Baby Bulls are getting spanked
Yes, the Bulls swept the Miami Heat in the first round and that was impressive. But they are now finding out that losing that final regular season game to New Jersey will come back to haunt them.
The Bulls could be cruising like the Cavaliers are with the No. 2 seed – the one they all but handed Cleveland with that Jersey loss. Chicago is now seeing why the Cavaliers are excited about not having to face Detroit until the Conference finals.
The Pistons are your classic example of why experience is far more important than youth and exuberance. The Bulls want to play with emotion and energy. The Pistons are playing with grit and guile and that has led to a complete domination the first two games of this series.
The Pistons just have too many weapons. The Bulls expected Chauncey Billups, Rasheed Wallace and Richard Hamilton to be a problem, but when Tayshaun Prince is pouring in obscene numbers and Chris Webber is running the court like a young Karl Malone, what chance do they have?
Well, there is one way the Bulls can recover and that is to find a way to speed the game up. Detroit had 21 turnovers in Game 2 and the Bulls need to capitalize at home in Game 3.
Kirk Hinrich, who looks extremely lost against Billups, needs to really step up in the next two games and find a way to knock down shots and create some three-point opportunities for Ben Gordon especially.
Tyrus Thomas earned more minutes with his consistent play in Game 2 and along with Ben Wallace could ignite the Bulls speed factor with rebounding and blocked shots.
Bottom line: Bulls lose Game 3, this series is over in four games. The Pistons are closely paying attention to what the Cavaliers are doing to the Nets and they don’t want to be tired when King James comes to town.
Ian Said,
May 9, 2007 @ 7:07 pm
how about Tyrus Thomas last night though? he was the hero of garbage time!
just kidding. they’re done, short of David Stern abolishing the trade deadline and one of those proposed swaps for Garnett happens within the next 24 hours.
yeah, they’re done.
SKY Said,
May 9, 2007 @ 7:34 pm
If they lose one more it’s good game thanks for coming try again next year.
go pistons Said,
May 9, 2007 @ 11:52 pm
if you watched the first two games u would now bulls are done. there is no way on earth u can stop pistons 5 starters
Barlo Said,
May 10, 2007 @ 1:24 am
They are watching the nets because they know the nets will come to them! lets go nets! i believe!
Vince Said,
May 10, 2007 @ 3:03 am
Who’s gone ? The Bulls ?
Let’s wait the end of the series, the 2k06 coach of the year + multi talented players+ the heart ot windy city = A hope for basketball fan to enjoy a 7 game competition.
Don’t get hurry.
Bulls Hope!
MotownTicketPimp Said,
May 10, 2007 @ 7:51 am
Stop throwing pennies into the wishing well Bulls fans. Every one-on-one match up is to the Pistons’ advantage. …And, if you double team a single Piston, you leave one open. All our 5 starters hit the open shot. Remember, you have the only ‘offensive zero’ we had.
Sincerely,
Ben Wallace gift wrapped.
Zane from London Said,
May 10, 2007 @ 8:45 am
The Pistons are far and away the best team in the East, but we thought that last year didn’t we? If they can play the way they did against Miami, they can get up and beat the Pistons - they really need Kirk Hinrich to lead by example and set the tone.
Zane from London Said,
May 10, 2007 @ 8:51 am
Chicago’s main strength is their backcourt, but the Pistons have the best in the league, as well as a frontcourt that can score as well as defend. Hinrich and Deng need to step up.
Woody in the "D" Said,
May 10, 2007 @ 9:48 am
Hey Vince,
The Motor City has been stomping on the “Heart of the Windy City” for the past few years now. The Blackhawks can’t even tie the Red Wings skates, the Tigers ripped the American League crown off the White Sox heads last year and the Pistons are about to put the “Baby Bulls” to bed in 5 (I’ll give Chicago 1 of the next 2 games) and lets not forget about the Lions and how the just embarrass the Bears every time they step on the field……….oh wait……well, 3 out of 4 is not too bad.
OUT!
Aaron Ray Said,
May 10, 2007 @ 10:04 am
If the Pistons keep playing this well, they might just win the Championship again…..I’m an Eastern Conference guy so I’ma have to route for them. Pistons over Spurs 7 games, great finals series if you like basketball….no so much if you just like flashy scoring.
BullsNut Said,
May 10, 2007 @ 10:15 am
Let’s not forget that the Bulls had the most wins at home in the regular season, which makes the United Center far from a walk in the park for any visiting team. I understand that this is the playoffs and the Pistons have shown how dangerous they can be. Anything can happen as we have seen with Mavs and Heat. Bottom Line: The Bulls are going to get big tonight, block shots, take charges and get in the Piston’s heads. We will get them in foul trouble, Gordon is going to go OFF and hopefully Thomas can get minutes again. If Thomas gets minutes and Gordon stays out of foul trouble, the United Center is earth shattering and the Pistons go back to their hotels angry at sportscenter because the Bulls will have a chance to tie the series for their Mothers on Sunday. Do not underestimate the Bulls, as Kornheiser predicted in sports illustrated prior to the 2006-2007 season, that the Bulls would win the championship.
Shannon Said,
May 10, 2007 @ 11:29 am
Lets not 4get, although the Bulls has the best home record in the East, the Pistons were by far the best road team. i believe 2days game is big for both teams, Pistons win its over in 4, Bulls win its gives them some sort of false hope. Pistons just look to good and too focused, and i don’t think they’re going to lose anytime soon.
MotownTicketPimp Said,
May 10, 2007 @ 11:29 am
Hey BullsNut…
Anybody can make their team look good if they type an essay full of IF’s and dreamy predictions!! The only thing the Baby Bulls will do for their mothers on Sunday is ask for the proverbial “teet” to suckle on. The Pistons spent the regular season practicing for the Playoffs. They have played mind games with their opponents for 6 games in a row now…it’s not going to stop. Woody, YOUR ARE CORRECT. We’ll give them a plit in Chi-town, only because it’s so much prettier to see Maxiell CROWN heads in the home red, white, and blue. Oh, and incase you want to GLOAT about your regular season home court recordt…you said it yourself “anything can happen” and the regular season never means anything. It’s not too late Chicago, the Wagon is filling up, but TRUE PISTONS fans always make room for more slappys.
Deeeeeeeeeeetroit Baaaaaaaaaasketabaaaaaaaaall !!
Ali Fout Said,
May 10, 2007 @ 11:43 am
Bulls in 7….This is far from over….
JUST BELIEVE!!!!
D-Town Balla Said,
May 10, 2007 @ 1:28 pm
You speak of your home record, but ill speak of my teams road record. One of the best in the league and probably the best in our conference. They actually play better on the road in my opinion. The get a little too relaxed on their home floor so this should be interesting.
I give these next 2 a split with Chicago taking game 4. I really feel the Pistons will steal this one tonight as the Bulls will struggle to recover over the last 2 defeats. People just dont understand this Pistons team and how they work themselves into the play-offs. Underestimated year after year, but strike teams quietly come crunch time. Should be a good one tonight. I fully expect the refs to turn on the Stones tonight and force us to play primarily off anger and emotion. I really hope Sheed gets a tech too so he can step his game to the next level. You Bulls fans better pray for a win or it’s goodnight!
Kevin Said,
May 10, 2007 @ 1:41 pm
In the end, its all about matchup problems. Its clear that the Bulls matched up extremely well with the Heat causing serious issues against Heat role players and the injured Dwayne Wade and the aging Shaq. Against the Pistons, the strength of the Bulls are easily taken away from the dominance of the starting 5..a deep and talented 5 that heavily compliment each others’ strengths. The only team that matches up decently well against the Pistons (in the East) are the Heat. Since they are off the playoff chart its good sailing for the Detroit Pistons, coasting to the Finals against whoever wins the Spurs-Suns matchup. Baby Bulls are being rocked right now, people are seeing exactly why in the NBA, certain teams just have your number *cough Warriors-Mavs cough*. Congrats to the Baby Bulls, you did your best! With some changes in the off season and a change in philosophy (live and die by the jumpshot) you never know whats in store for the Windy City in the future.
BectonD Said,
May 10, 2007 @ 1:44 pm
Why have the Bulls abandoned the motion offense that was so effective vs. the Heat. Gordon coming off that curl was unstoppable, if the Heat doubled, Wallace would step an additional sreen for Deng and he would veer out to 18 feet and hit a wide open mid-range jumper.
Vs. the Pistons the Bulls are mostly in a Double high post with two bigs that can’t hit an open jumper, and Gordon is parked out at the three point line. This strategy makes no sense. First off, why abandon the motion and secondly, why take Wallace out of the paint, in the Double high he is not in good offensive rebounding position.
Flip Sanders is killing Skiles!!! He is doing a good job of moving Wallace outside of the paint on the other end of the floor, Webber killed the Bulls in game two with his passing and scoring from the high post. This series could be over in 5.
Kevin Said,
May 10, 2007 @ 1:49 pm
^Well the Piston half court defense is amazing. Just watching how disciplined and smart they play in their system is truly art. Motion style offense with Bulls jumpshooters won’t be effective against that Piston D. They are being out coached out played…the energy and hustle won’t simply do against this wily team.
mike Said,
May 10, 2007 @ 4:07 pm
I am a basketball fan and this series is far from over. It has been ugly in the first couple of games but things will change tonight. Outcome Pistons in 6
bectonD Said,
May 10, 2007 @ 6:03 pm
^When the Pistons are in man, the Bulls can run there motion sets.
When the Pistons are in Zone, attacking from the High post is not going to work either. They have to keep Wallace down low vs. the zone because the pistons can’t box his out. Instead of the high post look the Bulls should attack the zone from underneath via the short corner with some weave action between Hinrich and Gordon or something. I just hate to see a team look so good in one series, then Wham!
Jerry Maine Said,
May 11, 2007 @ 4:54 am
It’s over, Bulls completely lack the toughness these Pistons have. There are no matchups the Bulls can exploit, probably there only weakness would be against a team with a bulky dominant centre like Shaq, but Miami wouldn’t have stood a chance anyhow. They are too just as good defensively as they were with Ben, masters at controlling the tempo, there offense has improved and they’re peaking at the right time this season. I think they’ll take down San Antonio or Phoenix in the finals and the “weak” East will win yet another title. Having said that I’m going for a Warriors fairytale over LeBrons Cavs, but it aint gonna happen.
Jerry
Jax Said,
May 11, 2007 @ 5:14 am
If Jordan is with the Bulls, then maybe they could take it in 7…
Jax Said,
May 11, 2007 @ 5:16 am
but with things as is… good bye Chicago!
BullsNut Said,
May 11, 2007 @ 12:23 pm
Records are kept for a reason because they are meant to be broken!
Ryan Said,
May 11, 2007 @ 12:24 pm
What does everyone think about this trade scenario, considering the suns lose to the spurs and want to do in a different drection? Bulls trade Ben Wallace, Ben Gordon and the Knicks pick this year for Amare and Raja Bell. This would give the Bulls the low-post scorer they need plus a defense-minded 2-guard that would fit right into Skiles system. The Suns would be getting a defensive prowess in Wallace and an athletic bigman who can run the floor with Nash plus a sharpshooting 2-guard who could possibly thrive in the Suns uptempo attack plus another potential top 10 pick which would give them 2 in this years loaded draft. However, not so sure the Suns want to give up the enourmous talent in Amare at such a young age and take on an aging Wallace with hefty contract. I think that this trade however could work out for both teams in the short-term future, turning them into legitimate contenders (even though the Suns already are) and giving them pieces to work with in the future. Not sure how the salaries match up, I couldnt find them but I would imagine they are. What does anyone think about this scenario?
Motownticketpimp Said,
May 11, 2007 @ 12:48 pm
RYAN,
please check yourself into an institution. Have you heard of SALARY MATCHING?? But, I appreciate a Bulls fan already looking to improve their team for next year…you’ve finally conceeded defeat. Also, I’m pretty sure the SUNS aren’t on the same drugs you’re on. They will NOT get rid of Amare.
Anyway, EVERYONE ELSE (Bulls Fans)…glad to know that the only hope you have now is hoping NOCIONI’s miracle guarantee gives you a chance at saving some face.
Pistons in 7, not wait, …6….bah, what the heck let’s make it 5. NOPE, changed my mind…SWEEP the Baby Bulls!!
MOTOWN represent!!
Ryan Said,
May 11, 2007 @ 1:22 pm
Motown-
I don’t think this trade is as far fetched as you seem to say. Yes I agree Amare is a top-10 players, however it is well known the Suns are going to shuffle up the roster this summer if they are unable to get past the Spurs. The salaries do match up I believe, with Wallace making $15.5 next year and Gordon $4.8 while Amare is due $13.2 and Bell $4.7 (Throw in Marcus Banks and his $3.8 if it still doesn’t match up).
Also, I am a Nets fan and definately not a Bulls fan. Just watching the game last night I was thinking how Wallace doesn’t really fit into the Bulls long-term future with them having Tyrus Thomas and was wondering what teams he would fit into.
Back to the trade, I believe the Suns will trade Marion before they would trade Amare indeed, however getting a player like Gordon and a defensive specialist in Wallace could be the pieces that get them past the Spurs. Not to mention ANOTHER top 10 pick in this years LOADED draft. Get out of here with the mental institution garbage, this trade would benefit both teams.
Anyways, Lebron is starting to turn it on and the Cavs are playing well as they have beat the Nets who were playing their best basketball of the season. Detroit fans are getting a little cocky and already punching a ticket to the Finals…I’m just saying watch out for the Cavs, they are finally buying into Mike Brown’s system and the quartet of Pavlovic, Hughes, Gooden, and Lebron are meshing really well together. CLE beats Detroit in 6.
bectonD Said,
May 11, 2007 @ 8:48 pm
Big Big for Amare is never gonna happen. The Suns want to cut payroll not add to it.
Jerry Maine Said,
May 12, 2007 @ 4:09 am
Chicago got Ben Wallace to help them get past Miami, which worked, but there glaring weakness remains the lack of a post scorer. I think Paxson already knew how terminal that was, particularly against a tried and tested teams like Detroit or the Spurs, but the asking price for Gasol was simply too high. Anyway, Ben’s a good player, and Paxson has made some good moves, but giving Wallace a $50m deal will hurt the Bulls if they don’t add a legitimate post guy in the coming offseason. He’s simply not going to have the same presence he has now in a few years, and I don’t see Tyrus Thomas, despite his athleticism, as the answer. Frankly, I see him as another Stromile Swift type guy, supremely athletic, but just not that great a basketball IQ or instinct, and even if he proves me wrong it’ll be after Ben has declined anyhow.
So the answer is to add someone like Jermaine O’Neal or KG. Like Tyrus, their rookies from the coming draft will develop too late to be factors. With PJ’s contract now dead they’ll have trouble matching salary, unless they include Hinrich. I’d rather trade Gordon myself but his ‘08 salary simply doesn’t match, so move Hinrich, Nocioni and their new contracts, and the NY pick for either O’Neal or KG.
Jerry
bectond Said,
May 12, 2007 @ 7:58 am
^ Hinrich is in a base year and Nocioni is a free agent
Jerry Maine Said,
May 12, 2007 @ 10:09 am
Yeah, a sign and trade deal for Noc, and as for Hinrich, Base Year Compensation only applies if the team is over the cap, which the Bulls are far from. Since they’d be pushing Noc’s contract value up rather than down to facilitate the deal I doubt he’d complain.
J
Jerry Maine Said,
May 12, 2007 @ 10:39 am
Actually they are near the cap, but they could still stay under if PJ Brown retires, even after Nocioni and the rookies contracts are included, assuming that comes to about $10m max combined.
chris Said,
May 12, 2007 @ 10:46 am
Though I am a bulls fanatic, it’s really hard to look at blowing game three and saying ” We’re still alive.” The fact of the matter is that this is a good, if not great, Pistons team. Looking at the other teams that are still alive, there are no others with the talent and experience that they have. San Antonio may be the only one, but their depth is questionable. I think we’re downplaying the fact that the Pistons are making a historic run…I guess that’s what I keel telling myself so I don’t jump off a building.
Krynn Said,
May 12, 2007 @ 11:27 am
The bulls should have taken the Pau Gasol offer of Memphis… Wallace and Gasol could have made wonders in the post… Deng is good but small for big was really great offer…. they made a big mistake not taking it…bye bulls maybe next year when you get a scorer in the post…
Krynn Said,
May 12, 2007 @ 11:37 am
O’neal or Garnett to the Bulls? Like they couldn’t even afford gasol… How could they get one o’ those two? If one of them was already thinkin’ retirement it may be possible but they are not are they? Offers for those two will flood and the bulls can’t trade that many players and still retain what they have so far accomplished…
Missing Pieces Said,
May 13, 2007 @ 1:44 pm
The hopes of KG/Amare aren’t realistic, they’re locked unless they themselves want to move (like Shaq) and even then, why would you go to the Bulls over Phoenix or Dallas or LA or the Spurs? No superstar decides to drop his lottery team to go to a 1st round playoff team, they go to contenders.
Biggest mistake: letting Chandler go for nothing (in the end). Any advantage of gaining Ben was lost by getting rid of Tyson. And as much as Scott Skiles didn’t like them, Curry + Chandler > Ben Wallace + Malik Allen.
James The GM Said,
May 24, 2007 @ 8:54 pm
Ok all you coach GM’s !! Here is the inside skinny on the Bulls summer plans. Everyone has them taken this low post player and that with the 9th Pick. News flash !! Not looking at low post player thru round one of draft. They will draft best two guard available, They want a slasher at this spot and Tyrus Thomas was promissed by top brass that Big Baby Glen Davis would be drafted if Available when Bulls Pick in Secound round. They plan to use Free Agency or a trade to get a post player. Names I have heard; Nick Collison, Joel Prizbilla. Should be a fun summer, I remember you heard it here first. James The GM …