That time of the year is finally upon us Bulls fans! The regular season tipped-off yesterday for the Bulls in a 104-80 annihilation of the New York Knicks. At one point Chicago was up by 35 points and the home-team fans decided to try and rally their Knicks back into the game with a series of boos (music to my ears).
In his return to regular season action, Derrick Rose, scored 13 points, recorded five assists, and also came up with a couple of steals on the defensive end. Solid performance considering Mr. Rose spent most of the second half on the bench, and ended the game only logging 21 minutes of playing time.
Every Bulls fan on the planet should be absolutely ecstatic that Mr. Rose only had to contribute 13 points to get Chicago a 24-point win. That's only 12.5% of the offensive load falling on Mr. Rose's shoulders, compared to the 25.9% he contributed per game in his stellar 2010-2011 MVP season.
Chicago really made a statement last night with their depth. Pau Gasol had a terrific debut for the Bulls with 21 points and 11 boards (4 offensive). Taj Gibson had the game-high coming off the bench with 22 points to go along with 8 rebounds (please send him the 6th Man of the Year award if you would NBA).
Chicago also received 12 points from both Kirk Hinrich and rookie sensation Doug "The Flamethrower" McDermott. The Bulls just seemed to dominate New York from start to finish, executing their gameplan on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball.
As a team the Bulls played exceptionally well on defense, holding the Knicks to just 36.5% shooting from the floor, and also hustled out to contest three point shooters forcing a 3-17 (17.6%) performance. Carmelo Anthony only managed to put up 14 points against the Bulls' tough defense.
It may be early but Coach Thibodeau has his players playing in mid-season form, and with arguably the deepest bench in the NBA at his disposal, things are looking great in Chicago.
Oh, and one more thing, Chicago not only handed New York a semi-embarrassing home opening loss, but the Bulls did so without Jimmy Butler! Yeah, things are looking real good Chicago.
Thanks for the great season opener gentlemen.
Thursday, October 30, 2014
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Stephen A. Smith Sees Red
To most basketball fans in the world a 4-4 showing in the preseason doesn't exactly guarantee an NBA Finals appearance. However, Mr. Stephen A. Smith, isn't most fans and gave Chicago the nod this upcoming season.
The Bulls have already been receiving a substantial amount of media hype and fan speculation in regards to how well Chicago will perform this season. Regardless of who your team is and where your NBA allegiance falls, you would be hard pressed to not have the Bulls in at least the top three teams in the Eastern Conference.
Again, I'd like to reiterate that Mr. Smith is not your average fan. The man KNOWS basketball, and of all the teams in the East, he chose Chicago to make it to the Finals. What a huge vote of confidence from a sports-writing legend.
The man makes a lot of valid points in his discussion with fellow co-host and sports guru, Skip Bayless. Mr. Bayless has been a long time passenger on the LeBrond-wagon, and doesn't exactly share Mr. Smith's thoughts though.
Stephen A. Smith Pick's Chicago (Watch the interview for yourself!)
Thanks for your support and much respect Mr. Stephen A. Smith!
The Bulls have already been receiving a substantial amount of media hype and fan speculation in regards to how well Chicago will perform this season. Regardless of who your team is and where your NBA allegiance falls, you would be hard pressed to not have the Bulls in at least the top three teams in the Eastern Conference.
Again, I'd like to reiterate that Mr. Smith is not your average fan. The man KNOWS basketball, and of all the teams in the East, he chose Chicago to make it to the Finals. What a huge vote of confidence from a sports-writing legend.
The man makes a lot of valid points in his discussion with fellow co-host and sports guru, Skip Bayless. Mr. Bayless has been a long time passenger on the LeBrond-wagon, and doesn't exactly share Mr. Smith's thoughts though.
Stephen A. Smith Pick's Chicago (Watch the interview for yourself!)
Thanks for your support and much respect Mr. Stephen A. Smith!
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Newest Rivalry In Sports: Bulls vs. Cavs
In the mind's of many NBA fans, critics, and lovers of the game, the Eastern Conference Championship game already appears to be a clash between the Chicago Bulls and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
It's hard to really imagine any teams giving these two teams much of a fight in a 7-game series given the overall talent and depth that both teams possess. Pair that with the excellent coaching staffs both Chicago and Cleveland has, one can really expect both teams to be playing their best basketball come playoff time.
For a lot of teams that means trouble because even when the Cavs or Bulls aren't playing their best, they may still come out on top when the final buzzer sounds. Amazing what experience, rebounding, and defense does come playoff time.
Not to say no other team in the East has a chance, because the East is a whole new conference this year. The pace the games are played at seem to be speeding up, while still maintaining that defensive toughness the Eastern Conference is known for.
Come playoff time I feel both Chicago and Cleveland will only have to be wary of the Nets, Pistons, and the Hawks. These teams are the only ones with the physicality and athleticism needed to put up with Chicago and/or Cleveland in a 7-game series.
I admit I am a bit biased, but how could a Cleveland/Chicago Eastern Conference Final not be what's best for the NBA? It has excitement, star power, and fans all across the nation (be it die-hard or band-wagoners).
Whether it be due to the alignment of the planets and stars, a conspiracy theory, or just all media hype, a Bulls vs. Cavs Eastern Conference Final seems to inevitable.
Both teams are still relatively young so this could be the start of the next great rivalry in sports for years to come.
The only thing we can probably all agree on is that the 2014-2015 NBA season needs to get underway soon. Preseason only does so much.
It's hard to really imagine any teams giving these two teams much of a fight in a 7-game series given the overall talent and depth that both teams possess. Pair that with the excellent coaching staffs both Chicago and Cleveland has, one can really expect both teams to be playing their best basketball come playoff time.
For a lot of teams that means trouble because even when the Cavs or Bulls aren't playing their best, they may still come out on top when the final buzzer sounds. Amazing what experience, rebounding, and defense does come playoff time.
Not to say no other team in the East has a chance, because the East is a whole new conference this year. The pace the games are played at seem to be speeding up, while still maintaining that defensive toughness the Eastern Conference is known for.
Come playoff time I feel both Chicago and Cleveland will only have to be wary of the Nets, Pistons, and the Hawks. These teams are the only ones with the physicality and athleticism needed to put up with Chicago and/or Cleveland in a 7-game series.
I admit I am a bit biased, but how could a Cleveland/Chicago Eastern Conference Final not be what's best for the NBA? It has excitement, star power, and fans all across the nation (be it die-hard or band-wagoners).
Whether it be due to the alignment of the planets and stars, a conspiracy theory, or just all media hype, a Bulls vs. Cavs Eastern Conference Final seems to inevitable.
Both teams are still relatively young so this could be the start of the next great rivalry in sports for years to come.
The only thing we can probably all agree on is that the 2014-2015 NBA season needs to get underway soon. Preseason only does so much.
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Chicago Drops to 4-3 in Preseason
Despite a pretty stellar performance from our very own Derrick Rose (30 points) the Bulls fell to the mightily improved Cleveland Cavaliers 107-98.
With that said Jimmy Butler didn't play due to a thumb sprain. The Bulls played well regardless, but Jimmy Butler is going to be a huge part of Chicago's success this season. Not only is he becoming more of a balanced scoring threat everyday, but he is also one of the better wing defenders in the league.
Now, even though Mr. Rose seems to be playing like his old self again, Chicago still has a few minor adjustments it needs to work on as a team. Chicago lost the rebounding battle to Cleveland (namely to Kevin Love) and also allowed the Cavs to shoot 48% from the field.
The Cavaliers were only (+7) on the boards which isn't huge, but I'm sure Coach Thibodeau wasn't very pleased. I'm sure Coach T was also a little upset (or furious), being the defensive minded coach that he is, that his team allowed their opponent to shoot almost 50% from the floor.
Chicago did hold LeBron to under 20 points and also held Kevin Love to just 9 points (though some of that was just poor shooting on his part). The other three starters in Irving, Waiters, and Varejao combined for a total of 60 points.
Cleveland will be a tough team to stop on offense this season. There are just too many options on that team that aren't named Kyrie, LeBron, or Kevin.
Anyway, the Bulls looked great out there and Rose was attacking the basket without fear. The league should be afraid of Mr. Rose and the Bulls once more. Don't believe me just watch:
With that said Jimmy Butler didn't play due to a thumb sprain. The Bulls played well regardless, but Jimmy Butler is going to be a huge part of Chicago's success this season. Not only is he becoming more of a balanced scoring threat everyday, but he is also one of the better wing defenders in the league.
Now, even though Mr. Rose seems to be playing like his old self again, Chicago still has a few minor adjustments it needs to work on as a team. Chicago lost the rebounding battle to Cleveland (namely to Kevin Love) and also allowed the Cavs to shoot 48% from the field.
The Cavaliers were only (+7) on the boards which isn't huge, but I'm sure Coach Thibodeau wasn't very pleased. I'm sure Coach T was also a little upset (or furious), being the defensive minded coach that he is, that his team allowed their opponent to shoot almost 50% from the floor.
Chicago did hold LeBron to under 20 points and also held Kevin Love to just 9 points (though some of that was just poor shooting on his part). The other three starters in Irving, Waiters, and Varejao combined for a total of 60 points.
Cleveland will be a tough team to stop on offense this season. There are just too many options on that team that aren't named Kyrie, LeBron, or Kevin.
Anyway, the Bulls looked great out there and Rose was attacking the basket without fear. The league should be afraid of Mr. Rose and the Bulls once more. Don't believe me just watch:
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Less Pressure On Mr. Rose
After trailing Denver by 21 points, and nearly causing every Bulls fan everywhere to have a massive heart attack, the Bulls went on to win Monday 110-90.
Chicago got off to a rough start and found themselves in a 50-29 hole earlier in the second quarter. Which wasn't exactly what Chicago and Coach T planned for I'm sure. Then by some magic, or voodoo, or miracle, something happened.
Chicago started to play defense and really pressure the ball. Forcing turnovers and getting out in transition. Bucket after bucket the Bulls clawed their way back into the game and quickly started to run away with the game entirely.
Both rookies, McDermott and Mirotic, have been playing extremely well this preseason and really solidify that second unit for Chicago. The pair combined for 28 points off the bench Monday, and the Bulls may have themselves a couple of stars in the making.
Jimmy Buckets had an incredibly efficient game along with the game-high 21 points. Shooting 7 for 8 from the floor and going 7 for 7 at the free throw line, Mr. Buckets sure lived up to the nickname.
Derrick Rose played well and is starting to really look comfortable out on a basketball court again. Not outstanding numbers from Mr. Rose, but I attribute that to a great supporting cast.
As an avid Chicago Bulls fan I for one am ecstatic that so far this preseason Mr. Rose has not had to shoulder all of the offensive load. Pressure isn't only being lifted off of Rose, but the entire Bulls' starters due to the plethora of scoring options Chicago has off the bench.
Derrick Rose has averaged 30+ points per game in the past, but Mr. Rose almost had too in order to get the win in those days. This season the Bulls appear to be way more balanced and possess a few more players that are capable of getting the hot hand.
Chicago got off to a rough start and found themselves in a 50-29 hole earlier in the second quarter. Which wasn't exactly what Chicago and Coach T planned for I'm sure. Then by some magic, or voodoo, or miracle, something happened.
Chicago started to play defense and really pressure the ball. Forcing turnovers and getting out in transition. Bucket after bucket the Bulls clawed their way back into the game and quickly started to run away with the game entirely.
Both rookies, McDermott and Mirotic, have been playing extremely well this preseason and really solidify that second unit for Chicago. The pair combined for 28 points off the bench Monday, and the Bulls may have themselves a couple of stars in the making.
Jimmy Buckets had an incredibly efficient game along with the game-high 21 points. Shooting 7 for 8 from the floor and going 7 for 7 at the free throw line, Mr. Buckets sure lived up to the nickname.
Derrick Rose played well and is starting to really look comfortable out on a basketball court again. Not outstanding numbers from Mr. Rose, but I attribute that to a great supporting cast.
As an avid Chicago Bulls fan I for one am ecstatic that so far this preseason Mr. Rose has not had to shoulder all of the offensive load. Pressure isn't only being lifted off of Rose, but the entire Bulls' starters due to the plethora of scoring options Chicago has off the bench.
Derrick Rose has averaged 30+ points per game in the past, but Mr. Rose almost had too in order to get the win in those days. This season the Bulls appear to be way more balanced and possess a few more players that are capable of getting the hot hand.
Friday, October 10, 2014
It's Only Preseason...
Coming off a not so good start to the 2014 NBA preseason, the Chicago Bulls will look to bounce back to secure their first victory versus the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday, Oct. 11th.
Right now I think Milwaukee is too young a team to take the Bulls on, but as the Bucks continue to mesh and gain experience this season, they could end up being a legitimate team in the East. The new additions of O.J. Mayo (guard) and Brandon Knight (guard) give the Bucks a pretty solid backcourt especially when compared to other Eastern Conference teams.
Now back to what really matters; the Chicago Bulls and their 0-2 start.
Losing to a greatly improved Wizards team, 85-81, and then also to the Pistons in a 111-109 thriller that ended in overtime, some Chicago fans seem to already be panicking about the state of their Bulls.
All-in-all I don't think the Bulls could have asked for a better start to the preseason. There have been many bright spots to how Chicago has played so far. Showing off their depth, their improved shooting, and as always flexing their defensive muscles.
It isn't fair to expect the team to win when the starters aren't playing their usual minutes, and Coach Thibodeau seems to be tinkering with rotation combinations (especially off the bench with Gibson and Brooks).
Luckily, that is EXACTLY what the preseason is for. It's the season before the season, the chance to get it right before it matters. The time when fans everywhere just want to see their star players dominate, only to watch them ride the bench for the whole second half.
What Chicago is doing is completely necessary with all the new additions/rookies they acquired this season, and Coach T is just trying to get a good feel for what he has available. What players he feels are capable of what, who plays well together, getting a good look at the rookies, etc. You know the typical coach stuff.
Don't look too closely at the 0-2 record Chicago fans. Stay positive. Plus, I have a feeling we will see a good game vs. Milwaukee.
Right now I think Milwaukee is too young a team to take the Bulls on, but as the Bucks continue to mesh and gain experience this season, they could end up being a legitimate team in the East. The new additions of O.J. Mayo (guard) and Brandon Knight (guard) give the Bucks a pretty solid backcourt especially when compared to other Eastern Conference teams.
Now back to what really matters; the Chicago Bulls and their 0-2 start.
Losing to a greatly improved Wizards team, 85-81, and then also to the Pistons in a 111-109 thriller that ended in overtime, some Chicago fans seem to already be panicking about the state of their Bulls.
All-in-all I don't think the Bulls could have asked for a better start to the preseason. There have been many bright spots to how Chicago has played so far. Showing off their depth, their improved shooting, and as always flexing their defensive muscles.
It isn't fair to expect the team to win when the starters aren't playing their usual minutes, and Coach Thibodeau seems to be tinkering with rotation combinations (especially off the bench with Gibson and Brooks).
Luckily, that is EXACTLY what the preseason is for. It's the season before the season, the chance to get it right before it matters. The time when fans everywhere just want to see their star players dominate, only to watch them ride the bench for the whole second half.
What Chicago is doing is completely necessary with all the new additions/rookies they acquired this season, and Coach T is just trying to get a good feel for what he has available. What players he feels are capable of what, who plays well together, getting a good look at the rookies, etc. You know the typical coach stuff.
Don't look too closely at the 0-2 record Chicago fans. Stay positive. Plus, I have a feeling we will see a good game vs. Milwaukee.
Monday, October 6, 2014
Bulls Up Against A More Formidable Eastern Conference
Chicago was fairly busy this off-season in adding new talent and bolstering their roster, however the Bulls were not the only team in the East to attempt to upgrade its pieces this year.
Unless you live under a rock you already know about Cleveland, and how they arguably have the top point guard, power forward, and small forward in the entire league with the likes of Kyrie Irving, LeBron James, and Kevin Love. Most of the attention, praise, and fan support will go to this new terrific trio, but don't overlook the other pieces Cleveland has available. Don't take my word for it though, look up their current roster, I dare you.
And how about those Pistons up in Detroit? Bet you didn't know they now have Brandon Jennings, one of the more explosive scoring guards in the league, and Josh Smith, one of the more versatile/athletic players in the entire league. These two shiny new pieces will no doubt make the Pistons a much tougher opponent this season. Not to mention Greg Monroe is becoming more and more of a dominant center with each game he plays. Oh yeah, Detroit also picked up some players named D.J. Augustin and Caron Butler. If you know anything about those guys.
LeBron left Miami so the Heat have no chance this season right?
Wrong.
Honestly the Heat seem like a better "team" this year to me then in previous years.
We're going to miss you in Chicago Mr. Luol Deng, hope you're enjoying the rays in Florida. Along with teammates Danny Granger, Chris Bosh, Shannon Brown, and that Dwyane Wade character.
The Washington Wizards look about as scary on paper as any other team out there (still going to be odd seeing Paul Pierce in a Red/White/Blue jersey) and if John Wall can lead this team they'll be tough to beat.
There's also the Magic, Celtics, Raptors, Pacers, Knicks, Nets, and a young Hornets team the Bulls will have to watch out for this upcoming season.
With the preseason underway the league is sporting a new look. So many new faces in new places that it almost makes your head spin trying to follow all the new signings and trades. The busy off-season will make for a much more exciting NBA season this year I believe. It's a little too early to say this, but the debate about which conference is better may have just shifted to favor the East.
Tougher competition every night will be good for the Bulls, and hopefully it keeps Chicago constantly playing at their best. It won't be as easy a road to the playoffs in the East as it has been in recent years, but Chicago is more than capable. Great defense and even better coaching will have the Bulls in good shape come playoff time.
Unless you live under a rock you already know about Cleveland, and how they arguably have the top point guard, power forward, and small forward in the entire league with the likes of Kyrie Irving, LeBron James, and Kevin Love. Most of the attention, praise, and fan support will go to this new terrific trio, but don't overlook the other pieces Cleveland has available. Don't take my word for it though, look up their current roster, I dare you.
And how about those Pistons up in Detroit? Bet you didn't know they now have Brandon Jennings, one of the more explosive scoring guards in the league, and Josh Smith, one of the more versatile/athletic players in the entire league. These two shiny new pieces will no doubt make the Pistons a much tougher opponent this season. Not to mention Greg Monroe is becoming more and more of a dominant center with each game he plays. Oh yeah, Detroit also picked up some players named D.J. Augustin and Caron Butler. If you know anything about those guys.
LeBron left Miami so the Heat have no chance this season right?
Wrong.
Honestly the Heat seem like a better "team" this year to me then in previous years.
We're going to miss you in Chicago Mr. Luol Deng, hope you're enjoying the rays in Florida. Along with teammates Danny Granger, Chris Bosh, Shannon Brown, and that Dwyane Wade character.
The Washington Wizards look about as scary on paper as any other team out there (still going to be odd seeing Paul Pierce in a Red/White/Blue jersey) and if John Wall can lead this team they'll be tough to beat.
There's also the Magic, Celtics, Raptors, Pacers, Knicks, Nets, and a young Hornets team the Bulls will have to watch out for this upcoming season.
With the preseason underway the league is sporting a new look. So many new faces in new places that it almost makes your head spin trying to follow all the new signings and trades. The busy off-season will make for a much more exciting NBA season this year I believe. It's a little too early to say this, but the debate about which conference is better may have just shifted to favor the East.
Tougher competition every night will be good for the Bulls, and hopefully it keeps Chicago constantly playing at their best. It won't be as easy a road to the playoffs in the East as it has been in recent years, but Chicago is more than capable. Great defense and even better coaching will have the Bulls in good shape come playoff time.
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