Andrew's Chicago Bulls Dynasty - November 2006

[Matthew]

Bulls cool off heat? Thats shameless lol. It might be time to Benny air gordon. How cool is it that your playing cleveland, remember that chat we had a while back when we touched on a playoff situation where those teams met?

[Andrew]

I know, it was terrible but I couldn't think of anything else and you know NBA.com wouldn't be above using it. I agree it's cool that Cleveland emerged as the other Eastern Conferece Finalist, I have a feeling they're not going to be easy but then again I said that about the Heat and I found a way to beat them (even if it meant I had to forego realistic scores). I'm thinking I might put Nocioni on King James and perhaps have Deng coming off the bench. I don't want him going off for 30+ ppg if I can help it.

[Andreas Dahl]

Great job beating off the Heat Your team is doing really well right now and I wouldn't be surprised if you go all the way... Cleveland looks be fairly tough also, but if you learn how to stop them and manage to play your own style of game, I think you'll do fine. And yea, putting Nocioni on James would be ideal I think. Here's a crazy idea: try starting with Gordon as SF and Nocioni as SG, then switch their defensive matchups. That way, you got Nocioni guarding James on defence, and Gordon going at James on the offence...

[---]

Great job beating off the Heat

that sounds sorta funny

Good luck against LeBron and the Cavs, LBJ is pretty much a lone superstar and if you can stop Larry Hughes from becoming any sort of (X) Factor you should be headed to the Finals. I got CHI def. PHO 4-1

[Andrew]

Thanks guys.

Here's a crazy idea: try starting with Gordon as SF and Nocioni as SG, then switch their defensive matchups. That way, you got Nocioni guarding James on defence, and Gordon going at James on the offence...

That's an interesting idea, I might give that a go. Seems like a good way to continue the strategy of getting the opponents' goto guy into early foul trouble. Thanks.

[gobulls]

wow, i loved the heat and bulls series , gl vs cleveland should be fun one of my fav teams to play against is cleveland

[Mark.]

Well done on advancing Andrew, I think the key had to be getting Wade in so much foul trouble, in the end he still played well considering his limited minutes.

What are Gordon's averages through the playoffs so far?

[Jugs]

The Bulls are back in the elite of the NBA. Spurs and Suns will be a good series. I hope you finish this since Live 07 is coming reeeeeal soon.

[Andrew]

Well done on advancing Andrew, I think the key had to be getting Wade in so much foul trouble, in the end he still played well considering his limited minutes.

What are Gordon's averages through the playoffs so far?

Around 32 ppg, 3 rpg and 6 apg last time I checked. He's #1 in ppg for the postseason.

A complete series update this time:

Chicago (109) at Cleveland (95)
Bulls hold off charge for Game 1 victory

The Cleveland Cavaliers may have had the best regular season record in the East and boast the league's Most Valuable Player in LeBron James, but the Chicago Bulls did not appear intimidated in Game 1 as they stormed to a 109-95 victory behind a 38-16 third quarter performance. Cleveland cut a 28 point lead in half in the fourth quarter but the run fell short allowing the Bulls to draw first blood in the best of seven series.

Ben Gordon and Andres Nocioni each scored 22 points in the win, with Gordon also adding five rebounds and a game high ten assists. The pair led a group of six Bulls to score in double digits with Shawn Kemp contributing 15 points in addition to 6 rebounds and 3 assists, Luol Deng added 12 points and 7 rebounds, Kirk Hinrich chipped in with 11 points to go along with 3 rebounds and 7 assists while Chris Duhon had 13 points off the bench.

Larry Hughes led all scorers with 33 points for the Cavaliers shooting an impressive 15/23 from the field. LeBron James finished the game with 21 points on 10/20 shooting picking up most of his points in the fourth quarter run after being hounded by Nocioni for most of the game. Nocioni's defense held James to only six first half points on 3/10 shooting. Drew Gooden contributed a double double with 16 points and 11 rebounds.

Cleveland struck first jumping out to an early nine point lead and holding court at the end of the first quarter. The Bulls captured the lead midway through the second quarter and built a modest six point advantage by the halftime break before their third quarter explosion. "We've won a lot of games in the third quarter," Bulls coach Andrew Begley commented. "We like to have that cushion heading into the fourth quarter. No one's about to give up in the Playoffs so we don't want to leave the door open, especially for a team like the Cavaliers."

The Cavaliers will host Game 2 in the Quicken Loans Arena in two nights.

Notes: Chicago drew 34 fouls on Cleveland while only being whistled for 7 themselves...the Cavs committed 29 turnovers to the Bulls' 15...Cleveland won the rebounding battle 39-32...Chicago went to the line for 24 free throws making 19 while Cleveland were just 2/6 from the charity stripe...Cleveland were 3-1 against Chicago in the regular season.

Bulls lead series 1-0

Chicago (126) at Cleveland (105)
Bulls head home up 2-0

Chicago will be returning to the United Center for Games 3 and 4 where they will have a chance to close out the series after defeating Cleveland 126-105 in Game 2. Ben Gordon poured in a game high 41 points and Steve Smith came off the bench to score 23 points in just 14 minutes in a dominant victory.

LeBron James didn't waste time getting on the scoreboard making the first basket of the night but soon found himself battling for position with Andres Nocioni who succeeded in denying James the ball on several possessions. James found himself in foul trouble in the third quarter and would miss most of the fourth, finishing with 14 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists.

As they've done throughout the Playoffs the Bulls turned in their most impressive performance out of the halftime break, outscoring the Cavaliers 35-19 in the third quarter. Smith entered the game with two minutes remaining and scored seven quick points to end the period, carrying the momentum in the fourth where he racked up another 16 to keep the Bulls on top.

After the game, Kirk Hinrich said the Bulls were trying not to think about a sweep. "It's there in the back of your mind so you can't help thinking about it now we've gone up 2-0," he admitted. "But you can't think that far ahead. We need to win two more games and right now, we're just thinking about taking care of business in (Game 3)." Hinrich finished with 18 points and 5 assists.

Notes: Cleveland outrebounded Chicago 36-27...the Bulls drew 24 fouls while committing only 7...the Cavaliers were once again on the wrong side of the ledger in turnovers committing 24 to the Bulls' 14...the Bulls are undefeated at home during the Playoffs.

Bulls lead series 2-0

Cleveland (99) at Chicago (117)
Big second half places Chicago win away from Finals

LeBron James turned in an MVP performance but it was the Bulls who were celebrating at the end of Game 3 as they ready themselves for an opportunity to close out the series at home in two days. Ben Gordon countered James' 41 points with 35 of his own, including 28 in the second half.

The win would not come easy for the Bulls who had to overcome a fourteen point halftime deficit. James scored 19 first half points as the Cavs ran all over the Bulls who seemed listless despite the support of an enthusiastic United Center crowd. "They took us out of the game mentally in the first half," said Kirk Hinrich, who finished with 17 points and 10 assists. "We got our heads together at halftime and decided they weren't going to do that to us. Not on our home floor, not tonight."

It was a very different Bulls term that emerged from the lockerroom for the second half. Attacking relentlessly they chipped away at Cleveland's lead and captured the lead in the final minutes of the third. Gordon scored 17 points in the third and added 11 more in the fourth as the Bulls pulled away for a final score of 117-99.

"This isn't where we wanted to be but we're not done yet," said James, who also grabbed seven rebounds. "We're not ready to go home just yet." Zydrunas Ilgauskas turned in a strong performance with 16 points, 12 rebounds and 2 blocks and Larry Hughes scored 21 points but sat most of the fourth quarter after picking up his fifth foul.

Notes: LeBron James' 41 points is the highest scored by a Bulls' opponent this postseason...Chicago had the edge on the boards 38-36...the Bulls are 2-0 in close out games in the Playoffs this year.

Bulls lead series 3-0

Cleveland (99) at Chicago (117)
Bull-ieve it: Chicago NBA Finals Bound

With a 117-99 victory, the Chicago Bulls have advanced to the NBA Finals for the seventh time in club history, where they will also seek title number seven. Ben Gordon shook off an injury in the third quarter to finish the game with 26 points as the Bulls swept the Central Division champion Cleveland Cavaliers and league MVP LeBron James in the Eastern Conference Finals. One-time Cavalier Shawn Kemp had 22 points and 10 rebounds in the victory. He will be making his second appearance in the NBA Finals, the first ironically coming against the Bulls ten years ago.

Chicago opened the game with a flurry and never looked back, racing out to a 34-20 lead by the quarter break and never allowing the Cavaliers to come within less than ten the rest of the way. Even with Gordon sitting out after taking a hard fall in the third Chicago managed yet another strong performance out of the halftime break outscoring Cleveland 32-22 to take a 23 point lead into the final quarter.

LeBron James scored 26 points and had 4 rebounds and 3 assists in the loss. Larry Hughes continued his fine play with 17 points and 5 assists while Eric Snow, plagued by foul trouble in the first three games, scored 13 points and handed out a team high 7 assists. Cleveland's frontcourt produced another strong game with Zydrunas Ilgauskas contributing 15 points and 9 rebounds while Drew Gooden had 16 points and 7 rebounds but was forced to sit late after picking up his fifth foul.

For the Bulls, Luol Deng scored 19 points and 7 rebounds while playing impressive defense against James. Sharing the job of covering the MVP was Andres Nocioni who finished with 14 points and 4 assists. Starting point guard Kirk Hinrich had a double double with 12 points and 12 assists. Chicago will now face the winner of the Western Conference Finals series between the San Antonio Spurs and Phoenix Suns, which the Spurs currently lead 3-1.

Notes: Chicago won the rebounding battle 33-28...Cleveland were whistled for 26 fouls to the Bulls' 8...the teams combined for 32 free throws with the Bulls connecting on 18/22 and the Cavs knocking down 9 of their 10 attempts.

Bulls win series 4-0


The Bulls celebrate their win

2006 NBA Playoffs Results: Conference Finals





2006 NBA Finals



Since my copy of NBA Live 07 hasn't arrived yet, I should have another couple of days to finish the Finals.

[Andreas Dahl]

Great job containing the Cavs offence, and also moving on to the finals You've been doing really well in the playoff's so far, and I think you'll give the Spurs quite a final series.. It will certainly be harder to stop their offence though, with Duncan, Ginóbili and Parker, rather than just one big one in LeBron. Good luck

[Jugs]

Bulls are in the finals!

Spurs will win though, more experience.

[Andrew]

Chicago (125) at San Antonio (105)
Bulls steal home court with 20 point victory

Chicago's impressive run against the league's top teams continued in Game 1 of the NBA Finals as they triumphed over the defending champions 125-105. Ben Gordon led all scorers with 30 points and handed out five assists as his Bulls drew first blood in the best of seven series. Tim Duncan had 20 points and 13 rebounds to lead the Spurs.

After trading baskets with the Spurs for the first six minutes of the game, the Bulls took command and finished the quarter on a 22-10 push for a 36-24 advantage at the break. San Antonio cut the lead to nine by halftime but then fell victim to Chicago's relentless third quarter attack where they were outscored 32-22. The deflated Spurs never challenged the lead in the fourth quarter as the Bulls cruised to victory.

"It was important for us to come here and at least get a split, and we've ensured that will be the worst case scenario heading home," said Bulls coach Andrew Begley. "We don't want to go back to Chicago down 0-2, especially to a team like the Spurs. We've faced tough challenges this season and risen to the occasion more than a couple of times but there's so little margin for error at this stage."

The Bulls got a big lift from their frontcourt with Shawn Kemp scoring 19 points and grabbing 7 rebounds, Andres Nocioni contributing 21 points and 8 rebounds and Tyson Chandler chipping in with 17 points, 5 rebounds and 3 blocks off the bench. For the Spurs, Manu Ginobili scored 15 points, Bruce Bowen had 17 points, 3 rebounds and 5 assists while Robert Horry added 11 points. Tony Parker also scored 11 points to go along with 11 assists but sat most of the first quarter after picking up two early fouls.

Notes: Both the Bulls and Spurs are undefeated in NBA Finals appearances...Chicago has won the first game in all four of its Playoff series this year...the Bulls enjoyed a 37-28 advantage on the boards...the Spurs were 5/14 from beyond the arc while the Bulls were scoreless from downtown, going 0/10...the Game 1 loss is the first in an NBA Finals for the Spurs, who won the opening game in all three of their championship seasons (1999, 2003, 2005).

Bulls lead series 1-0

[Jugs]

Notes: Both the Bulls and Spurs are undefeated in NBA Finals appearances...

My favourite NBA fact.

[Mark.]

Nice sweep of the Cavs, Spurs are gonna be tough even though you took game one, but i'm fully confident you will win

[Andrew]

Notes: Both the Bulls and Spurs are undefeated in NBA Finals appearances...

My favourite NBA fact.

I did word that a bit poorly, actually. "Neither the Bulls or Spurs have lost an NBA Finals series" would've been a better way to put it.

[---]

Andrew, could I ask what your teams average PPG was during the regular season?

[dada]

I feel a sweep coming considering Live 07 is coming out so you dont wanna waste any more time. Gonna have your A game on.

Nice Game 1 win. Those are excellent numbers for Nocioni and Kemp. 3 blocks from Chadler is very helpful off the bench also. Whooping SA on their court in game 1 is a very tough task and you made it look like a walk in the park.

[Andrew]

Andrew, could I ask what your teams average PPG was during the regular season?

104.7 ppg.

I feel a sweep coming considering Live 07 is coming out so you dont wanna waste any more time. Gonna have your A game on.

Pretty much. It's one of the reasons I've decided to forego realistic scores and just play to win. I've enjoyed this Dynasty but time is running out and I would like to get it over and done with. Plus, after the difficult stretch without Gordon during the regular season it's nice to get a little payback.

[---]

104.7 ppg.

Wow, thats great. You must have played the game very realisticly, running set plays, running the clock down, etc. I applaud you for having the patience to keep the game realistic Almost all my 12 min quarter games have gone into the high 120-130 rate, but im trying to keep that down. Hopefully, 07 will play a little more realisticly.

[gobulls]

when i play 12 min quaters i score like 150

[BigKaboom2]

when i play 12 quaters i score like 150

So 50 points per game

I knew what you meant - couldn't resist.

[gobulls]

when i play 12 quaters i score like 150

So 50 points per game

I knew what you meant - couldn't resist.

just realized whats wrong with my post lol, i was like " what the fuck is that guy talking about" lol

[Andrew]

Wow, thats great. You must have played the game very realisticly, running set plays, running the clock down, etc. I applaud you for having the patience to keep the game realistic Almost all my 12 min quarter games have gone into the high 120-130 rate, but im trying to keep that down. Hopefully, 07 will play a little more realisticly.

Thanks. I've abandoned that in the Playoffs, mainly due to the comeback logic but also because I want to get the Dynasty over and done with before I get my hands on 07...which should be in a couple of days at the earliest.

[Andrew]

Chicago (126) at San Antonio (113)
Gordon scores 38 as Bulls go up 2-0

The Chicago Bulls are heading home up 2-0 and a chance to win their seventh title in front of their fans after overcoming a third quarter push by the Spurs to win Game 2 126-113. Ben Gordon scored 10 of his 38 points in the fourth quarter as the Bulls pulled away and cruised through the final four minutes.

The first quarter echoed Game 1 with the Bulls jumping out to a big lead early on, at one point leading 25-9 and finishing the quarter up 39-26. The Spurs came within four points in the second but the Bulls recovered and extended the lead to twelve by the half.

Throughout the Playoffs the Bulls have made use of strong third quarter runs to distance themselves from their opponents entering the fourth quarter but tonight it was the Spurs who came out of the halftime break with an aggressive attack that had the Bulls reeling. San Antonio outscored Chicago 35-24 in the period even capturing the lead before a couple of baskets by Gordon in the final minute gave the Bulls a one point lead. Determined not to let the game slip away Chicago attacked the basket relentlessly and never trailed in the fourth quarter, turning the tables on San Antonio and outscoring them 35-23 on route to a 13 point victory.

Kirk Hinrich scored 22 points in the victory and Andres Nocioni added 21 points and 8 rebounds. Manu Ginobili led the Spurs with 23 points while Tim Duncan had 17 points and 9 rebounds and Tony Parker contributed 16 points, 3 assists and 3 steals with both players seeing limited minutes due to foul trouble.

The Bulls will host Games 3, 4 and 5 in the United Center. The series will return to San Antonio for Games 6 and 7 if necessary.

Notes: The 1993 Bulls were the first road team to win the first two games in the NBA Finals...San Antonio has never lost three games in a row in the NBA Finals...the Spurs had a 36-33 advantage on the boards including a 16-9 edge at the offensive end...Chicago were whistled for only five fouls while the Spurs were called for 30...three of the Bulls' six titles have been won at home.

Bulls lead series 2-0

San Antonio (111) at Chicago (140)
Gordon sets record, places Bulls on verge of championship

A frenzied United Center crowd cheered for their team from start to finish as the Chicago Bulls won their first home game played in the NBA Finals since 1998. Ben Gordon set a new Finals record scoring a dazzling 62 points, besting Elgin Baylor's record by a point and finishing one shy of the all-time high for a Playoff game, set by former Bull Michael Jordan back in 1986.

After a close fought first quarter the Bulls blew the game open in the second quarter outscoring the Spurs 34-25 to go up by 16 at the half. Led by Gordon's 22 third quarter points the Bulls then ran over the Spurs 41-22 for a commanding 35 point lead heading into the fourth quarter. A subdued San Antonio team never challenged the lead in the fourth finally falling 140-111.

Manu Ginobili scored 33 points for the Spurs who lost three straight NBA Finals games for the first time in club history. Tim Duncan was one again plagued by foul trouble, scoring 10 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in 20 minutes. The Bulls' frontcourt took advantage of his absence as Shawn Kemp had 19 points and 9 rebounds and Andres Nocioni scored 21 and snared 6 boards while handing out 4 assists.

The Bulls will now have two chances to take the championship on their home floor.

Notes: The Bulls are 3-0 in close out games in the 2006 Playoffs...no NBA team has come back from 0-3 to win an NBA championship...the Spurs turned the ball over 20 times while the Bulls committed only eight turnovers...the Bulls committed 12 fouls while the Spurs were called for 26...the Bulls have never swept an NBA Finals series.


The Bulls are just one win away from championship number seven

Bulls lead series 3-0

San Antonio (102) at Chicago (131)
Lucky Seven: Bulls sweep Spurs for the title

With a 131-102 victory the Chicago Bulls have become the NBA champions for the 2006 season, bringing an end to perhaps the most lopsided NBA Finals series in league history. The Bulls swept the heavily favoured San Antonio Spurs on route to capturing their seventh NBA title and first in nearly a decade.

Ben Gordon was named the Most Valuable Player of the Finals series after averaging 33.7 ppg throughout the Playoffs and setting a new NBA Finals record with 62 points in Game 3. Gordon had 31 points in Game 4 as well as 3 rebounds, 13 assists and 3 steals in a dominant win over the 2005 champion Spurs, who lost a Finals series for the first time in club history.

The game was never close after the first five minutes of the opening period with the Bulls racing out to a 35-24 lead at the break before trouncing the Spurs 38-27 in the second quarter. The Bulls extended their lead to 31 by the end of the third quarter and waltzed through the fourth as the United Center crowd roared on every Chicago basket.

"It's the biggest night of my life," Gordon said after the game. "Having missed those 20 games when I broke my wrist, all the challenges that came our way early on, the regular season was a rollercoaster ride man...we're proud of our Playoff run and we're going to enjoy this all offseason."

Chicago became the second team to win the title after entering the Playoffs as a sixth seed, matching the Houston Rockets' memorable Playoff run in 1995. They remain undefeated in NBA Finals series and completed the first Finals sweep in team history. Their 16-1 record in the Playoffs is also a new club record, besting their old mark of 15-2 set in the 1991 season.

Veteran Shawn Kemp scored 21 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for the Bulls, whom he faced in the NBA Finals ten years ago as a member of the Seattle Supersonics. Luol Deng also scored 21 for the Bulls while Kirk Hinrich had 10 points and 10 assists. Andres Nocioni scored 10 points but played only 13 minutes after injuring his elbow in the second quarter. He did not return.

Tim Duncan turned in his most impressive game of the series with 31 points and 13 rebounds. Tony Parker had 17 points, 6 assists and 3 steals while Michael Finley and Nick Van Exel scored 10 and 14 points respectively off the bench. Manu Ginobili scored 8 points while playing only 15 minutes due to foul trouble.

Notes: The Bulls defeated four 50+ win teams to win the NBA championship. The Spurs had the league's best record at 60-22...Bulls legends Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen were in attendance. Former Spurs great David Robinson had a seat behind San Antonio's bench...the Bulls won the battle of the boards 42-40...Chicago dished out 32 assists to San Antonio's 18...with the victory the Bulls have won every close out game in their 2006 Playoff campaign.


The Bulls celebrate with the Larry O'Brien trophy


Ben Gordon earned MVP honours


Chicago swept the NBA Finals series for the first time


The Bulls enjoy a standing ovation from their home crowd


The Spurs lost an NBA Finals series for the first time


Bulls win series 4-0
The Chicago Bulls are the 2005/2006 NBA Champions!

2006 NBA Playoffs Results: NBA Finals





Bulls Playoff Statistics
Regular Season Record: 48-34
Playoff Record: 16-1
2006 NBA Champions

And so the season comes to a close. I'm pretty much finished with NBA Live 06 now, I might do the offseason and sim a bit while I'm waiting for my copy of NBA Live 07 to arrive but I'm likely done playing the games; I did succeed in playing all 82 regular season games plus 17 Playoff games on 12 minute quarters without simulating which is what I aim to do every year. Even if I don't sim a bit further in this Dynasty I'll likely post a season recap and reflections a bit later on. Thanks to everyone who's kept up with my Dynasty thread this year, hope you enjoyed reading about it as much as I enjoyed playing it.

Spurs will win though, more experience.

You were saying?

[Andreas Dahl]

Awesome job Andrew Congratulations on the championship, what a perfect way to end the season