus spent most the night chatting with a few fans in the court-side seats, whom I presume he knew. At one point, after his resounding put-back dunk, he even glanced over at them and did a little shimmy.
It was nice to see Tyrus finish the season on a high note, even in a meaningless game. I don't know if I'll ever see him again in a Bulls uniform again. He deserves to be on a team which values his development and his talents, not one that believes he is a back-up to a fat guy with a beard.
They interviewed Tyrus on the floor after the game and tried to extract a promise about next season. He said, "All I can promise is that next year we'll be back where we belong."
Which made me wonder, where do the Bulls belong? The answer to that question depends in large part upon Paxson. If he continues to manage in the myopic, paternalistic manner that has become his unfortunate modus operandi, concerning himself more with the off-court character of his team that the on-court exploits, then the Bulls deserve to languish forever in mediocrity. If he has the temerity to play the team he drafted, perhaps the Bulls belong in the playoffs.
I stood for quite some time in the arena after the game ended, trying to memorize the look and feel of the sprawling cavern: the ushers in their black uniforms, the electric halo of red scoreboard graphics, the lattice of cables, the mammoth corrugated steel plates that surround the ventillation louvers, the Lovabulls hugging their goodbyes, the angry Bull staring up from mid-court, Jordan and Pippin and Love and Sloan and Jackson and even Kraus, the championship banners moving sluggishly in the rafters. I'll hold those things in my mind until October, to tide me over, along with the undying hope that next season will be THE season, the return to glory.
by 1958ChiTown on Apr 17, 2008 12:33 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
good descriptions
by AGBallinisaHabit on Apr 17, 2008 1:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's been nice...
by AGBallinisaHabit on Apr 17, 2008 1:52 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
1958ChiTown Thanks for the elequont ending
One final note. You can call this a meaningless game but Tyrus's drilling of those long range jumpers was a great way to show Paxson he would be a fool to trade away this young talent with so much potential. He may have cemented his future with the Bulls in the past few games and I believe will play a significant role in what I predict will be a Bulls turnaround next year.
If the biggest positive event of the year takes place tomorrow, the ultimate addition by subtraction improvement, even bigger than the trading of the corpse....which of course is the demise of Boylan, things will immediately be looking up. The light at the end of the tunnel can be seen once again and I can drop my sign in name forever. I wish Jim well and with the resume he has padded during his tenure, I see a very great possibility he could become an assistant manager at one of the local Dunking Donut emporiums in no time, in spite of his ethnicity.
by Tyrusmancrush on Apr 17, 2008 1:53 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I guess the preview...
So Matt, will we have to rework our profiles, or start over with the change of the website, or will the transition be almost flawless.
by Diabolo on Apr 17, 2008 2:34 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
sorry diabolo
You'll have to 'claim' your old accounts, but once you do it transfers over. I'll try and get the full explanation up soon, before the changeover.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Apr 17, 2008 9:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No need to say goodbyes
by Ozzie Montana on Apr 17, 2008 3:47 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
It's quieter in summer
by KT on Apr 17, 2008 4:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

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