Bulls Fall in Philly, 79-78 posted by Richard Kagan

I am a long-time Bulls fan.  I looked at the score in disbelief after not having seen the game tonight.  I saw a brief low-light of how Asik missed two FT's late in the game, and how Iguodala hit 2 FT's with 2.2 ticks on the clock to win the game.  Never mind the C.J. Watson's desperation heave at the buzzer was close---this was a game the Bulls should have won.  Even without Rose and Noah.  From what I can see, if you out-rebound a team by a lot, which Chicago did, you should win the game.  The Bulls owned the boards. Luol Deng played like an All-Star.  He had a double-double and came up big tonight.  Carlos Boozer had a 1-11 night and that hurt.   Why did Richard Hamilton see so many minutes?  Ok, he had 19 points, but 37 minutes is a lot for a guy who has not played that long in a game in many weeks.  That may be his most mnutes of the year.  I know, he's had the big game experience.  But if he's huffing and puffing, that's not going to score points.  I like the Bulls so much.  And it hurts to see a terrific team run into bad luck and bad games, particularly in Philadelphia.  Kyle Korver did not score at all.  Why?  There needed to be more effort in getting a man who can shot the three in rhythm, in a flow, where he can do some damage. 

Again it came down to misses and makes on the chariity strike line.  The Bulls could have wrapped this game up with a make by Asik.  But the 76'ers crushed the Bulls with their two makes. You can't play this game again---no do-overs.  This is not how I thought the Bulls would end their season.

Bulls In Shocking 1-3 Hole in Series posted by Richard Kagan

It  has become a grim fairy tale for the Chicago Bulls.  The team loses Derrick Rose, the reigning MVP, and team's leading scorer with a serious knee injury.  Then in Game 3 Joakim Noah sprains his left anke and is forced to leave the game.  The Bulls collapse in the closing minutes and hand over a crucial game to Philly.  In today's game, the Bulls trailed 80-78 in the fourth quarter but the 76'ers made the big plays down the stretch and pulled away from Chicago.  Now, the Bulls are a game from being out of the playoffs.  A prospect nearly unthinkable a few weeks ago.  But that's what injuries can do to a team.  Especially, if you miss two starters.  Chicago didn't make big baskets.  The offense was bottled up and the defense gave up big shots.  It seemed when Rose went down, the heart left the Bulls, and when Noah was hurt, the Bulls lost their resolve.  If you don't have that in elite competition, you are finished.  And The Bulls are dose to being finished this year.Continue reading "Bulls In Shocking 1-3 Hole in Series"

If Noah is Out, Bulls are Done posted by Richard Kagan

Things went from very bad to practically life-support for the Chicago Bulls when Joakim Noah sprained his ankle in the fourth quarter last night.  The Bulls had to change their game, and the 76'ers climbed back into a game they had no business winning, 79-74.  I am not going to give you stats tonight.  I am going to give you inpressions.  This series is looking bad for the Bulls.  If Noah can't suit up on Sunday, and that seems unlikely, the Bulls lose a key player.  A guy who has so many intangibles, aside from great inside defense, and rebounding.  Noah doesn't punish people, he justs does his job.  If someone gets in the way, they may get roughed up.  Tonight, Noah stepped on a Philly player and cried out in pain as he tumbled on the court near the base-line.  He tried to play later, but couldn't put pressure on his ankle.  The Bulls looked confounded, confused, and downright flustered as Philly crept back into it.  The fans, who were nervous, and expecting Philadelphia to fold before the No. 1 seed, came to life.  The Bulls looked like they were waiting on Rose to make a play except he was not in the game.  Neither was Noah and the offense disappeared.  All of a sudden, no one was scoring.  I don't want to look at the stats because it will be ugly.  Scoring 74 points isn't going to get it done in any game, certainly not in the playoffs. Continue reading "If Noah is Out, Bulls are Done"

Bulls on Brink? posted by Richard Kagan

The Bulls were losing by 20 points, guys were jamming and dunking and roaming the paint with little resistance and the 76'ers walk away with a huge win in game 2.  Suddenly, this has become a ssries.  The loss of DRose looms so large now.  Yes, the Bulls had a strong 2nd quarter and took a 7 point lead to half-time.  But, what happened in the 3rd quarter?  Philadelphia didn't go through the Bulls, they went over them with pinpoint passing, and a team of leapers who outplayed Chicago on their homecourt.  I knew this series wouldn't be easy, but now Phladelphia has serious mo' on their side.  They will continue to fly unless the Bulls find a way to stop them.  It appears that the injury to Rose has taken the fight out of the Bulls and that is something they've had all season.  This is one of the worst defeats at the most critical time.  I think the Bulls need a a day off.  The announcers on TNT were saying that Coach Thibodeau said that every guy needs to play a little better to make up for Rose's loss in lineup.  I'd say that didn't happen tonight.Continue reading "Bulls on Brink?"

Life Without Derrick In Playoffs posted by Richard Kagan

Chicago Bulls' superstar, Derrick Rose, is scheduled to have knee surgery to repair a torn ACL on his left knee.  The Chicago Bulls have been in mental transition the past few days, trying to accept this loss and getting on with their playoff run.  They've said all the right things.  "We have more than enough."  The Bulls did go 18-9 without Rose in the lineup.  But this is the NBA playoffs.  Tomorrow night, the battle begins with a sidelined Rose.  Can the Bulls win this series without their big star?  They probably will but it will be a real test.  Guys are going to have to step up in energy output and effort.  If the Bulls rebounded well, they have to rebound better.  Expect the team to raise their game and the Bulls will hold court at home.Continue reading "Life Without Derrick In Playoffs"

Rose Injured, Title Hopes In Jeopardy posted by Richard Kagan

Chicago Bulls' star Derrick Rose leapt in the air and hit the floor and injured his left knee.  This happended in the final minuts of Chicago's evenutal win over he 76ers in Game One.  He was helped off the court by Bulls' personnel.  Reports are the Rose tore His ACL in the knee thus sidelining him again, this time for the rest of the playoffs.  The Bulls title aspirations took a serious blow with Rose's injury.  Rose has been injured five times and has missed over a third of the regular season.  Now, after one playoff game, in which he seemed settling into form, he is out and the Bulls' title hopes took a major hit.  Chicago has enough talent to win a first round series vs. Philadelphia, and maybe in the second round, but playing in the Eastern Conference Series will be a mere formality.  No one wanted to see Rose get hurt.  Bulls' fans wanted to see Chicago beat Miami, who everyone assumes will be their anticipated foe.  Well, the fun just left that potential matchup.  Basketball can be a cruel game.  With awlful twists and turns. That aspect showed up at the United Center on Saturday.Continue reading "Rose Injured, Title Hopes In Jeopardy"

Bulls Top Heat in OT 96-86 posted by Richard Kagan

The best team won tonight's clash of the titans in the NBA.  The Miami Heat have two great players in DWade, and Lebron James, and guys who fill in the roles.  Oh, Chris Bosch is pretty good too.  As good as he is, he is not a game changer.  Tonight, with a sub-par game from Derrick Rose, who couldn't hit a shot all game, and wound up with 3 points and 8 assists, the other Bulls played great.  The "Bench mob" was marvelous.  Kyle Korver was on fire from downtown, hitting some treys from Lake Michigan.  Taj Gibson played with hustle and fire, making key plays down the stretch, and CJ Watson hit a shot to tie it at 84-84 with two seconds in the game.  His three pointer with DWade on him like a sponge, went through the net, sending the sold-out crowd to a crescendo. 

The Bulls are likely to finish ahead of Miami for the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference.  Don't discount the Heat, Wade is incredible on offense and defense.  Lebron does it too, but he missed a FT to leave the door open for a lucky shot from Watson to tie the game.  The Bulls took over in OT, outscoring the Heat, 12-2.  Tonight I saw a terrific Bulls team playing vs. some terrific players.  In this game, the whole team was greater than any one player.   Chicago was able to win despite a bad shooting night from Derrick Rose and great games from James and Wade.  It's not the playoffs, should the Bulls and Heat meet then, it will be a war for sure.

Bulls Bag Another Win posted by Richard Kagan

The Chicago Bulls beat the Detroit Pistons, 83-71 on Friday night at the United Center.  Chicago has a 42-11 NBA league record and they now have a 14-5 record without Derrick Rose.  In this game, Luol Deng scored 22 points, while Boozer and Noah both had double figures games.  The Bigs did the job tonight while the guards were not that crucial.  Noah was tough down the stretch, rebounding and scoring.  Despite the winning, the main question is when will Rose play?  Also when will Richard Hamilton, in uniorm at the game, play?  The Bulls need a consistent scorer from the outside to take some of the pressure off of DRose.  It is looking more likely the Bulls will get the No. 1 seed in he playoffs.  That's a good three weeks away, a lifeftime, if you follow the NBA. In the game vs. the Pistons, Chicago held Detroit to scoring just 10 points in the 2nd and 4th quarter. Continue reading "Bulls Bag Another Win"

Knicks scenario: It's Linsanity again posted by Richard Kagan

It now falls to Carmelo Anthony to be the lead scorer for the Knicks as Stoudamire is out for 2-4 weeks with a back injury.  But Melo has a slight groin pull.  What if this injury gets worse with all the wear and tear Melo will now experience as the go to guy for the Knicks.  What, lo and behold, if he is sidelined?  What if Jared Jeffries can play a week.  What if Jeremy Lin is up to full speed in a few days?  Fans, we may be back to Linsanity.  Knicks will have to bring out the old playbook  that brought on the Linsanity back in February. 

Then we will see if this team has what it takes. The city was practically levitating back then.  If Lin can find his groove and work his magic and if Novack and company can make some shots, this city will roaringly rock.

Deng Does It At Buzzer, Bulls Win 102-101 posted by Richard Kagan

Luol Deng was free and rebounded a missed shot by C.J. Watson, put it in the basket as time expired, and Chicago won 102-101, clinching a playoff spot.  The Bulls find a way to get it done.  They are 12-4 playing without Derrick Rose.  Rose was on the bench again with a groin pull and it may be a few more games, until he's ready to play.  The Bulls are a really good team.  They are great wihen they get in transition and play defense.  They clobber you at the net, around the boards, and in the lanes.  That is when they look like "this team is so tough to play."  Yes, Miami is too.  Let's see how they play without Dwade or LeBron. 

The issue is how healthy can Rose and Rip Hamilton get before the end of the season?  Eventually they have to play.  You can't just wait till the playoffs start and go.  Now, you have to be in game shape.  Luol Deng certainly is.  He scored 23 points in the win.  Carlos Boozer and C.J. Watson both scored at least 20 points.  Omer Asik had 7 offensive rebounds.  Center Joakim Noah was tossed after quickly getting two technicals early in the game.  Still the Bulls managed to win, even when it looked like the Raptors would take this game.  Not so fast, not in the United Center.

Create-a-Caption: It’s important to look your best during the playoffs (Ball Don't Lie

A gentleman always breaks out his finest threads for special occasions like Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals; these Oklahoma City Thunder fans have given us all something to which we can aspire. Whether they inspired the postgame sartorial choices of lead guard Russell Westbrook remains an open question, as does what these three splendid Sooners were thinking and talking about as they watched their squad beat up on the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night. Since the question's open, it's up to you to answer it. Best caption wins a gentleman's entrance to a fancy soiree . Good luck. In our last adventure : Chris Paul is beside Blake Griffin, and Blake Griffin's beside himself. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Finally, an Oklahoma City Thunder rap anthem that barely mentions the Thunder (VIDEO) (Ball

I count a total of four references to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Lost Boys' "Blue and Orange," the "ultimate OKC Thunder Anthem" that — while not really new, as it appeared in highlight clips during OKC's playoff run last year — is making the rounds in advance of the team's Game 2 tilt with the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night: 1. The first rapper, a gent named Michael Garner, calls himself "Thunder true" at 0:45; 2. The second, whose name appears to be K-Yeags, says that "round here, we Thunder up" at 1:51; 3. The anchor leg of this rap relay, Grazie, confirms the Thundering up at 2:49; 4. Grazie then brings it on home with the song's first actual reference to a player on the team, Kevin Durant, at 2:55: "Damn right, we never miss / KD, no bricks." You'd think a track intended as a power jam meant to connect with Thunder fans and spur pride in a squad that looked murderous Monday night might actually have some connection to the team beyond the shirts worn by the dudes rapping, but apparently, you'd be wrong. Oh, well. The shirts are nice! [read full article]

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Evan Turner loves getting his butt kicked (Ball Don't Lie)

Much has been made of the way the Philadelphia 76ers stood toe-to-toe with the Boston Celtics in the first two games of their Eastern Conference semifinal series, storming out to a sizable lead in Game 1 before faltering late and dropping a one-point affair, then withstanding an early Celtics barrage on Monday night before locking down late to secure a Game 2 win . One of the key elements in Philly's strong close to the second game was Evan Turner. While the sophomore needed 11 shots to score 10 points on Monday and turned the ball over five times, he made several big plays at critical moments to help Doug Collins' team snare a split at the TD Garden and home-court advantage heading back to the Wells Fargo Center for Game 3 on Wednesday night. It was a hard game to win — and in some respects, as Turner told Jessica Camerato of CSNNE.com , it's the kind of game the Celtics have taught the former No. 2 overall pick, who struggled mightily in the early going as a rook and in his first two career games against Boston, how to win. When Turner played against the Boston Celtics last season as a 22-year-old rookie on the Philadelphia 76ers, he was already familiar with his opponents from what he had seen of them on TV. Then the veterans introduced him to their game in the NBA. They tested the young guard during his first year in the NBA, a challenge he appreciates now. "Watching them on TV and playing against them is two different things," Turner told CSNNE.com. "First few times we played against them, they kicked our butts. One of the best things is getting your butts kicked and paying your dues. I can't say it enough — paying your dues and earning the right to play well and earning the right to play well versus them, that's the most important thing." [Marc J. Spears: Kobe Bryant won't blame fatigue on Lakers' blowout loss to Thunder ] This may seem like a far-too-positive stance on getting one's butt kicked, but it's precisely the kind of response that coaches and team executives want to see from a young player — acceptance of the struggles you've faced, willingness to learn from them and purposeful action toward changing the outcome next time. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Lakers Must Shift the Momentum: Fan Reaction (Yahoo! Contributor Network)

After Game 1, the Los Angeles Lakers looked like they did not have a chance in this series against the Thunder. However, fans know that a seven-game series can quickly change direction as momentum shifts and certain players start to get hot. On paper, the Oklahoma City Thunder are the better team, and they showed it in Game 1 as they pounded the Lakers. Still, the Lakers have the talent and the experience to get back into the series. Working towards victories in this series starts with a shift in momentum. [read full article]

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Harrington undergoes surgery on right knee (The Associated Press)

DENVER (AP) Denver Nuggets forward Al Harrington underwent surgery to fix a torn meniscus in his right knee on Wednesday. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports