Game 2 of the Chicago vs. Minnesota back to back games was the ugliest, worst game I may have ever seen played in professional basketball. That's saying a lot since I'm also a Iowa Hawkeye fan--ouch.
The 3rd and 4th quarter were so bad I had to take the clicker and turn the game off. I would have rather watched more Superbowl preview shows than that waste.
I don't even know where to begin in my tirade, but let's begin with shot selection, or lack thereof. Yeah, let's just let Tyrus Thomas take 19 foot jump shots with a hand in his face, sounds like a winning idea to me. That's like letting him run the break, everyone knows nothing promising will ever happen.
Duhon came back and was a lame duck. Wallace couldn't come close to handling Jefferson. He was about as useful as me guarding him, and I'm 5 foot 6.
Nocioni played like horribly. He'd do his bull rush (no pun intended) to the basket and either get stripped, miss, or commit the offensive foul. Shot a miserable 2-12.
The game was just so ugly. On pick and rolls, everytime the Bulls would let the guard get to the open area around the free throw line, wide freakin' open.
Hinrich was dead tired.
Chicago had 22 turnovers.
Can we get another coach please? Boylan is what he is, an assistant, not a head coach. Can you see any of the veterans really respecting his voice in the huddle or locker room? Me neither.
Great start to a west coast roadtrip, can't wait.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Minny, not once, but Twice
Yesterday was a fairly good day. The Bulls won, which already puts it in the positive. Hinrich played excellent in the 3rd and 4th quarter. Noah did the hustle thing and put in a good effort as well.
Yay, we beat the worst team in the league at home, and it was tight for a while
The Bulls may be running on three, maybe even two legs with Gordon, Smith, and Deng all out. By the way, I don't know if you saw it, but I know I caught a Viktor Khryapa siting--he threw in 11 points. That is how bad the Wolves are, and how hurt Chicago is.
Chicago and Minny are playing again right now at Minnesota, and it's tied right now in the 3rd. At half it was like 36-34 or something horrendously boring like that.
I can tell you right now Hinrich is tired from carrying the team for the past four games.
Yay, we beat the worst team in the league at home, and it was tight for a while
The Bulls may be running on three, maybe even two legs with Gordon, Smith, and Deng all out. By the way, I don't know if you saw it, but I know I caught a Viktor Khryapa siting--he threw in 11 points. That is how bad the Wolves are, and how hurt Chicago is.
Chicago and Minny are playing again right now at Minnesota, and it's tied right now in the 3rd. At half it was like 36-34 or something horrendously boring like that.
I can tell you right now Hinrich is tired from carrying the team for the past four games.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
4th Quarter Sinks Chicago
Blah.
For some reason us Chicagoans couldn't see the game tonight--Comcast what gives?
Just taking what I could from the box score and such, the fourth quarter sunk the Bulls. Neither team had strong games, with the shooting percentages being somewhere between horrible and awful.
Hinrich had another 30+ game, which is one positive. His energy and confidence is up scoring the basketball. Gordon didn't play tonight like anticipated, the Bulls definately missed his shooting and scoring tonight.
Noah took 11 shots making 3, Thomas was 5-15, Joe Smith shot something in the neighborhood of 2-12, Nocioni chipped in with a 3-13, and Wallace had 7 rebounds in 30 plus minutes.
With Gordon and Deng, the two leading scorers out, the team took it upon themselves to serve up shots to almost anyone it appears.
Thomas took 15 shots? How on earth can he take that many shots since he can't hit anything further out than a 10 footer? Hinrich was 12 for 23, maybe a few more. Whoever Nash was guarding should have taken it to him.
Like I said Comcast decided I should not be allowed to watch the game, judging by the score, thank god. Less screaming at my television, less disturbance for my neighbors. Even if the upstairs jerks make more noise than Dumbo. I digress.
17-26, Tuesday the worst team in the league arrives--Minnesota. The Bulls play the worst team at home. I would say easy W, but did lost to the Knicks, and quite frankly this is the type of game these Bulls might blow.
Worse, Al Jefferson is the best player in a position that have trouble defending recently--the 4 spot. Hold Big Al in check, and it's a W.
See you Tuesday. Adios.
For some reason us Chicagoans couldn't see the game tonight--Comcast what gives?
Just taking what I could from the box score and such, the fourth quarter sunk the Bulls. Neither team had strong games, with the shooting percentages being somewhere between horrible and awful.
Hinrich had another 30+ game, which is one positive. His energy and confidence is up scoring the basketball. Gordon didn't play tonight like anticipated, the Bulls definately missed his shooting and scoring tonight.
Noah took 11 shots making 3, Thomas was 5-15, Joe Smith shot something in the neighborhood of 2-12, Nocioni chipped in with a 3-13, and Wallace had 7 rebounds in 30 plus minutes.
With Gordon and Deng, the two leading scorers out, the team took it upon themselves to serve up shots to almost anyone it appears.
Thomas took 15 shots? How on earth can he take that many shots since he can't hit anything further out than a 10 footer? Hinrich was 12 for 23, maybe a few more. Whoever Nash was guarding should have taken it to him.
Like I said Comcast decided I should not be allowed to watch the game, judging by the score, thank god. Less screaming at my television, less disturbance for my neighbors. Even if the upstairs jerks make more noise than Dumbo. I digress.
17-26, Tuesday the worst team in the league arrives--Minnesota. The Bulls play the worst team at home. I would say easy W, but did lost to the Knicks, and quite frankly this is the type of game these Bulls might blow.
Worse, Al Jefferson is the best player in a position that have trouble defending recently--the 4 spot. Hold Big Al in check, and it's a W.
See you Tuesday. Adios.
Now before Phoenix...
Loss at Charlotte.
Maybe it was the injuries, or maybe it was the problem we have had all year long--inconsistent defense.
90-77 suggests otherwise, that the offense was awful, which is true, but defensively the Bulls offered little more than appetizers.
Hinrich and Sefolosha combined 12-36 isn't going to cut it.
Okafor dominated, going something like 10-13 and 26 points. Ben Wallace please do something.
It's easy to tell that he's dejected. He isn't used to having a season like this, and his body language is down. He's just going through the motions, with no sense or urgency.
We need leadership asap. If Adrian Griffin is the vocal leader, we need a new director--and an interim coach isn't going to cut it.
The Phoenix game is up in under an hour. EEEeek. This is a game where Gordon will help (he's supposed to play). His shooting will help, and maybe Hinrich's stroke will show up in the up and down game.
If the Bulls go down early, look for the heads to hang, and for the score to be scary bad for Chicago.
Let's hope for the best.
Maybe it was the injuries, or maybe it was the problem we have had all year long--inconsistent defense.
90-77 suggests otherwise, that the offense was awful, which is true, but defensively the Bulls offered little more than appetizers.
Hinrich and Sefolosha combined 12-36 isn't going to cut it.
Okafor dominated, going something like 10-13 and 26 points. Ben Wallace please do something.
It's easy to tell that he's dejected. He isn't used to having a season like this, and his body language is down. He's just going through the motions, with no sense or urgency.
We need leadership asap. If Adrian Griffin is the vocal leader, we need a new director--and an interim coach isn't going to cut it.
The Phoenix game is up in under an hour. EEEeek. This is a game where Gordon will help (he's supposed to play). His shooting will help, and maybe Hinrich's stroke will show up in the up and down game.
If the Bulls go down early, look for the heads to hang, and for the score to be scary bad for Chicago.
Let's hope for the best.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Re-Dedicated--No Bull
I apologize.
This blogger has taken quite the break from the internet, and I have since decided it's wise to continue blogging. I enjoy it when I sit down and do it, plus I love to get the word out. A career as a journalist, I need as much practice as I can get. Plus covering a subject that I have a passion for such as the Chicago Bulls is well worth the time.
Well since my last post, the Bulls have fired Scott Skiles, put Jim Boylan in as interim head coach, put in a 17-24 record, beaten the Piston two more times (bingo), and have lost Gordon and Deng to injuries, at least for the time being.
I just read in the Chicago Tribune that the Bulls are only 1 game out of the 8th spot in the Eastern Conference Playoffs--nice?
Being the optimist I am, I have a great hunch we could climb over New Jersey, Atlanta (what are they doing here?), and Indiana (Jermaine is hurt, and well you saw what we did to them without him 108-95).
Ok, for giggles, we'd be up to the 7th seed, probably playing--the Pistons. Eek, the playoffs is no regular season. I'll be hoping for a 6th seed, where either Cleveland, Orlando will land. Washington is playing out of their minds without Gil, and when he comes back the chemistry is going to take a big hit, since Caron Butler has been nothing short of spectacular. Gil needs the ball to effective, it will interesting to see how they go.
Jose Calderon is solid, but they still feel a hit without T.J. Ford, really does kind of hurt the depth. Jamario "Who?" Moon has been a pleasant surprise, yet another reason GM Bryan Colangelo is one of the best in the league--minus Bargnani, where has he been this year? Having said that, I believe they will pick it up and go ahead of Washington in the standings.
If somehow Chicago can squeak in a streak with a Washington stumble, we could potentially still nail that 6th seed, which would be huge. Playing Orlando or Cleveland is better than Detroit or Boston anyday. But away from the hopefully future....
Kirk woke up with a career high 38 against the Pacers. Without Gordon or Deng, who else was going to shoot more? Captain stood up. Props.
Infact that was a great team game, Noc played well, Noah did as well, Thabo has showed progression. Even though it's not a very good Pacer team minus their best player, I was delighted to see team ball, because we were without our other top 2 players as well.
I firmly believe we should trade Gordon. When he's in the game, he's a great shooter and scorer really. But notice the team watches as he either pulls up for a contested jumper, or just waits for him to dish it out when he hits the trees. He's short for the 2 spot and is always exploited by the opposition, usually making our main ball handler on the best offensive guard on the other team.
Understand the amount of energy that Hinrich exerts during the course of a game because of his defense--his legs just aren't there at the end of games on his jumper. Now the Pacer game, he understood he could play loose, not worry about getting Gordon a shot or Deng. I've always believed that having Gordon makes others on the team tenative on the offensive end of the floor.
Hinrich was aggressive, he has the quicks to get by most guards, a great passer--despite the low 6.1 assists per, it's because he's passing to jumpshooters. And he's a solid deep shooter, but at a stand still, not moving. I hope he continues to understand that he shouldn't worry about just passing on the perimeter, but play like he can.
Noah should start. Period.
Big Ben should either sit, or played less minutes to make room for more Gray/Thomas. Noah can play the 4 or 5 since he's 7 feet tall, but mobile enough to guard 4's. Thomas is a natural 4, Gray is a five, and Joe Smith can play both.
I understand that this season has been a major disappointment, but it's the EAST. We have the second half to pull it together, rest, and find something build upon. If we can somehow unload Wallace that'd be nothing short of amazing. Gordon can be a 6th man, but your sixth man shouldn't be the main focal point of an offense.
Don't give up on Deng yet either, he's been hurt or nagged by some injury all year. Granted he hasn't been aggressive, settling for jumpers like he's Earl Boykins, but give him time. Maybe he'll remember he's 6 foot 9.
Here's to hoping and just plain hope.
And a win tonight against Charlotte.
This blogger has taken quite the break from the internet, and I have since decided it's wise to continue blogging. I enjoy it when I sit down and do it, plus I love to get the word out. A career as a journalist, I need as much practice as I can get. Plus covering a subject that I have a passion for such as the Chicago Bulls is well worth the time.
Well since my last post, the Bulls have fired Scott Skiles, put Jim Boylan in as interim head coach, put in a 17-24 record, beaten the Piston two more times (bingo), and have lost Gordon and Deng to injuries, at least for the time being.
I just read in the Chicago Tribune that the Bulls are only 1 game out of the 8th spot in the Eastern Conference Playoffs--nice?
Being the optimist I am, I have a great hunch we could climb over New Jersey, Atlanta (what are they doing here?), and Indiana (Jermaine is hurt, and well you saw what we did to them without him 108-95).
Ok, for giggles, we'd be up to the 7th seed, probably playing--the Pistons. Eek, the playoffs is no regular season. I'll be hoping for a 6th seed, where either Cleveland, Orlando will land. Washington is playing out of their minds without Gil, and when he comes back the chemistry is going to take a big hit, since Caron Butler has been nothing short of spectacular. Gil needs the ball to effective, it will interesting to see how they go.
Jose Calderon is solid, but they still feel a hit without T.J. Ford, really does kind of hurt the depth. Jamario "Who?" Moon has been a pleasant surprise, yet another reason GM Bryan Colangelo is one of the best in the league--minus Bargnani, where has he been this year? Having said that, I believe they will pick it up and go ahead of Washington in the standings.
If somehow Chicago can squeak in a streak with a Washington stumble, we could potentially still nail that 6th seed, which would be huge. Playing Orlando or Cleveland is better than Detroit or Boston anyday. But away from the hopefully future....
Kirk woke up with a career high 38 against the Pacers. Without Gordon or Deng, who else was going to shoot more? Captain stood up. Props.
Infact that was a great team game, Noc played well, Noah did as well, Thabo has showed progression. Even though it's not a very good Pacer team minus their best player, I was delighted to see team ball, because we were without our other top 2 players as well.
I firmly believe we should trade Gordon. When he's in the game, he's a great shooter and scorer really. But notice the team watches as he either pulls up for a contested jumper, or just waits for him to dish it out when he hits the trees. He's short for the 2 spot and is always exploited by the opposition, usually making our main ball handler on the best offensive guard on the other team.
Understand the amount of energy that Hinrich exerts during the course of a game because of his defense--his legs just aren't there at the end of games on his jumper. Now the Pacer game, he understood he could play loose, not worry about getting Gordon a shot or Deng. I've always believed that having Gordon makes others on the team tenative on the offensive end of the floor.
Hinrich was aggressive, he has the quicks to get by most guards, a great passer--despite the low 6.1 assists per, it's because he's passing to jumpshooters. And he's a solid deep shooter, but at a stand still, not moving. I hope he continues to understand that he shouldn't worry about just passing on the perimeter, but play like he can.
Noah should start. Period.
Big Ben should either sit, or played less minutes to make room for more Gray/Thomas. Noah can play the 4 or 5 since he's 7 feet tall, but mobile enough to guard 4's. Thomas is a natural 4, Gray is a five, and Joe Smith can play both.
I understand that this season has been a major disappointment, but it's the EAST. We have the second half to pull it together, rest, and find something build upon. If we can somehow unload Wallace that'd be nothing short of amazing. Gordon can be a 6th man, but your sixth man shouldn't be the main focal point of an offense.
Don't give up on Deng yet either, he's been hurt or nagged by some injury all year. Granted he hasn't been aggressive, settling for jumpers like he's Earl Boykins, but give him time. Maybe he'll remember he's 6 foot 9.
Here's to hoping and just plain hope.
And a win tonight against Charlotte.
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