Andrew's 06 Bulls, Part 2 :: 07/08 (October 2007)

[Andrew]

Begley named Coach of the Year

NEW YORK, NY -- Chicago Bulls' head coach Andrew Begley has been named the NBA's Coach of the Year for the 2007 season. Begley guided the Bulls to an all-time best 77-5 record during the season, eclipsing the former record of 72-10 set by the Bulls during the 1995/1996 season under Phil Jackson. He becomes the first Australian coach to win the award.

Gordon, James head All-NBA First Team

NEW YORK, NY -- Today the National Basketball Association announced the selections for the All-NBA, All-Defensive and All-Rookie teams for the 2006/2007 season.

All-NBA First Team

C: Shaquille O'Neal (MIA)
F: Dirk Nowitzki (DAL)
F: LeBron James (CLE)
G: Ben Gordon (CHI)
G: Baron Davis (GSW)

All-NBA Second Team

C: Yao Ming (HOU)
F: Antawn Jamison (WAS)
F: Ron Artest (IND)
G: Kobe Bryant (LAL)
G: Gilbert Arenas (WAS)

All-Defensive First Team

C: Ben Wallace (CHA)
F: Amare stoudemire (PHO)
F: Andrei Kirilenko (UTA)
G: Ben Gordon (CHI)
G: Stephon Marbury (NYK)

All-Defensive Second Team

C: Marcus Camby (DEN)
F: Kevin Garnett (MIN)
F: Ron Artest (IND)
G: Andre Iguodala (PHI)
G: Gilbert Arenas (WAS)

All-Rookie First Team

Liu Cotton (NOH), Ayeshi Tam (CHA), Liu Kuffour (TOR), Keenan Pack (UTA), Ignatius Tallas (NJN)

All-Rookie Second Team

Isidore Snow (ORL), Wyatt Hanlon (IND), Malik Marshall (CHA), Tarmo Kozlov (MIN), Lumumba Hammonds (MIN)

[Mavs4Life]

Dirk 1st Team!

[Andrew]

I wouldn't be too surprised if I end up seeing them in the Finals, though Memphis got the top seed and are looking pretty good led by Pau Gasol.

[Gamebreaker]

Up until the all-teams selections, this has been some seriously hardcore Bulls porn, heh.

I'd expect that you would at least have another player on the 1st or 2nd teams. Looks like you've earned your COTY award.

[rise]

Damn it. Ben Gordon should have won all the awards.

Glad to see this back.

[Andrew]

Up until the all-teams selections, this has been some seriously hardcore Bulls porn, heh.

I'd expect that you would at least have another player on the 1st or 2nd teams. Looks like you've earned your COTY award.

I was hoping I could get Sixth Man of the Year with Korver, but the stats weren't there across the board and 06 doesn't always make the best selections when it comes to that award. Thomas' win is probably one of the better ones I've seen, though his scoring average is a bit lower than what you'd normally expect of a Sixth Man winner.

Damn it. Ben Gordon should have won all the awards.

Glad to see this back.

He didn't do too badly when it's all said and done. Just a shame I couldn't get him on the All-Star team.

[kibaxx7]

Of course, well-deserved trophies for Ben. My money is on a sweep of the Pacers!

[Andrew]

Eastern Conference Quarter Finals, Game 4
Chicago (103) at Indiana (90)
Gordon's 44 points propels Bulls to series sweep


Ben Gordon once again came up big in the fourth quarter

Ben Gordon turned in another MVP performance with 44 points, five rebounds, 11 assists and two steals as his Chicago Bulls completed a sweep of the eighth seeded Indiana Pacers. Gordon scored 16 of his 44 points in the fourth quarter as the Bulls withstood one last rally attempt by the Pacers on route to their 103-90 victory.

Looking to avoid an early deficit, Indiana charged out of the gate and outscored the Bulls 9-2 in the first two minutes of the game, bringing the Conseco Fieldhouse crowd to its feet as the frustrated Bulls called a timeout. The break would prove to be all the Bulls needed however as they quickly erased the Pacers' lead and took charge, ending the first quarter up 28-27.

A disheartened Pacers team struggled to score in the second quarter with the Bulls' defense moving into high gear, forcing bad shots and turnovers while jumpstarting their offense. Gordon finished the first half with 20 points and six assists as the Bulls held a 56-41 advantage at the break.

Taking a page out of Chicago's book, Indiana came out aggressively in the third and managed to cut the deficit to nine before the Bulls settled down and maintained a double digit lead for the rest of the quarter. With their season on the line in the fourth, the Pacers once again made a run and Jermaine O'Neal electrified the crowd as he threw down a dunk on Tyson Chandler, drawing the foul and making the and one, to narrow the gap to nine again at the 4:53 mark.

Unfazed, the Bulls turned to the MVP, whose scoring barrage quieted the crowd. A couple of threes by Fred Jones kept the Pacers in the game until the last minute, when the Bulls took a thirteen point lead and ran down the clock until the sweep was complete.

O'Neal would finish with 28 points and 11 rebounds for the Pacers, who also received 15 points and six assists from Jamaal Tinsley. Stephen Jackson had 12 points, three rebounds and three assists while All-NBA First Team member Ron Artest had another quiet game with eight points and five assists. For the Bulls, Carlos Boozer contributed 22 points and six rebounds, while Chandler scored 12 points to go along with seven rebounds and five blocked shots.

The Bulls now await the winner of the Pistons/Cavaliers series, which Detroit currently leads two games to one.

Chicago wins the series 4-0

[Houndy]

1 down, 3 to go

[shadowgrin]

I want action shots next time Andrew. None of that Gen Boredon dribbling the ball weak stuff.

[Andrew]

I figured I'd change it up instead of just posting another dunk screenshot.

[shadowgrin]

Screenshot of a contested jumper would suffice.

[Andrew]

That would imply there is some way to impede Ben Gordon in this Dynasty.

[Andrew]

First Round Results

[Andrew]

Eastern Conference Semi-Finals, Game 1
Cleveland (86) at Chicago (103)
Cavs hang with Bulls early, wilt in second half of Game 1


This series is shaping up to be a gritty affair

The Cleveland Cavaliers have plegded to wear their jerseys from the early 90s in honour of their longstanding rivalry with the Chicago Bulls. In Game 1, it proved to be a jinx.

After giving the Bulls a very competitive first half, leading 28-24 after the first quarter and extending their lead to eleven early in the second, the Cavaliers would ultimately succumb to the defending champions who took Game 1 103-86. MVP Ben Gordon scored 37 points in addition to grabbing five rebounds, handing out ten assists and recording eight steals, giving Cavs fans a reminder of another Bulls' shooting guard who once gave them nightmares.

Following a back and forth battle in the second quarter, the Bulls edged ahead 53-51 by halftime. Cleveland narrowed the gap early in the third but soon went cold, as they shot just 8/24 in the period. Gordon scored 15 points in the third to propel the Bulls to a nine point lead heading into the fourth.

The Cavs' offensive woes continued in the fourth quarter as they went just 6/15 from the field, soon finding themselves down by double digits. A confident Bulls team pulled their starters with a fifteen point lead with just under four minutes remaining. There would be no need for them to return as the bench mob held Cleveland at bay, securing a seventeen point win.

Carlos Boozer scored 18 points for the Bulls, 14 of them coming in the first half. He also had seven rebounds. Tyson Chandler contributed 12 points and a team high nine rebounds, while Kirk Hinrich had a solid outing with 13 points and eight assists.

All-Star LeBron James finished with just 12 points, five rebounds and a single assist for the Cavs, taking a seat midway through the second quarter after picking up his third foul. Drew Gooden led the team with 19 points and 16 rebounds while Zydrunas Ilgauskas had 16 points and six rebounds. Donyell Marshall had 12 points and nine rebounds off the bench while Larry Hughes finished with 15 points, a team high seven assists and two steals.

Bulls lead series 1-0

Eastern Conference Semi-Finals, Game 2
Cleveland (84) at Chicago (109)
Another second half meltdown has Cavs headed home down 0-2


Veteran Shawn Kemp looked sprightly against his old team

At halftime, the Cavaliers had the United Center crowd restless in the seats. By the end of the game, they were being jeered off the court.

Despite holding a twelve point lead at the halftime, the Cleveland Cavaliers turned in another woeful second half performance as they fell to the Chicago Bulls 109-84 in Game 2 of their best of seven second round series. Ben Gordon once again led the way with 33 points to go along with 15 assists as Chicago bounced back from a sluggish first half to dominate the third and fourth quarters.

Both teams got off to a slow start, with LeBron James taking an early seat after picking up his second foul five minutes into the game. Gordon would also be forced to the bench when he picked up his second personal with 4:55 remaining left in the quarter. Without their two stars the teams slugged it out with gritty defense and slow paced offense, with the Bulls ending the period up 22-20.

Cleveland raced out of the gate in the second quarter and had the Bulls on their heels, surprising the defending champions who continued to struggle to run their offense even with Gordon back in the lineup. Gordon and Luol Deng each scored ten points for Chicago in the first half but the Cavaliers remained firmly in control, ending the half up 56-44.

If the Bulls were rattled by their uncharacteristic halftime deficit, they didn't show it in the third. Swarming the Cavs on defense and relentlessly attacking the basket, Chicago made a determined push and behind a 16-0 run, took a 69-64 lead late in the third. Outscoring the Cavs 33-16 in the period, the Bulls set themselves up for a strong finish.

The Cavaliers looked lost and deflated having given up their double digit lead, managing just 12 fourth quarter points to 32 by the Bulls, who were on a 22-0 run when they pulled their starters for good with 6:55 left in the game. A dejected Cavs team simply went through the motions as the Bulls cruised to victory.

Former Cavalier Shawn Kemp had his best game of the Playoffs with 14 points and six rebounds for the Bulls. Deng finished with 18 points and six rebounds, while Boozer added six boards of his own to go along with 10 points. Kirk Hinrich contributed nine points and eight assists, also recording three steals.

For the Cavs, LeBron James scored just 13 points, six of them coming in the fourth quarter with the game well and truly decided. He also had four assists. Zydrunas Ilgauskas was once again solid with 15 points and a game high 15 rebounds, while Larry Hughes top scored for Cleveland with 20 points to go along with five assists and two steals.

The series now moves to Cleveland for Games 3 and 4.

Bulls lead series 2-0

[Andrew]

Is LeBron James on his way out of Cleveland?



This season, LeBron James seems to have enjoyed keeping everyone guessing when it comes to his future plans. Set to become one of the most coveted free agents of the upcoming offseason, The King has given the Cleveland Cavaliers and their fans mixed signals all year long. While he turned in another All-Star season, leading the Cavs to a 49-33 record along the way, he has remained non-commital about remaining in Cleveland.

On the other hand, he hasn't given any strong indications that he's leaving. That is until now, perhaps.

LeBron's performance through the first two games of the Cavaliers' second round series with the Chicago Bulls have left much to be desired for one of the best players in the game. He is averaging just 12.5 ppg, 3 rpg and 2.5 apg in the first two games in Chicago, at times looking very disinterested and passive on offense.

Said one Western Conference executive "It's clear his head isn't in the game. Maybe he stays in Cleveland, but it's sure looking like he's leaving his options open." James' camp has denied the allegations, insisting that the star swingman is "one hundred percent focused on the series" and "isn't looking to leave Cleveland".

James has struggled in earlier games against the Bulls this season, so it may be that they simply have his number right now. However, as the series shifts to Cleveland, LeBron's performance will be under intense security. Perhaps this is just an uncharacteristic slump for one of the game's brightest stars. He is that good that a couple of games like this leave us bewildered and searching for an explanation; to suggest he's leaving may be an overreaction.

It's a question that may not be answered until July, when teams can begin talking to free agents and players like LeBron are signing their name on the dotted line. In the meantime, Cavs fans better hope he gets his head back in the game.

[qfrmcpt310]

Kinda seems funny how time flies. Just felt like I was talking about him leaving and now he's left and been to the finals w/ all the hoopla , anyways looking forward to another sweep pretty soon.

[shadowgrin]

REIGNMAN

[Axel The Great]

So satisfying for the Rockets to sweep the Jazz.

Hell of a double-digit comeback in game two, keeping LeBron James at bay was definitely a major factor in both games, along with Ben Gordon.

[Andrew]

Thanks. I'm going to have to check his Primacy rating, though I did use the batch file fix not too long ago. It does kind of work out for the story, with its similarities to the second round of the 2010 Playoffs.

[Andrew]

Eastern Conference Semi-Finals, Game 3
Chicago (83) at Cleveland (74)
Bulls grind out win in Game 3


LeBron James was more aggressive in Game 3, but his Cavs still fell to the Bulls

So close and yet so far for the Cavaliers. Despite giving the Bulls a hard fought game, the Cavs ultimately could not seize control of the game late in the fourth and fell 83-74, placing them on the brink of elimination.

Under intense scrutiny after two subpar games in Chicago, LeBron James looked much more aggressive on his home floor, attacking the basket and scoring ten of his team high 18 points in the first half. Once again it was Ben Gordon who would take charge in the fourth quarter however, scoring 12 of his game high 35 points in the final period to secure the win for Chicago.

Both teams struggled to put the ball in the basket in the first quarter but Cleveland managed to take control early, leading 21-16 at the end of the first quarter and maintaining the lead for most of the second quarter. A three and a driving dunk by Gordon late in the second tied the game at 36 and the teams would trade buckets with the Bulls edging ahead 42-41 at the half.

As they've done so many times this season, the Bulls extended their lead to double digits behind a strong third quarter, holding the Cavaliers to just nine points on 26.7% shooting. Showing great resolve, the Cavs fought their way back into the game in the fourth and trailed by only three with a little over two minutes remaining, the smallest fourth quarter lead the Bulls have held these entire Playoffs. A jumper by Gordon put the Bulls up by five and the Cavs would come no closer, committing a costly turnover then putting the Bulls at the line where they were able to seal the game.

Gordon added five rebounds, eight assists and two steals to his game high 35 points, while the Bulls also received 12 points from Luol Deng. Tyson Chandler and Carlos Boozer each scored six points, while Chandler had 12 rebounds and Boozer snared 13. Kirk Hinrich was also solid for Chicago with eight points, five rebounds and five assists.

James tallied three rebounds, three assists and three steals along with his 18 points, with Ilgauskas adding 12 points and eight rebounds in the loss. Drew Gooden had a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds and Larry Hughes contributed 10 points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals despite missing much of the second half due to foul trouble.

Bulls lead series 3-0

Eastern Conference Semi-Finals, Game 4
Chicago (107) at Cleveland (101)
Cavs blow 19 point fourth quarter lead, Bulls sweep


Gordon beats Snow to a loose ball in the final minute of Game 4

With a nineteen point lead in hand the Cleveland Cavaliers took a moment to celebrate with some dancing on the sideline, a display that drew some ire from their opponents.

"Like a red flag to a bull," Tyson Chandler smirked after the game.

Deafening cheers turned to stunned silence in the Quicken Loans Arena as the Chicago Bulls erased the Cavaliers' lead and escaped with a 107-101 victory, closing out the second round series in a sweep. Ben Gordon scored 23 of his 45 points during the fourth quarter run, also handing out 10 of his 13 assists in the period.

Cleveland once again began the game aggressively and jumped out to an early lead, finishing the first quarter up 22-21. Though the Bulls would take a 27-24 lead early in the second quarter, the Cavs stormed back and led by as many as nine before Chicago fought back to cut the deficit to four at 46-42 at the half.

No doubt mindful of Chicago's tendency to seize control of games in the third quarter, Cleveland exploded out of the gate to begin the second half and beat the Bulls at their own game, forcing turnovers, disrupting the offense and punishing them at the other end. The Cavaliers would outscore the Bulls 30-16 in the third to take a commanding 76-58 lead into the fourth quarter.

The Cavs extended their lead to nineteen and began to celebrate as the Bulls fumed during a timeout. "Coach just pointed at them and said 'Make them pay for that,'", Chandler explained to reporters. "Then he looked straight at Ben and said 'You know what to do'".

As Gordon began his offensive barrage, the Cavs saw their lead slowly slip away, culminating in a 10-2 run which cut the deficit to two at 86-84 with a little under four minutes left in the game. A couple of errors allowed the Cavs to push the lead back to 90-84 before a Gordon three cut the lead in half. LeBron James then made a long two, his only basket of the fourth quarter, to put the Cavs back up by five.

With Cleveland reeling, Chicago began one final push and took the lead for the first time since early in the second quarter at 99-98. After Gooden blocked a layup attempt by Gordon, the cavs raced the ball up court taking advantage of the Bulls' fractured defense in transition.

However, Chandler picked off a pass to Zydrunas Ilgauskas and sprinted up the floor after making the outlet pass to Kirk Hinrich. As Gordon was double-teamed, he found Chandler underneath for a dunk to extend the Bulls' lead to three. A steal lead to a Kyle Korver layup then following a timeout, Gordon deflected a crosscourt inbounds pass from James and beat Eric Snow to the loose ball before converting a layup to extend the lead to seven.

A three from Damon Jones cut the lead to four with under 30 seconds remaining and with time running out, the Cavs were forced to foul. The Bulls got the ball to Gordon, an 89% free throw shooter on the season, where he calmly made both to put Chicago up by six. The Cavs would not score again as it was the Bulls' turn to celebrate. They now face the winner of the Celtics/Sixers series, which the Sixers currently lead 2-1.

The Bulls got a lift from Carlos Boozer, who scored 10 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter and also grabbed seven rebounds. Luol Deng scored 14 points while Korver had 10 points off the bench. Chandler finished with six points and 14 rebounds, Hinrich added seven points, six assists and six steals.

For the Cavs, James once again top scored with 19 points to go along with four rebounds and three assists. Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Drew Gooden each had double-doubles with Ilgauskas registering 16 points and 15 rebounds while Gooden tallied 17 points and 11 rebounds. Larry Hughes also scored 19 for the Cavs in addition to recording four assists and two steals, with Damon Jones scoring 14 off the bench.

Bulls win series 4-0


Bonus pic: Tyson Chandler's crucial steal in the fourth quarter

[Andrew]

Second Round Results

[Andrew]

Eastern Conference Finals, Game 1
Philadelphia (73) at Chicago (94)
Bulls look dominant in Game 1 victory


The 76ers will look to bounce back in Game 2

The Chicago Bulls began their incredible winning streak against the Philadelphia 76ers last December. Tonight they extended their streak at Philadelphia's expense, winning Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals 94-73 to draw first blood in the series.

The 76ers have made a strong run in these Playoffs despite the absence of Chris Webber, who has been out of action since April 20th with a hyper-extended knee. Having secured the second seed in the East, the 76ers have managed to oust the Heat and Celtics, including an 86-58 drubbing of Boston in Game 6 of their second round series.

However, they looked listless in the second half against the defending champions, struggling to score despite a strong performance in the first two quarters where they kept pace with the Bulls and at times held a small lead. They were outscored 27-14 in the third quarter and let the deficit grow as large as 27 in the fourth, as the Bulls pulled their starters with 5:52 remaining in the game and cruised to victory.

MVP Ben Gordon led the way for the Bulls with 25 points, to go along with three rebounds, six assists and steals. He scored 11 of his 25 points during the Bulls' third quarter run. Kirk Hinrich also had a strong outing with 13 points, three rebounds, a team high eight assists and two steals. Luol Deng added 19 points while Carlos Boozer scored 18 points and grabbed five rebounds. Tyson Chandler led the team with 10 rebounds.

Allen Iverson scored 15 points for the 76ers, who also received 12 points and a game high 19 rebounds from Samuel Dalembert. Andre Iguodala scored 15 points of his own to go along with three rebounds. Veteran forward Jamal Mashburn also contributed 10 points.

Bulls lead series 1-0

[shadowgrin]

Sixers all the way! Bulls can suck it 'drew.

[Lamrock]

If I were a gambling man, I'd say you're on your way to a 93-5 season.