The Ticket Chest

What Is Going On With The Bulls – Beat Suns For 3rd Straight W

Monday, February 2nd, 2009 | Chicago Bulls, NBA, Sports | No Comments

With the Bulls win over the Suns on Saturday night, they accomplished 2 first for the 2008-9 NBA season. It marked the 1st time the Bulls had won 3 games in a row this season, and the 1st time the Bulls had won 3 games in a row on the road this season. Pretty sad, given the fact that the Bulls have already played 48 games. Just when you think they are left for dead after a 5-game losing streak, the Bulls have won 3 games in a row and still sit just 1.5 games behind the Milwaukee Bucks for the 8th seed in the Eastern Conference. As crazy as it sounds, the Bulls are only 5 games behind each of the Miami Heat and Detroit Pistons for the 5th and 6th seeds in the Eastern Conference, and they still have several games left against each of those teams. Wouldn’t it be a great story if the Bulls do continue to play well and find themselves in the mix for a spot in the playoffs during the last few weeks of the season. It sure would, but let’s not get too crazy right now.

My prediction – the Bulls lose the last 3 games of the road trip – - Houston, New Orleans and Dallas; fall back to 9 games under .500; and we go back to talking about the Bulls chances of getting another lottery pick.

Now for the game. The Bulls led by 4 points after the 1st quarter, and still held a 3-point lead through the game’s first 36 minutes. And instead of collapsing like they have done so often this season, the Bulls used a 36-28 4th quarter edge to pull away to the 122-111 victory. Seven Bulls players scored in double-digits – led by Ben Gordon and Derrick Rose who each scored 26 points. Gordon also added 6 assists, while Rose grabbed 6 rebounds and dished out 4 assists. Tyrus Thomas scored 10 points and grabbed 4 rebounds, while Joakim Noah chipped in with 8 rebounds. Luol Deng rounded out the good starts from the starters with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Off the bench, Kirk Hinrich (15 points and 6 assists), Andres Nocioni (11 points), and Tabo Sefolosha (11 points and 8 rebounds) all put forth solid efforts.

The Suns also had players turn in great performances. Leandro Barbosa led the Suns with 32 points on 11 of 17 shooting from the floor. Steve Nash had 15 points and 10 assists; Shaquille O’Neal had 18 points and 8 rebounds; and Grant Hill added 19 points, 5 assists and 5 rebounds.

Both teams shot over 50% from the floor, with the Bulls shooting 47% from 3-point range and the Suns shooting 36% from 3-point range.

Tags: Chicago Bulls, NBA, Phoenix Suns

Del Negro Finally Tweaks Lineup, Bulls Crush Suns 100-83

Saturday, November 8th, 2008 | NBA, Sports | No Comments

Tacos and sandwiches for everyone! Del Negro finally listened to my pleas. Change up the starting lineup, get Tabo out of there and you’ll win. So Del Negro benched Tabo Sefolosha and Tyrus Thomas and inserted Kirk Hinrich (like I said) and Aaron Gray (not a good move) into the starting lineup. And???!!! The Bulls won 100-83. Now it might have helped that the Suns benched Shaquille O’Neill, something that the Suns will do more and more all season long to preserve their aging super star. But a win is a win – one I didn’t think they would get heading into the game.

Ben Gordon had another huge night as the Bulls 6th man – 23 points, 4 rebounds and 6 assists. He is playing the role perfectly once again. Derrick Rose also shined with 23 points, 4 rebounds and 6 assists. 3 turnovers to 2 steals is also a huge positive for the young player. Off the bench Tyrus Thomas and Joakim Noah exploded – Thomas scored 14 points and added 7 rebounds, while Noah added 9 points and 14 rebounds. And Drew Gooden chipped in his typical workman-like game – 14 points and 7 boards in only 22 minutes. It was a great way to start off the important 5 game homestand. Next up – the Cavaliers at the United Center tonight. Here’s hoping Del Negro stays with the lineup change and that the Bulls get off to a quicker start against the Cavs than they did on Wednesday night in Cleveland.

Tags: Chicago Bulls, NBA, Phoenix Suns