Chicago Bulls Thread

[George7]

A nice win over the Pistons,with great teamwork as always. Bulls vs Thunder is going to start pretty early tomorrow,so it is a nice chance to watch the team live in a big game. Rip is probably going to play as well,can't say the same about D-Rose,but still,being the most organised and hard working team is going to make this one a close game I believe...

[shadowgrin]

the most organised and hard working team

Spurs have a game against the Bulls?

[George7]

the most organised and hard working team

Spurs have a game against the Bulls?

I am talking between the Bulls and the Thunder,not from the whole league, shadow...

[RedPhazon8]

I'm kinda worried because the Bulls don't have a good record in early games, if they attack the Thunder and control the game with defense they should be okay.

[Andrew]

I'm not sure if there's much significance to their record in early games when it comes down to it. Not compared to their injury problems and the quality of an opponent like the Thunder, at any rate.

[air gordon]

No one's. I say "waste" in so much as there's really no room for him in the rotation and he's likely just going to ride the bench; he could be better utilised by a team that has a greater need for him. Still, it can't hurt to have him around and it hardly puts them in a bad spot financially, so if he's fine with being a cheerleader then I say why not.

what team could better utilize him? he still remains a FA. he got cut by the 17-35 Raptors lol

[RedPhazon8]

Bad loss today for the Bulls, although they had a terrible shooting night. With only 13 games left for them, it's about time they start getting everyone back into the rotation.

[Andrew]

what team could better utilize him? he still remains a FA. he got cut by the 17-35 Raptors lol

A team with more room in their rotation for another swingman, I would assume. As you note of course, there aren't many opportunities presenting themselves to him.

I think we've already summed it up pretty well: can't hurt to pick him up, won't hurt if they don't.

Bad loss today for the Bulls, although they had a terrible shooting night. With only 13 games left for them, it's about time they start getting everyone back into the rotation.

I'm finding it difficult to pick against them in the daily predictions thread this year (it has worked out around 80% of the time, after all) and I picked them again today, but I'd be lying if I said that deep down, I wasn't expecting a result like this. No shame in losing to a quality team like the Thunder, undermanned and on the road. Tough loss, but it could've been worse.

[RedPhazon8]

Well the key difference I noticed from the Heat game vs the Thunder game was energy, offensive execution, and home court advantage. You could tell the Thunder were in the game the second it started along with how the Bulls played the Heat, offensively the Bulls made shots when they had to within the Heat game and kept making the Heat work, and what they did received the crowd reinforcement that kept them going. The Thunder have a strong crowd within they're arena, along with the idea that most experts say it's tough to play there as the away team. It probably would of turned out differently if Rose handled Westbrook, but lets hope for a good rebound against the Rockets tomorrow.

[Andrew]

Indeed, so far so good when it comes to bouncing back after a loss. Certainly helps that they're back at home for that one.

[RedPhazon8]

I was able to accept the Thunder loss, but the loss against the Rockets was pathetic. The Bulls need to stick to their game and attack the basket, the jump shot stuff they're doing isn't getting it done. The loss ended their 86 streak of not losing back to back (not including playoffs).

[PK.]

Well as Much as I hate that Bulls lost to this one. I loved that OKC lost to Memphis.

[JBoom_LALALAND]

It's still acceptable though. Being given the situation that the Bulls already clinched a playoff spot while the Rockets are tightening down on the ropes to stick to that 8th spot, the Rockets are a much motivated team. Great team effort. For the Bulls, lack of FOCUS!

[Andrew]

Let's give credit to the Rockets for bringing it when it mattered most but yeah, that's a bad loss. The third quarter killed them, which seems to be a recurring problem with leads being lost and holes being dug. So long as the slide doesn't continue and Rose is getting closer to returning.

[RedPhazon8]

A good note is that Hamilton is actually playing again, if he can be efficient with the few games left he should have enough time to prepare for the playoffs. Rose wouldn't need as much time since he's been in the system already, but I'd still like them to fight for that best record. Home court advantage could be the difference maker this time around seeing how certain trends have been made this season.

[Andrew]

Agreed. To go as far as they possibly can, they need to be in that best case scenario and that means everything reasonably healthy and homecourt advantage. They've been a pretty resilient team all season long but they need to have as much in their favour as possible, so securing homecourt advantage through the Playoffs again would be huge. As we saw in the ECF last year it offers no guarantees but even so I have to believe they're in with a better chance with it.

[Andrew]

The slide goes no further than two games, good win over the Celtics. Rose is apparently likely to be back against New York as well, good news.

[RedPhazon8]

Great second half by the Bulls to take control of that game, Deng was struggling from the floor early but he foud his stroke when it mattered most. The Bulls also did a good job containing Rondo, he only ended up with around 10pts. Good to see Rose is close to coming back, it should get interesting if the Bulls can continue to attack as a a team and use their presence inside to beat teams.

[Andrew]

Melo's clutch spot spoiled Rose's return and it certainly doesn't help to dig yourself an early hole as they did, but it's good to see him back in the lineup. Hopefully he's healed and can stay healthy the rest of the way.

[RedPhazon8]

I wasn't to worried about the big hole at the beginning, although you never want to be down by 20pts at any point in a game. The free throws Rose and Deng missed at the end though changed the game, they have to hit those. I also think Rose kinda forced the issue a little to much in his first game back, but lets look for a rebound on Tuesday.

[George7]

That was close,Bulls were unlucky in the end,as Melo hit those huge shots in the end of regulation and overtime. For sure,those missed free throws werea game changer,spoiling an amazing comeback in the game,as not many teams can.get back from -21 so early in the game. Te seconf half was a beauty, esoecially in terms of defensive effort.

Yeah,Rose kinda forced it a little,even in the final minute of the game,when the team needed some control. Many guys had bad shooting night today though,like Deng and Boozer.

[123rockstar]

LETS GO BULLS! Lets get our revenge this time!

[RedPhazon8]

No Rose, no problem, the Bulls beat the Knicks in a convincing fashion. Next up is the Heat, who didn't do so well against the Celtics.

[George7]

Rip's and Korver's second half was a charm. With those two shooters playing like this,Bulls are going to have a huge advantage over any opponent!
Impressed especially by the all around job Kyle did. He was hustling,blocking,scoring. He was doing everything!

Let's see what Bulls have in store for today's game against Miami.... Is D-Rose going to play today??

[Andrew]

Great to see them avenge that loss even without Rose but it's troubling that he continues to be hobbled so close to the Playoffs. Hopefully he can shake off his injuries soon and get back in the lineup permanently.