By Sean Mackey
The Bulls were able to squeak out a win Monday night as they defeated the Denver Nuggets 94-92 at home. Derrick Rose was able to muster up 18 points on a terrible 7-21 shooting night along with dishing out 6 assists. Taj Gibson continued to impress scoring 16 points, grabbing 6 boards and blocking 5 shots. Luol Deng scored 17 points and grabbed 7 boards. Joakim Noah was easily the player of the game recording his 6th consecutive double-double of the season scoring 12 points, pulling down 19 rebounds and blocking 4 shots. Carmelo Anthony had a ridiculously good game for Denver scoring 32 points and grabbing 8 rebounds but it wasn't enough.
This was one of those back and forth games that lasted the whole 48 minutes. Chicago was just scrappier in the end with Joakim blocking some big shots down the stretch and Derrick Rose trying to fix what he did wrong in the first half. It wasn't a pretty game but a win is a win.
It's great to see the Bulls come out with a victory after losing 2 games they should have won this last week against New York and Boston. New York just got lucky and couldn't miss from the 3 point line and Chicago just slipped up a little in overtime against Boston. All of the Bulls games this season have been close, it's not like they're not putting in a good effort and getting blown out. Chicago comes out to play every night and once Boozer comes back and gets acclimated into Tom Thibodeau's system, the Bulls will be good. In fact, I think they'll be better than the overachieving Skiles lead, 49 win squad from a few years ago.
If Chicago was able to somehow acquire a more consistent double figure scoring shooting guard and a decent back up point guard, they'd be right up there with Boston and Orlando in terms of talent. Trading away Kirk Hinrich was a big mistake, he would have been perfect in this offense. The Bulls always make a trade mid season and it'll be interesting to see who gets shipped off at the deadline this season.
The Bulls have 2 home games left against Golden State (Thursday) and Washington (Saturday) before heading out west for the dreaded 7 game circus trip. Chicago really needs to win both games to help pad their record because the road trip is going to be really rough with games against Dallas, San Antonio & the LA Lakers.
Bulls host David Lee and the Golden State Warriors on Thursday (11/11). You can catch the game on CSN Chicago and NBA League Pass.
