Friday, March 27, 2009

Bulls Beat Heat, Just Like Old Times 106-87

By Sean Mackey


The Bulls continued their winning ways in front of a nationally televised audience blowing out the Miami Heat 106-87.

John Salmons was once again the deciding factor, he had 27 points, 5 assists and 2 steals. Of course the dudes on Blog-a-Bull had to once again demean the win by saying he can't play defense and can't rebound. The man's a shooting guard, he's there to score the ball. We have Thomas, Noah and Miller for defense.

Tyrus Thomas had yet another double double, ending with 15 points, 12 rebounds and 3 blocks. Love that man. Noah also played a solid game as well with 10 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists.

Derrick Rose was listed as a game time decision. He ended up coming off the bench which was a smart move by VDN since Hinrich is a better D-Wade defender. Derrick led the run in the 3rd quarter to help put away the Heat for good, he ended the game with a respectable 9 points, 7 assists and 5 rebounds.

Ben Gordon scored a quiet 18 points adding 4 rebounds along the way.

Not a bad game at all. I love VDN's current 7 man rotation. These guys are playing good and looking good. The team's passing has become pretty decent and they're learning to close out games.

With this win and the Pistons loss to the Lakers, Chicago pulled into the 7th seed in the Eastern Conference and 2nd in the Central Division. The Bulls have a well deserved night off this evening but play two matinee games this weekend. They play Saturday afternoon against the dream crushing, nothing to lose Indiana Pacers and a nationally televised WGN Superstation appearance against the Toronto Raptors.

Hopefully the Bulls can continue their stellar play and possibly even move up in the rankings a little more. They've got a lot of people talking and anything is starting to seem possible.

The question on everyone's mind is, if Deng returns, does he start? I'm gonna agree with Reggie Miller and say no. This is working out way too well to try something different.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Bulls Beat Depleted Pistons Team 99-91

By Sean Mackey


Last night, the Bulls somehow pulled out a win against the current Eastern Conference 7th seed, the Detroit Pistons 99-91. This was done all without their star point guard Derrick Rose.

Kirk Hinrich started in Rose's place and lead the way with 24 points, 8 assists, 3 steals and 1 block. Not too shabby on paper but the other players looked completely lost half the game without Rose running the show.

Tyrus Thomas had an impressive 18 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists. Play by play color commentator, Reggie Miller joked the whole game that Thomas could get 10 blocks if he wanted to considering how ridiculously athletic he is. I agree, but some nights, the looks just aren't there.

Joakim Noah was excellent and very productive with 15 points and 12 rebounds. He got a few 3 points plays in the mix as well. He's starting to finish with a little more muscle than he did last season which is great. He needs to get his ass to the weight room this summer though.

John Salmons once again played decent. He didn't shoot well but still managed to get 16 points and 5 rebounds. He's just a lot more consistant than Deng is. I hope to God we can get rid of him and his outlandish contract somehow this summer.

The Bulls play another nationally televised game tomorrow night on TNT against the Miami Heat. Derrick Rose will probably be out again so I hope somehow the Bulls can pull out a win this time. They lost their first two meetings of the year, they need this one.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Bulls Win 3rd in a Row, Hold Onto 8th Seed in the East!

By Sean Mackey


The Bulls followed up their spectacular St. Patrick's Day upset against the Celtics with yet another win on the road against the OKC Thunder last night.

All I have to say is John Salmons.

This guy has been fantastic night in and night out since he was traded here a few weeks back. Luol Deng's future as a Bull could actually be in jeopardy because of how good this dude is playing. I have no idea who would want to take on his ridiculous contract but we might be able to dump him this summer along with Kirk Hinrich someplace.

The Bulls are currently holding on to the 8th and final playoff spot in the east. This would have the Bulls playing the hungry Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round.

I'd actually rather have them play Cleveland than any other of the elite teams in the east. I fear the Magic and Celtics would both tear the Bulls up in 4 or 5 games. I think they actually have a chance to win a few games against Cleveland so hopefully we don't move up in the rankings.
Saturday evening, the Bulls take on the Lakers at home in a nationally televised WGN Superstation appearance. They have two nights off in between which for some reason is never a good thing for Chicago. I hope they can pull off another shocker just to say they beat the Lakers, Magic, Cavs & Celtics this season.