Why I love Coach! This is awesome!
Thanks for the video to our reader Mikey
Monday, February 28, 2011
MARQUETTE COACH BUZZ WILLIAMS' KARAOKE SESSION
BULLS GAME 57 RECAP - by Kent McDill
Bulls beat Bucks
By Kent McDill
I'm going to tell you now all the things that have happened to me regarding the Bulls between Thursday's win over Miami and Saturday's win over Milwaukee. I have had two men in separate conversations tell me there is something magical about the 2010-11 Bulls. Now, while I am the sort to believe in magical things, it was kind of surprising to have the same adjective used by these two guys.
I'm not sure magical is the right word, but this is a unique season for the franchise. Players are taking advantage of their opportunities, players are enjoying their roles no matter what those roles might be, and Derrick Rose is fulfilling his promise to be one of the best players in the National Basketball Association.
I took my sons to dinner Saturday night to a pizza place that has about two dozen TV monitors. When we got there, they had the Notre Dame game on, the Illinois game on, they even had one monitor tuned to the NFL combine in Indianapolis. I told the manager we were there to watch the Bulls game, and half the monitors got turned to the contest in Milwaukee. Nobody bothered to say thank you, but that's OK. Batman never stuck around to hear the thank you's, either.
The way they played the first half, maybe there was a reason nobody said thank you. The Bulls and Bucks played to a 39-39 tie, and it was really putrid. The Bulls had no energy, failed to make easy buckets, failed to grab free-for-all rebounds, it was just unpleasant to watch.
Stacey King, the TV analyst, said it felt like the Bulls were in control even though they weren't playing well, and I agreed. I didn't think there was much chance of them losing the game, but that doesn't mean I enjoyed watching them battle in pudding against the worst offensive team in the league. It all worked out, and the Bulls went 2-1 on the week back from the break.
Luol Deng had 19 points and Derrick Rose had 17 points on seven for 19 shooting. Is there anyone out there that would like to see Rose shoot 50 percent sometime in the future? Rose also had a subpar four assists.
Joakim Noah came close to his first double-double since returning from injury with 17 assists and eight points, and Omer Asik again played well as Noah's backup with six rebounds. But the Bulls shot 41 percent in the game, and that's not good.
I know there are going to be games like this in the NBA, which is one of the things I hate about the NBA. The Bulls play four more games on the road before coming home, and I hope they aren't all like this one.
HERO: Let's give it to Noah, who had more offensive rebounds (nine) than defensive rebounds (eight). If he is going to get back to 100 percent soon, the Bulls should indeed be a force to deal with in their last 25 games.
Click Here to Read More..
By Kent McDill
I'm going to tell you now all the things that have happened to me regarding the Bulls between Thursday's win over Miami and Saturday's win over Milwaukee. I have had two men in separate conversations tell me there is something magical about the 2010-11 Bulls. Now, while I am the sort to believe in magical things, it was kind of surprising to have the same adjective used by these two guys.
I'm not sure magical is the right word, but this is a unique season for the franchise. Players are taking advantage of their opportunities, players are enjoying their roles no matter what those roles might be, and Derrick Rose is fulfilling his promise to be one of the best players in the National Basketball Association.
I took my sons to dinner Saturday night to a pizza place that has about two dozen TV monitors. When we got there, they had the Notre Dame game on, the Illinois game on, they even had one monitor tuned to the NFL combine in Indianapolis. I told the manager we were there to watch the Bulls game, and half the monitors got turned to the contest in Milwaukee. Nobody bothered to say thank you, but that's OK. Batman never stuck around to hear the thank you's, either.
The way they played the first half, maybe there was a reason nobody said thank you. The Bulls and Bucks played to a 39-39 tie, and it was really putrid. The Bulls had no energy, failed to make easy buckets, failed to grab free-for-all rebounds, it was just unpleasant to watch.
Stacey King, the TV analyst, said it felt like the Bulls were in control even though they weren't playing well, and I agreed. I didn't think there was much chance of them losing the game, but that doesn't mean I enjoyed watching them battle in pudding against the worst offensive team in the league. It all worked out, and the Bulls went 2-1 on the week back from the break.
Luol Deng had 19 points and Derrick Rose had 17 points on seven for 19 shooting. Is there anyone out there that would like to see Rose shoot 50 percent sometime in the future? Rose also had a subpar four assists.
Joakim Noah came close to his first double-double since returning from injury with 17 assists and eight points, and Omer Asik again played well as Noah's backup with six rebounds. But the Bulls shot 41 percent in the game, and that's not good.
I know there are going to be games like this in the NBA, which is one of the things I hate about the NBA. The Bulls play four more games on the road before coming home, and I hope they aren't all like this one.
HERO: Let's give it to Noah, who had more offensive rebounds (nine) than defensive rebounds (eight). If he is going to get back to 100 percent soon, the Bulls should indeed be a force to deal with in their last 25 games.
NFL HOPEFUL NICK SCHRANK'S 3 FEET HIGH BALL JUMP
You guys decide, is this better than Gilbert's pool jump?
Thursday, February 24, 2011
BULLS GAME 56 RECAP - by Kent McDill
Bulls Heat
By Kent McDill
According to Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau, every game is equal importance. He's weird that way.
The Bulls' impressive 93-89 victory over the Miami Heat Thursday was so significant, it makes everyone forget that the Bulls lost to the Toronto Raptors the night before. Nothing matters other than the fact the Bulls came back from an 11-point deficit in the second half, built a nine-point lead, let that lead disappear then forced their will upon the game in the final five minutes to take their second victory of the season from Miami.
More important than the victory was the way the Bulls won. In a game heralded as a match between Miami's Big Three of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh and the Bulls Big Three of Derrick Rose, Carlos Boozer and Joakim Noah, it was Luol Deng who won the game for the Bulls. With his 20 points, 18 in the second half, his 10 rebounds and his stiff defense against James, Deng proved that he is a key component to the Bulls. Perhaps he is not one of the Big Three; maybe the Bulls have a Big Four.
I asked Deng if his third quarter performance, which garnered him the biggest ovation he has ever received in the United Center, was a statement by him that he needs to be considered among the Bulls' key contributors.
"There are 12 men that dress and five guys on the floor,'' Deng said. "It takes more than three guys to make a team."
"Big Shot Lu,'' Rose said. "He's the reason why we won tonight and I'm happy for him. He played great, he played hard and he hit some big shots."
As the Bulls were fighting back from their 11-point deficit in the third quarter, Deng made a basket, then went down to the other end, stole the ball from James and made a lay-up, cutting Miami's lead to 63-62. It was at that point that the UC let Deng hear their appreciation. A minute later, Deng had a block on James on a drive and the crowd again went insane.
The game came hours after it was determined that the Bulls were not going to make any trades on the deadline day. It seemed like everyone else did: Boston, New Orleans, Cleveland, Charlotte, Golden State, Houston, the trades just kept coming in. But the Bulls did not succumb to whatever pressure existed to change their lineup.
There is something to be said for the chemistry that exists in the Bulls locker room, not to mention the depth that exists on the 12-man roster. Nothing proved that more than the contribution of Omer Asik Thursday.
Joakim Noah, playing his second game on a back-to-back after missing 30 games with a repaired right thumb, ran into James on a fast break less than four minutes into the third quarter. He was called for the charge, and then asked out of the game.
Asik came in and completed his best day as a Bull, with 11 rebounds and no points. He had no points because he took no shots.
I will tell you something else about this game. The Miami Heat is not going to win anything with 2 1/2 men on the club. The NBA does not work that way, not in the playoffs.
HERO: Luol Deng was seven for 12 from the field, had 10 rebounds, including three offensive, made all five of his free throws, had five assists, a steal and a blocked shot. It is time to fully appreciate this guy, even when he has his disappearing moments.
Click Here to Read More..
By Kent McDill
According to Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau, every game is equal importance. He's weird that way.
The Bulls' impressive 93-89 victory over the Miami Heat Thursday was so significant, it makes everyone forget that the Bulls lost to the Toronto Raptors the night before. Nothing matters other than the fact the Bulls came back from an 11-point deficit in the second half, built a nine-point lead, let that lead disappear then forced their will upon the game in the final five minutes to take their second victory of the season from Miami.
More important than the victory was the way the Bulls won. In a game heralded as a match between Miami's Big Three of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh and the Bulls Big Three of Derrick Rose, Carlos Boozer and Joakim Noah, it was Luol Deng who won the game for the Bulls. With his 20 points, 18 in the second half, his 10 rebounds and his stiff defense against James, Deng proved that he is a key component to the Bulls. Perhaps he is not one of the Big Three; maybe the Bulls have a Big Four.
I asked Deng if his third quarter performance, which garnered him the biggest ovation he has ever received in the United Center, was a statement by him that he needs to be considered among the Bulls' key contributors.
"There are 12 men that dress and five guys on the floor,'' Deng said. "It takes more than three guys to make a team."
"Big Shot Lu,'' Rose said. "He's the reason why we won tonight and I'm happy for him. He played great, he played hard and he hit some big shots."
As the Bulls were fighting back from their 11-point deficit in the third quarter, Deng made a basket, then went down to the other end, stole the ball from James and made a lay-up, cutting Miami's lead to 63-62. It was at that point that the UC let Deng hear their appreciation. A minute later, Deng had a block on James on a drive and the crowd again went insane.
The game came hours after it was determined that the Bulls were not going to make any trades on the deadline day. It seemed like everyone else did: Boston, New Orleans, Cleveland, Charlotte, Golden State, Houston, the trades just kept coming in. But the Bulls did not succumb to whatever pressure existed to change their lineup.
There is something to be said for the chemistry that exists in the Bulls locker room, not to mention the depth that exists on the 12-man roster. Nothing proved that more than the contribution of Omer Asik Thursday.
Joakim Noah, playing his second game on a back-to-back after missing 30 games with a repaired right thumb, ran into James on a fast break less than four minutes into the third quarter. He was called for the charge, and then asked out of the game.
Asik came in and completed his best day as a Bull, with 11 rebounds and no points. He had no points because he took no shots.
I will tell you something else about this game. The Miami Heat is not going to win anything with 2 1/2 men on the club. The NBA does not work that way, not in the playoffs.
HERO: Luol Deng was seven for 12 from the field, had 10 rebounds, including three offensive, made all five of his free throws, had five assists, a steal and a blocked shot. It is time to fully appreciate this guy, even when he has his disappearing moments.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
INTERVIEW SERIES - Q & A WITH BULLS ASSISTANT COACH RON ADAMS by Amit T
AT: Hello everyone, this is Amit Tailor from DSS. I am with Coach Ron Adams of the Chicago Bulls, formerly with the Oklahoma City Thunder. We are at the Charitabulls Dinner. Coach, welcome back to Chicago. How do you like being here for your second stint with the Bulls?
RA: It’s been good and the adjustment isn’t quite as difficult.
AT: After coaching in OKC last year, what is different about this Bulls team?
RA: Well, this team is a little bit older. Both teams are similar in one respect in that they both have really good people on the team, and I think that makes for good chemistry. I think our chemistry here is good, but I think both teams share one thing which is important from a coaching standpoint, and that is everyday in both situations, the players look forward to seeing you and look forward to working with us. We have a great group of guys here, they’re diligent, they work hard. Tom [Thibodeau] has done a good job of getting across his philosophy of basketball and they’ve bought in well.
AT: Excellent. Have you seen defensive improvement with this team from the beginning of the season to where we are right now?
RA: I’ve seen a lot of improvement with a number of players. There were returning players in this program who I’ve worked with for five years, like Luol Deng, who are very sound defensive players. And we had other players coming in, the new guys, many of whom had to get acclimated to what the demands defensively were, and I think for the most part everyone has made good progress, some guys better than others. Defense is something that if you put a lot into it, if you’re diligent and focused, everyone can do a pretty good job. In some cases it’s breaking down old habits and learning new habits, and also Coach Thibadeau’s practices are very well structured, very quick-hitting, very fundamental-oriented, and I think this has helped some of our guys become excellent defenders.
AT: When you coached in Oklahoma City, you got to mentor Russell Westbrook, and he creates a lot of match up problems. With Derrick Rose and Russell Westbrook being different types of point guards, how does Derrick Rose create match up problems?
RA: I think Derrick is more of a point guard than Russell is. Russell is a capable playmaker, but terrific scorer, terrific offensive rebounder, as is Derrick. Both are terrific athletes. Russell is a marvelous kid, and a top-of-the-line athlete. He’s got Michael Jordan kind of athletic ability and he’s slightly bigger than Derrick, he’s 6’4”ish. Derrick is very similar athletically. Derrick is also a phenomenal athlete. Also, I would say genius, if I can use that word. The real foundation in Derrick’s makeup, which is different from any player that I’ve worked with, is that he has no agenda. He doesn’t go into a game saying I’m averaging 24.5 points per game and I’ve got to score 24.5 points. His approach to the game is phenomenal. Russell has a stronger desire to score. His personality is kind of built around that a little bit more, so I think that separates them some more. From an assist standpoint, both are pretty much at the same statistical point in the top ten in assists. The context in which Russell plays is a more up-and-down the court context, which is helpful for him. We kind of play a different game here. We are a pretty good open court team, but also a pretty good half-court team. I have no doubts that if Derrick were a different kind of person he could lead the league in scoring, His jump shot is coming along well, his three point shot is coming along well. It’s a terrific ride where every night he’s operating against stacked defenses. One advantage Russell has is that Kevin Durant is in front of him, and Kevin Durant is a monster.
AT: That’s a very helpful person to have on the floor. The last question I have is with Derrick Rose attacking the basket with no regard, many teams are bringing a lot of double teams to try to get the ball out of his hands. What can the other guys do to help him out?
RA: I would say there’s only one game this year where that was a vexing problem. For the most part it’s worked into our hands. I can tell you from experience in coaching against Derrick a year ago that we would have never trapped him the way teams are trapping him now because Joakim Noah was on the floor, so basically you pass to Noah and he becomes the playmaker at the free throw line. We have implemented the same philosophy this year and some of our guys are doing this well, like Carlos Boozer and Kurt Thomas. To me, when I see teams doing this to us, it’s actually working to our advantage because they’re double teaming really close to the mid-court line, which spaces the floor for us. I will guarantee you whenever Noah is back, you will not see these type of double teams, because last year it resulted in baskets. It’s automatic. Also, Joakim is a very good driver from the free throw line area as well, I would say one of our top three playmakers. That kind of strategy at the baseline has not been that effective.
AT: Thank you, Coach Adams. We really appreciate your time and wish you the best of luck for the rest of the season.
RA: Thank you so much. Good to see you again, Amit.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
DON'T FAULT MELO - by Abrar A.
When D. Wade decided to stay in Miami last summer and play for the Heat, I was really disappointed. I didn’t care so much that he didn’t come to play for the Bulls; I cared that I wouldn’t have the opportunity to see him play 41 times a season. But it was his choice and after walking to work in sub-zero degree wind chill temperatures and 20 inches of snow, can anyone really blame him?
The key phrase is that he made the choice to play in Miami. Wade got to choose where he wanted to play and not to play. The same goes for Lebron James, Chris Bosh, Carlos Boozer and etc. Now, the same goes for Carmelo Anthony. What I’ve never understood is why fans get upset at players leaving when if the same rules applied to them, they would leave at their first chance.
Here’s an interesting hypothetical. Let’s say you were born and raised in New York City. Your friends live in NYC. Your family lives in NYC. You even went to high school in NYC. You attend college in New York and graduate with an accounting degree. You are highly in demand. Most accounting scouts have you pegged as one of the top talents in field.
Yet, because you’re greatest skill resides in accounting, you don’t have a choice where you work because the Big 4 accounting firms decided to not directly compete against one another for talent. Instead they hold a draft every April. Your choice is reduced to either submit yourself to the draft or go overseas. You have no choice but to enter the draft.
On the day of the draft, you are chosen by the Pricewaterhouse Coopers’ Denver branch. You walk up to the stage, put on your PWC hat and shake hands with the PWC CEO. A couple of months later you pack up all your belongings and go to a strange city where you know no one and know nothing about the city.
Such is the life of all the NBA stars. You may argue that NBA players make millions so they should just deal with it. However, principles should not change because of the money involved. To me it doesn’t make a difference whether anyone make $1 or $10,000,000. The point is that all workers should have a choice where they want to work, including millionaire basketball players. So if Carmelo Anthony wants to go back home to NYC, play across the river in NJ or even go join Wade, Lebron and Bosh in Miami, then no one should fault him.
Abrar A. is a litigation and labor attorney from Chicago, Illinois. He hates the Cover-2 defense and is waiting for the day the Bears get a new coach. Abrar also has a man-crush on D.Wade that is only rivaled by Docksquad's own man-crush on DRose. Abrar A. will be freelancing for DSS.
Friday, February 18, 2011
HIGHLIGHTS OF DERRICK ROSE'S CAREER HIGH VS THE SPURS 2/17/2011
Highlights from DRose's masterpiece yesterday...
MVP! MVP! MVP!
Click Here to Read More..
MVP! MVP! MVP!
BULLS GAME 54 RECAP - by Kent McDill
Rose leads Bulls over Spurs
By Kent McDill
Derrick Rose said it was a statement game, and then he went out and made the statement. Feeling it like he has not felt if for some time, Rose made 18 of 28 shots and scored a career-high 42 points, including 13 in the fourth quarter, to lead the Bulls to a 109-99 win over the best team in the league, the San Antonio Spurs.
With the win, the Bulls now have a victory over every Western Conference team this season. The victory moved them to a record of 38-16 going into the All-Star break. When they next play, they will be in Toronto and Joakim Noah could be in uniform for the first time in 30 games. The Bulls are 22-8 this season without him.
Several players made key contributions in the remarkable shootout Thursday. The Bulls shot 54 percent for the game, as Luol Deng contributed 19 points, seven rebounds and five assists, Carlos Boozer had 15 points and Ronnie Brewer had nine points off the bench. All 10 Bulls players scored.
So what does it mean? Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said it means nothing other than another win, but Rose certainly feels differently.
"We have a lot of confidence now, knowing that we can beat some of the best teams in the NBA,'' Rose said. "We just have to keep it going. When we come back we have to keep focused. We have to work even harder. We've still got to go and try to win a championship."
Isn't that just amazing, that the Bulls are talking about a championship? But as I have said before, I can paint that picture. I can see the Bulls beating any team they meet in the playoffs. I'm not saying they will, or that I would bet on them, but I can see it happening.
The Spurs shot 49 percent Thursday, but the Bulls still played strong defense. Their movement and willingness to contest shots is going to carry them a long way if they can do it in the playoffs.
Rose remains an amazing gift, and his personal performance Thursday was reminiscent of Michael Jordan when he would decide to take over a game.
"Hard working, good looking, no chest-thumping, and modest demeanor,'' Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. "Just a class act. All of that on top of his phenomenal play. What's really great about him is that he seems to love the pressure in putting his team on his back. Superstars have that character and leadership gene."
Is everybody enjoying this, because you sure should?
HERO: Rose was incredible. He willed the team to victory, just like Jordan used to. The Bulls are so lucky to have him. As Popovich said, it's more than his playing ability, it's his attitude toward his job.
Click Here to Read More..
By Kent McDill
Derrick Rose said it was a statement game, and then he went out and made the statement. Feeling it like he has not felt if for some time, Rose made 18 of 28 shots and scored a career-high 42 points, including 13 in the fourth quarter, to lead the Bulls to a 109-99 win over the best team in the league, the San Antonio Spurs.
With the win, the Bulls now have a victory over every Western Conference team this season. The victory moved them to a record of 38-16 going into the All-Star break. When they next play, they will be in Toronto and Joakim Noah could be in uniform for the first time in 30 games. The Bulls are 22-8 this season without him.
Several players made key contributions in the remarkable shootout Thursday. The Bulls shot 54 percent for the game, as Luol Deng contributed 19 points, seven rebounds and five assists, Carlos Boozer had 15 points and Ronnie Brewer had nine points off the bench. All 10 Bulls players scored.
So what does it mean? Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said it means nothing other than another win, but Rose certainly feels differently.
"We have a lot of confidence now, knowing that we can beat some of the best teams in the NBA,'' Rose said. "We just have to keep it going. When we come back we have to keep focused. We have to work even harder. We've still got to go and try to win a championship."
Isn't that just amazing, that the Bulls are talking about a championship? But as I have said before, I can paint that picture. I can see the Bulls beating any team they meet in the playoffs. I'm not saying they will, or that I would bet on them, but I can see it happening.
The Spurs shot 49 percent Thursday, but the Bulls still played strong defense. Their movement and willingness to contest shots is going to carry them a long way if they can do it in the playoffs.
Rose remains an amazing gift, and his personal performance Thursday was reminiscent of Michael Jordan when he would decide to take over a game.
"Hard working, good looking, no chest-thumping, and modest demeanor,'' Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. "Just a class act. All of that on top of his phenomenal play. What's really great about him is that he seems to love the pressure in putting his team on his back. Superstars have that character and leadership gene."
Is everybody enjoying this, because you sure should?
HERO: Rose was incredible. He willed the team to victory, just like Jordan used to. The Bulls are so lucky to have him. As Popovich said, it's more than his playing ability, it's his attitude toward his job.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
NFL NETWORK TELEVISION DEALS - by Abrar A.
The NFL and the NFLPA were involved in a ruling that has major implications for the NFL collective bargaining process. Due to Super Bowl Week, the news may have gone unnoticed that a Special Master has ruled that the NFL owners are allowed to keep the hundreds of millions from the television networks (CBS, NBC, FOX and ESPN) in the event of a lockout. What this means practically is that the owners’ lockout will be funded by unearned television money.
When the NFL reached agreements for the broadcasting rights to their games, it inserted into those contracts a clause which requires the networks to continue payments in the event of a lockout. The networks will receive credit at the end of their contracts for any lost games due to a work stoppage; but essentially, the owners will receive funds for games that aren’t played.
The NFLPA has a problem with those contracts. The current NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement requires that in the event of a dispute between the NFLPA and the Owners, a Special Master will be appointed by the U.S. Courts to issue a ruling. The U.S. District Court appointed Stephen B. Burbank, Professor of Law at the University of Pennsylvania Law School, to serve as Special Master.
The NFLPA attempted to get the Mr. Burbank to order that the network money be placed in an escrow account until a new agreement can be reached. The NFLPA argued that the NFL acted in bad faith i.e. it took less money from the networks in exchange for the guarantee that it would continue receiving payments in the event of a work stoppage. However, Mr. Burbank appeared unfazed by this argument and he ruled that the NFL owners can keep the funds.
Although I am sure Mr. Burbank has a legal basis for issuing his ruling, it is however a terrible ruling for those hoping that an agreement can be reached quickly. As I stated in a previous column, the main source of revenue for the NFL are the television contracts. If owners continue receiving payments for not putting a product on the field, then they can starve the players out until the NFLPA buckles into the NFL’s demands. To me, this is another example of billionaires who use their leverage and power to gain an unfair advantage over its own workers.
People argue that this is a case of millionaires versus billionaires but essentially these “millionaire” athletes in the NFL have an average length of career that spans only a few years. Now these workers are entering an uneven playing field in which they ultimately will be forced to take a bad deal. I personally hope the players do not cave even though I am sure they will. The players do not have the strength in unity to run up the field together.
The NFLPA will file an appeal to the U.S. Courts but unless there is some clear error in Mr. Burbank’s ruling, the chances of reversal are slim to none. Enjoy the Super Bowl everyone because it might be the last football you see in a while.
Abrar A. is a litigation and labor attorney from Chicago, Illinois. He hates the Cover-2 defense and is waiting for the day the Bears get a new coach. Abrar also has a man-crush on D.Wade that is only rivaled by Docksquad's own man-crush on DRose. Abrar A. will be freelancing for DSS.
BULLS GAME 53 RECAP - by Kent McDill
Bulls beat Bobcats
By Kent McDill
Every time the Bulls have had something to prove this season, they have gone out and proved it. They did it again Tuesday night by beating the Charlotte Bobcats 106-94, recording their first win against the upstart team in three tries.
Derrick Rose had 18 points and 13 assists, and Luol Deng had a quiet 24 points in a performance that showed when the Bulls really want to win, they usually win.
Rose had declared on Monday that the Bulls should win the game easily if they play their game, but it wasn't easy. Twice the Bulls opened up double-digit leads only to see the Bobcats come back to tie or even take the lead. The Bobcats are a dangerous team, and they lurk just outside the playoff picture with about 30 games left in the season. They would be a difficult first round matchup.
But the Bulls finally put them away with a big fourth quarter, led by Deng and Kyle Korver, who had two big 3-pointers late and finished five for five from the field. Korver finished with 15 points off the bench.
The game was interesting because of the audience. Michael Jordan, who runs the Bobcats, sat next to former teammate Scottie Pippen near the Charlotte bench. Jordan has become a very vocal leader for the Bobcats, and has practiced with them a couple of times in an attempt to push them to their form of greatness. But Jordan could not lift his team over a Bulls squad that has won six straight and 14 of their last 15 at home. That lone loss was to the Bobcats back in December.
The game marked the 1,000th game for center Kurt Thomas, and who thought he was going to contribute the way he has so far this season. As Joakim Noah's replacement during Noah's soon-to-end injury sabbatical, Thomas has done so much to help the Bulls maintain their position among the top three teams in the Eastern Conference.
Oh, yeah, and Keith Bogans contributed three 3-pointers Tuesday as well. Can you imagine if Bogans can hit that shot consistently, what it would do to opponents who decide to aggressively double-team Rose as the Bobcats did?
The Bulls finish the unofficial first half of the season with a home game Thursday against the team with the best record in the league, San Antonio. After that, the All-Star Game comes up this weekend in Los Angeles, followed by the final two seasons of the regular season, during which the Bulls will chase Boston and Miami and try to hold off Orlando for key playoff position.
HERO: Kyle Korver is a better player than most people know. He is not a horrible defender, and does a very good job chasing out to an opponent when the Bulls are in a double team and need to rotate out. His offense is unquestioned, and he showed that Tuesday. He is a very big key to the Bulls' success this season.
Click Here to Read More..
By Kent McDill
Every time the Bulls have had something to prove this season, they have gone out and proved it. They did it again Tuesday night by beating the Charlotte Bobcats 106-94, recording their first win against the upstart team in three tries.
Derrick Rose had 18 points and 13 assists, and Luol Deng had a quiet 24 points in a performance that showed when the Bulls really want to win, they usually win.
Rose had declared on Monday that the Bulls should win the game easily if they play their game, but it wasn't easy. Twice the Bulls opened up double-digit leads only to see the Bobcats come back to tie or even take the lead. The Bobcats are a dangerous team, and they lurk just outside the playoff picture with about 30 games left in the season. They would be a difficult first round matchup.
But the Bulls finally put them away with a big fourth quarter, led by Deng and Kyle Korver, who had two big 3-pointers late and finished five for five from the field. Korver finished with 15 points off the bench.
The game was interesting because of the audience. Michael Jordan, who runs the Bobcats, sat next to former teammate Scottie Pippen near the Charlotte bench. Jordan has become a very vocal leader for the Bobcats, and has practiced with them a couple of times in an attempt to push them to their form of greatness. But Jordan could not lift his team over a Bulls squad that has won six straight and 14 of their last 15 at home. That lone loss was to the Bobcats back in December.
The game marked the 1,000th game for center Kurt Thomas, and who thought he was going to contribute the way he has so far this season. As Joakim Noah's replacement during Noah's soon-to-end injury sabbatical, Thomas has done so much to help the Bulls maintain their position among the top three teams in the Eastern Conference.
Oh, yeah, and Keith Bogans contributed three 3-pointers Tuesday as well. Can you imagine if Bogans can hit that shot consistently, what it would do to opponents who decide to aggressively double-team Rose as the Bobcats did?
The Bulls finish the unofficial first half of the season with a home game Thursday against the team with the best record in the league, San Antonio. After that, the All-Star Game comes up this weekend in Los Angeles, followed by the final two seasons of the regular season, during which the Bulls will chase Boston and Miami and try to hold off Orlando for key playoff position.
HERO: Kyle Korver is a better player than most people know. He is not a horrible defender, and does a very good job chasing out to an opponent when the Bulls are in a double team and need to rotate out. His offense is unquestioned, and he showed that Tuesday. He is a very big key to the Bulls' success this season.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
BULLS GAME 52 RECAP - by Kent McDill
Bulls beat Hornets
By Kent McDill
With Ronnie Brewer, Kyle Korver, C.J. Watson, Taj Gibson and Kurt Thomas on the floor Saturday night, the Bulls beat the New Orleans Hornets. Yes, Derrick Rose led the team with 23 points, but it was that backup lineup (Thomas is only a starter because of the absence of injured center Joakim Noah) that lifted the Bulls from an even game to a seven -point lead in the fourth quarter. The Hornets could not recover, and when Rose, Carlos Boozer and Luol Deng returned to the game, they put the lock down on the victory.
The Bulls beat the Hornets 97-88, coming back from an 11-point halftime deficit to pull off their third win in five games on the second West Coast trip of the season. In the process they beat two above .500 clubs on their home court, the Jazz and the Hornets, and maintained their role as the surprise team of the Eastern Conference.
For the second straight game, Rose outplayed an all-star guard. This time it was Chris Paul, and Rose outscored Paul 23-15, matched him with six assists, outshot him from the field (7 for 15 for Rose, 3 for 10 for Paul) and out-defended him as well. One again, Rose's star shines.
But it was the play of the second string that grabbed the attention, and it once again proves the point I have made for months now, that the Bulls have the best bench in the NBA. Here are the numbers:
Ronnie Brewer had nine points and five rebounds, played terrific defense, and seemed once again to be in the right place at the right time. Taj Gibson had six points and only two rebounds on a tough night for foul trouble, but he gives the Bulls a backup to Carlos Boozer that allows for very little drop off. Omer Asik had four points and a game-high 11 rebounds in just 14 minutes of action. I know there is talk of throwing him to Houston for Courtney Lee, but I would not get rid of this guy. He is going to be better tomorrow than he was today, and it will be that way for a long list of tomorrows. C.J. Watson scored seven points in 12 important minutes, giving Rose a bit of a break. Kyle Korver had just four points but adds so much veteran leadership to the backup group. Remember, Thomas (11 rebounds Saturday) is in with this group once Noah gets back. How could anyone not like this group?
The Bulls have another five-game Eastern Conference road swing ahead of them once we get past the all-star break. Then they get back to the United Center on a semi-regular basis, as they chase Miami and Boston for the top record in the East. Isn't amazing that we are having that conversation? The Bulls are the surprise team in the East.
HERO: Omer Asik not only had the game-high 11 rebounds, he had four off the offensive boards. No other player in the game had more than two offensive boards. Asik is the unsung hero of the game.
Click Here to Read More..
By Kent McDill
With Ronnie Brewer, Kyle Korver, C.J. Watson, Taj Gibson and Kurt Thomas on the floor Saturday night, the Bulls beat the New Orleans Hornets. Yes, Derrick Rose led the team with 23 points, but it was that backup lineup (Thomas is only a starter because of the absence of injured center Joakim Noah) that lifted the Bulls from an even game to a seven -point lead in the fourth quarter. The Hornets could not recover, and when Rose, Carlos Boozer and Luol Deng returned to the game, they put the lock down on the victory.
The Bulls beat the Hornets 97-88, coming back from an 11-point halftime deficit to pull off their third win in five games on the second West Coast trip of the season. In the process they beat two above .500 clubs on their home court, the Jazz and the Hornets, and maintained their role as the surprise team of the Eastern Conference.
For the second straight game, Rose outplayed an all-star guard. This time it was Chris Paul, and Rose outscored Paul 23-15, matched him with six assists, outshot him from the field (7 for 15 for Rose, 3 for 10 for Paul) and out-defended him as well. One again, Rose's star shines.
But it was the play of the second string that grabbed the attention, and it once again proves the point I have made for months now, that the Bulls have the best bench in the NBA. Here are the numbers:
Ronnie Brewer had nine points and five rebounds, played terrific defense, and seemed once again to be in the right place at the right time. Taj Gibson had six points and only two rebounds on a tough night for foul trouble, but he gives the Bulls a backup to Carlos Boozer that allows for very little drop off. Omer Asik had four points and a game-high 11 rebounds in just 14 minutes of action. I know there is talk of throwing him to Houston for Courtney Lee, but I would not get rid of this guy. He is going to be better tomorrow than he was today, and it will be that way for a long list of tomorrows. C.J. Watson scored seven points in 12 important minutes, giving Rose a bit of a break. Kyle Korver had just four points but adds so much veteran leadership to the backup group. Remember, Thomas (11 rebounds Saturday) is in with this group once Noah gets back. How could anyone not like this group?
The Bulls have another five-game Eastern Conference road swing ahead of them once we get past the all-star break. Then they get back to the United Center on a semi-regular basis, as they chase Miami and Boston for the top record in the East. Isn't amazing that we are having that conversation? The Bulls are the surprise team in the East.
HERO: Omer Asik not only had the game-high 11 rebounds, he had four off the offensive boards. No other player in the game had more than two offensive boards. Asik is the unsung hero of the game.
WAYNE ROONEY BICYCLE KICK GOAL VS. MAN CITY
Amazing...
thanks Jay for the video...
Click Here to Read More..
thanks Jay for the video...
Thursday, February 10, 2011
BULLS GAME 51 RECAP - by Kent McDill
Rose, Bulls beat Williams, Jazz
By Kent McDill
I think I saw Derrick Rose's best play of the season last night. Late in the Bulls' 91-86 win over the Utah Jazz, Rose took the ball inside against a double team and lost the ball. Deron Williams, Utah's All-Star point guard, ended up with the ball and pushed it upcourt. But Rose recovered quickly, came up behind Williams and poked the ball away, grabbing it and himself going back to the Bulls' end for a successful score. The play occurred as the Bulls and Jazz were exchanging baskets in a thoroughly enjoyable NBA matchup. Had the Jazz scored on Williams' possession, it could have turned the tide in Utah's favor at a time when the outcome of the game was surely in question.
I'm not much of a fan of one-on-one basketball, but this was different. This was a showcase, a proving ground, for Rose, and he did himself proud. Rose finished with 29 points and seven assists and only one turnover in almost 39 minutes of action. Williams finished with 11 points and 12 assists but had five turnovers.
This game was supposed to feature the return of Carlos Boozer, Kyle Korver and Ronnie Brewer to Utah, and each of those players had their moments. Boozer finished with 14 points and six rebounds, Korver had a pair of baskets and Brewer not only contributed six points but had the steal of the game late in the contest.
With the exception of his inability to make a dunk, I love Ronnie Brewer's game. I hope the fans who demand the Bulls get a higher quality shooting guard don't chase Brewer out of town.
But perhaps the second-best performance of the game for the Bulls was turned in by backup center Omer Asik. He had four points and seven rebounds in 15 enthusiastic minutes played, and he once again made me hope that he continues to develop and turns into a solid post man in this league.
The Bulls needed a win bad. They had lost two straight on the west coast road trip that ends with a game against New Orleans this weekend. They had not lost three straight all season, a credential they share with three other NBA clubs. They once again went into a Western Conference arena and pulled out a win against a team with an above .500 record. They have done that often this season, and just missed on that painful one in Denver.
I know some people who are counting down the days to the supposed return of Joakim Noah in the first game after the all-star break. If the Bulls get to play the 25 games after the break and the playoffs healthy, this is going to be a great spring to be a Bulls fan.
HERO: Rose had something to prove, I guess, and did so with his performance against one of the best point guards in the league.
Click Here to Read More..
By Kent McDill
I think I saw Derrick Rose's best play of the season last night. Late in the Bulls' 91-86 win over the Utah Jazz, Rose took the ball inside against a double team and lost the ball. Deron Williams, Utah's All-Star point guard, ended up with the ball and pushed it upcourt. But Rose recovered quickly, came up behind Williams and poked the ball away, grabbing it and himself going back to the Bulls' end for a successful score. The play occurred as the Bulls and Jazz were exchanging baskets in a thoroughly enjoyable NBA matchup. Had the Jazz scored on Williams' possession, it could have turned the tide in Utah's favor at a time when the outcome of the game was surely in question.
I'm not much of a fan of one-on-one basketball, but this was different. This was a showcase, a proving ground, for Rose, and he did himself proud. Rose finished with 29 points and seven assists and only one turnover in almost 39 minutes of action. Williams finished with 11 points and 12 assists but had five turnovers.
This game was supposed to feature the return of Carlos Boozer, Kyle Korver and Ronnie Brewer to Utah, and each of those players had their moments. Boozer finished with 14 points and six rebounds, Korver had a pair of baskets and Brewer not only contributed six points but had the steal of the game late in the contest.
With the exception of his inability to make a dunk, I love Ronnie Brewer's game. I hope the fans who demand the Bulls get a higher quality shooting guard don't chase Brewer out of town.
But perhaps the second-best performance of the game for the Bulls was turned in by backup center Omer Asik. He had four points and seven rebounds in 15 enthusiastic minutes played, and he once again made me hope that he continues to develop and turns into a solid post man in this league.
The Bulls needed a win bad. They had lost two straight on the west coast road trip that ends with a game against New Orleans this weekend. They had not lost three straight all season, a credential they share with three other NBA clubs. They once again went into a Western Conference arena and pulled out a win against a team with an above .500 record. They have done that often this season, and just missed on that painful one in Denver.
I know some people who are counting down the days to the supposed return of Joakim Noah in the first game after the all-star break. If the Bulls get to play the 25 games after the break and the playoffs healthy, this is going to be a great spring to be a Bulls fan.
HERO: Rose had something to prove, I guess, and did so with his performance against one of the best point guards in the league.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
DERRICK ROSE CROSSOVER AND DUNK VS THE BLAZERS
thanks for the video big manay
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
BULLS GAME 50 RECAP - by Kent McDill
Bulls lose to Portland
By Kent McDill
When I was younger, I was confused as to why the Chicago Bulls would be in the Eastern Conference and the Chicago Blackhawks would be in the Western Conference. I figured out eventually, but I was never happy about it.
When I traveled with the Bulls, I was also unhappy about it. In the Western Conference, you get two trips a year to places like Seattle and Denver and Portland. In the Eastern Conference, you get two trips a year to places like Philadelphia and Atlanta and Detroit. But this year, I'm especially glad the Bulls are in the Eastern Conference because the Western Conference has teams that play differently than the East teams do, and I'm not sure the Bulls can handle it.
The Bulls dropped their second straight game on the second West Coast Trip, 109-103, to the Portland Trail Blazers. The game was played at a very high speed, just like the game against Golden State Saturday, another game the Bulls lost.
The Bulls let LaMarcus Aldridge of the Blazers get a career high of 42 points on a night when they had to know he would be gunning for big numbers. He was passed over for the All-Star Game, and he always plays well against the Bulls anyway. But this time Aldridge embarrassed Bulls forward Carlos Boozer, who is at times a liability defensively. It is becoming obvious the Bulls need Joakim Noah back for interior defensive purposes, as well as for spirit needs.
Derrick Rose had 36 points after his nine-turnover outing against Golden State, and the bench contributed well, at least in the first half. But the Blazers shot 51.5 percent in the game against a team that is supposed to be one of the top three defensive teams in the league. They have not shown it in the last two games.
The Bulls are presently one of only four teams in the league that has not lost more than two games in a row. That streak could come to an end in the next contest at Utah on Wednesday. I guess my dream of a 3-2 road trip is dashed. I don't expect the Bulls to win both at Utah and at New Orleans. If I am wrong about that, I'm pleased. But I won't be wrong.
Joakim, please come back healthy and ready to help!
Click Here to Read More..
By Kent McDill
When I was younger, I was confused as to why the Chicago Bulls would be in the Eastern Conference and the Chicago Blackhawks would be in the Western Conference. I figured out eventually, but I was never happy about it.
When I traveled with the Bulls, I was also unhappy about it. In the Western Conference, you get two trips a year to places like Seattle and Denver and Portland. In the Eastern Conference, you get two trips a year to places like Philadelphia and Atlanta and Detroit. But this year, I'm especially glad the Bulls are in the Eastern Conference because the Western Conference has teams that play differently than the East teams do, and I'm not sure the Bulls can handle it.
The Bulls dropped their second straight game on the second West Coast Trip, 109-103, to the Portland Trail Blazers. The game was played at a very high speed, just like the game against Golden State Saturday, another game the Bulls lost.
The Bulls let LaMarcus Aldridge of the Blazers get a career high of 42 points on a night when they had to know he would be gunning for big numbers. He was passed over for the All-Star Game, and he always plays well against the Bulls anyway. But this time Aldridge embarrassed Bulls forward Carlos Boozer, who is at times a liability defensively. It is becoming obvious the Bulls need Joakim Noah back for interior defensive purposes, as well as for spirit needs.
Derrick Rose had 36 points after his nine-turnover outing against Golden State, and the bench contributed well, at least in the first half. But the Blazers shot 51.5 percent in the game against a team that is supposed to be one of the top three defensive teams in the league. They have not shown it in the last two games.
The Bulls are presently one of only four teams in the league that has not lost more than two games in a row. That streak could come to an end in the next contest at Utah on Wednesday. I guess my dream of a 3-2 road trip is dashed. I don't expect the Bulls to win both at Utah and at New Orleans. If I am wrong about that, I'm pleased. But I won't be wrong.
Joakim, please come back healthy and ready to help!
Sunday, February 6, 2011
STONE COLD LEAD PIPE DOCKS - SUPERBOWL EDITION
Suman's Pick:
(37-47-4 YTD Posted)
Even matchup, don't know what else to say to break it down that hasn't been said. i don't like betting against steelers either but i think AR on turf will be magical. a true clinic. i don't care if its the steelers D this guy is unbelievable right now.
"Both of these teams are mirror images, No. 1 and 2 in defense in points allowed and close to each other points produced: Green Bay is 10th and Pittsburgh is 12th. But in the second half of the season, Green Bay gave up fewer points than Pittsburgh. Against great defenses like Green Bay's, Pittsburgh produced 18.2 points per game. Green Bay's offense against great defenses got 20.3 points per game. Pittsburgh's D against similar offenses to Green Bay's allowed 15.3. Based on these numbers you would expect Green Bay to score in the range of 18 points. Now look at Green Bay's defense against similar offenses to Pittsburgh and they held those teams to 7.8 ppg. They totally shut down offenses similar to Pittsburgh. If you believe that, a sample of five or six games, Pittsburgh might struggle to score here."
i like green bay to win this 24-17
Packers -2.5
Under 45
Vik's Pick:
(50-41-6 YTD Posted)
Steelers +3 (hook)
Under 45
Some prop bets we both like:
gatorade yellow +150
times they mention brett favre over 2.5 -250
mvp of the game will thank first: teammates +200
mvp: aaron rodgers -125
Over 1:53 National Anthem
Gluck everyone, and thanks for stopping by this year for our NFL Picks...
Thursday, February 3, 2011
BULLS GAME 48 RECAP - by Kent McDill
Bulls defeat Clippers
By Kent McDill
Thank the powers that be that the Bulls do not have to deal with Blake Griffin any more this season. The Bulls defeated Griffin’s Los Angeles Clippers Wednesday 106-88 to get off to a good start on their second west coast trip of the season. The Bulls get a couple days of rest before taking on Golden State Saturday in the second game of the trip.
Derrick Rose scored 32 points and handed out 11 assists after having his first full meal in over a week. Luol Deng had 26 points, Carlos Boozer had 16 points and 10 rebounds and Taj Gibson had nine points and 12 rebounds in a great showing off the bench.
But the Bulls had no one who could stop Griffin, the Clippers monster mash of a basketball player. I know broadcaster Stacey King says it all the time, and I don’t know if he invented it, but it is true that it looks like Griffin is angry at the rim whenever he goes in to dunk the ball. There is simply no question when he goes up that the ball is going to go through that hoop. Your arm may go through it as well, should you dare to put it in harm’s way.
He reminds me of Shaquille O’Neal in the early years. I have never been a fan of O’Neal as a basketball player, because I have long contended that you make anybody his size and they could succeed in basketball. Early on, his work ethic sucked, and it colored my perception of him. I don’t know anything about Griffin’s work ethic, but the man scares me, and I have never been close to him. The sheer power that he has with the ball in his hands, and the strength with which he approaches the basket, makes him seem like the unstoppable force. However, like O’Neal, he can’t regularly hit free throws, shooting about 62 percent on the season. Although I was never a fan of Hack-a-Shaq, because it demeans the basic nature of basketball and straight-up competition, I would have no problem forcing Griffin to get his points at the line. The Bulls put Kurt Thomas, Gibson, Boozer and Omer Asik on Griffin Wednesday, and they combined for 14 fouls. But Griffin made just four of 13 free throw attempts, so the plan worked.
Back to the Bulls. Unlike so many previous years, where any west coast win was considered a shocker, the Bulls have expectations for this trip. They should aim for 3-2, and 4-1 is a certain possibility. They go to Golden State (a win) then to Portland (a win) before finishing with Utah and New Orleans (can they split those two?).
It’s going to be a long month of road games for the Bulls, but if hey play as they did Wednesday, they should have a winning month.
HERO: I know there is the thought that Rose should be considered the hero of every game, but to me, we need to celebrate those times when Deng comes to the forefront. His 26 points three 3-pointers, he had six rebounds, five assists and two steals, and according to the box score on nba.com, he had the highest plus-minus ratio in the game of plus-18. He is really having a terrific season.
Click Here to Read More..
By Kent McDill
Thank the powers that be that the Bulls do not have to deal with Blake Griffin any more this season. The Bulls defeated Griffin’s Los Angeles Clippers Wednesday 106-88 to get off to a good start on their second west coast trip of the season. The Bulls get a couple days of rest before taking on Golden State Saturday in the second game of the trip.
Derrick Rose scored 32 points and handed out 11 assists after having his first full meal in over a week. Luol Deng had 26 points, Carlos Boozer had 16 points and 10 rebounds and Taj Gibson had nine points and 12 rebounds in a great showing off the bench.
But the Bulls had no one who could stop Griffin, the Clippers monster mash of a basketball player. I know broadcaster Stacey King says it all the time, and I don’t know if he invented it, but it is true that it looks like Griffin is angry at the rim whenever he goes in to dunk the ball. There is simply no question when he goes up that the ball is going to go through that hoop. Your arm may go through it as well, should you dare to put it in harm’s way.
He reminds me of Shaquille O’Neal in the early years. I have never been a fan of O’Neal as a basketball player, because I have long contended that you make anybody his size and they could succeed in basketball. Early on, his work ethic sucked, and it colored my perception of him. I don’t know anything about Griffin’s work ethic, but the man scares me, and I have never been close to him. The sheer power that he has with the ball in his hands, and the strength with which he approaches the basket, makes him seem like the unstoppable force. However, like O’Neal, he can’t regularly hit free throws, shooting about 62 percent on the season. Although I was never a fan of Hack-a-Shaq, because it demeans the basic nature of basketball and straight-up competition, I would have no problem forcing Griffin to get his points at the line. The Bulls put Kurt Thomas, Gibson, Boozer and Omer Asik on Griffin Wednesday, and they combined for 14 fouls. But Griffin made just four of 13 free throw attempts, so the plan worked.
Back to the Bulls. Unlike so many previous years, where any west coast win was considered a shocker, the Bulls have expectations for this trip. They should aim for 3-2, and 4-1 is a certain possibility. They go to Golden State (a win) then to Portland (a win) before finishing with Utah and New Orleans (can they split those two?).
It’s going to be a long month of road games for the Bulls, but if hey play as they did Wednesday, they should have a winning month.
HERO: I know there is the thought that Rose should be considered the hero of every game, but to me, we need to celebrate those times when Deng comes to the forefront. His 26 points three 3-pointers, he had six rebounds, five assists and two steals, and according to the box score on nba.com, he had the highest plus-minus ratio in the game of plus-18. He is really having a terrific season.
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