Has it been Ben Wallace's play, or better yet, his lack of leadership? How about Kirk Hinrich? Nocioni? Lots to choose from.
Posted by Roman Modrowski on May 11, 2007 09:05 AM|Permalink
Comments
Biggest disappointment for me is coaching. First half proved that Detroit is beatable, very beatable. Flip Saunders makes ONE adjustment. Bulls refused to shoot over the zone even though we are one of the best 3 point shooting teams in the NBA. Iceberg of a lead melted down like cotton candy. How many points must we give up to make a counter adjustment? Skiles refused to go to Thabo and Tyrus or Duhon.
I'm disappointed not in the fact that they're losing the series to the Pistons, but in how they're losing. The team has come a long way and it's a really good thing that we're talking about Bulls playoff games in the second round to begin with. The team will continue to make strides, they're headed in the right direction and the future looks really bright. The turnaround of the franchise is not complete yet... let's keep being patient.
it's hard to decide on any one individual as being more disappointing than another. I tend to think Nocioni is hurting more than he is admitting and it is affecting his shot. Hinrich and Gordon I think have been trying to do too much with the ball and not enough without it. And as a whole when faced with a zone defense movement without the ball comes to a halt as the ball is simply passed along the perimeter til the shot clock is in the red. Flip Saunders comment that the Piston's zone was phenominal was not as accurate as the truth that the Bulls offense against the zone was abominable. If there is one critizism I have of coach Skiles it is that through the entire season he has failed to engineer an offense to attack the zone and force teams out of it. In every double digit lead that was blown and resulted in a loss this season the begining of the each teams comeback started by going to a zone defense and forcing jump shots from the perimeter with the clock winding down. The Piston's have shown that they can turn it up a notch in the post season. Billups should be the league MVP, the man has ice water in his veins and is like a robot in the second half. The Bulls would need some kind of a miracle to win 4 in a row agianst this Pistons team but the question now is do they have enough pride in them to avoid a sweep? I guess we'll find out Sunday afternoon. Win or lose Sunday I am still greatful for an exciting season that was hopefully just another step towards the trophy. I hope other Bulls fans will see it that way also, it's been a fairy tale season but keep in mind you could have been a Dallas Maverick's fan and how embarressing was it to win 67 regular season games and lose the first round to the 8th seed Warriors?
The whole thing is a mess...What's this about Duhon missing their film session the other day??? This is the 2nd time he's missed something with the first time being attributed to "oversleeping". ...Duhon is just another "guy" on the roster.
Ben Wallace was brought in to rebound, block shots, guard, and overall play steller defense. For the most part, I believe he has accomplished just that. I don't see how the Bulls failure this series has been his fault at all. If you want to point the finger, you can blame the fact that Nocioni hasn't scored hardly at all, and his lack of quickness became a huge liability in the series, or the fact that the backcourt of Heinrich and Gordon has been getting killed (especially Gordon, who looks completely overmatched, if he can't score on Hamilton or Billups, you are going to have to bench him because he is a huge defensive liability. )Right now, you have to look at your future. Tyrus Thomas should be playing instead of Nocioni, and I think you have to find a way to get Sefolosha in there more. There's no shame in losing to the Pistons, they are solid at pretty much every position and have championship experience. They will probably take care of the Cavs in 6 at the most.
Tim my friend its been a fairytale alright, but I was thinking Romeo and Juliet! You have the patience of a monk. It is a virtue I must pick up (right away of course lol).
Kris I enjoyed your post today! Your assessments are realistic. I agree, Wallace has done all that he said he would and probably more than he was contracted to. Just him guarding Shaq should be enough.
Next time ya'll make to the playoffs(whenever that may be) tell Nicioni to shut the hell up and play ball. We're the only team in the nba that make guarantees. Yesterday he's on the bench with tears in his eyes. never look past the greatest in the east, 6 years in a row!!!
Hard to decide on any one thing as being the "biggest" disappointment. It is disappointing to watch the Bulls play so poorly when they played so great against the Heat. It was disappointing to be completely demolished in game 1, not learn anything from it and get blown out again in game 2. The loss last night was maybe harder to take, because we showed signs that we could have won that game. I thought Tyrus Thomas made an immediate impact when he entered the game in the 2nd quarter, then we didn't see him again until it was too late. And I think just about every Bulls fan knew the second the Pistons went ahead in the 3rd, it was all over. Ben Gordon is just too one-sided a player, and our bench is non-existent. I don't understand why Thomas doesn't get more playing time. He was deemed too good to trade away, and I agree with that, but then why not use him? And it would be very disappointing to get swept, but I would not be surprised at all if that happens.
How can Skiles think Detriot's zone is not having an impact? Does he teach Heinrich to dribble the hell out of the ball against it?
When you have a team that relies on the outside jump shot to win...you live by it (Miami) and die by it (Detroit).
The real bad news is that they no longer have the expiring contracts to match an offer for guys like Gasol or Garnett. You can dream of all kinds of trade ideas but they don't have enough guys making enough money to trade for a big time player.
Keith ole buddy patience is a learned thing, first raised by a die hard Cub fan and then years of sitting quietly in a tree stand deer hunting. The latter also teaches you to observe and analyze little things most others don't notice. and I was glad to see you finally gave Big Ben the acknowledgement you were reluctant to give him during the regular season.
Jaytroit...enjoy your gloating while it lasts. you sound much like the Piston's team of 91 that walked off the court refusing to congratulate the 92 Bulls. when the tide turns (and it will soon) I will be one of the first to say your team fought well and with pride. but i seriously doubt you will have the balls to post any congratulations to the Bulls fans on this or any other blog.
Julie B. I have enjoyed all of your posts and agree with your latest assessment of Tyrus Thomas's playing time, Ben Gordon and the bench in this series. I haven't had the pleasure of listening to a female intelligently analyzing the Bulls since my wife passed away 5 years ago this month. looking forward to see what you have to say after the draft and after what ever trades maybe made during the off-season.
Disappointment is an understatement! Actually I lost all coaching respect for Skiles in the third quarter. Let's break this backbreaker down by "disappointments" in their proper order.
Scott Skiles: The Bulls played their best ball of the series with Nocioni on the court in the first half. They played their most inspiring defense with Thomas and Sefalosha on the court in the first half. Their offense clicked when it revolved around P.J. at the free line in the first half. Their defense stayed primarily close man to man, not allowing an open shooter off a double team, in the first half. Second half? Skiles chokes and goes brain dead. His first timeout comes a bucket too late (VERY IMPORTANT). Nocioni comes in when the ball is running too fast downhill (TOO LATE AGAIN). Thomas and Sefalosha are banished to, I have no effin idea? P.J. disappears from the ranks of the free throw line, and guys are running to 'DOUBLE TEAM SHOOTERS AT THE ARCH?' leaving 'THE REAL SHOOTER' wide open. Come crunch time the guys had nothin' left in the tank. Very poor professional substitutioning an game management. Very poor!
Ben Gordon: I'm sorry but this guy killed us this series. He makes very bad court decisions at CRUCIAL times; consistently. Hinrich and Sefalosha should have been given the bulk of playing time this series. Sefalosha plays very relaxed and confident for a rookie. Gordon rushed his shots and looked intimidated as was apparent by his air balls and overall percentage. Big liability on "D" should have made this an easy 'save for tomorrow' decision, top scorer or not.
Luol Deng: Like Gordon rushed his shots at will. Actually he played like a chicken with his head cut off. You ABSOLUTELY CANNOT do that against a switching zone. Sefalosha and Nocioni would have stretched the 'D' in a more controlled manner. Deng treated the leather like a 'hot potato'. Relax, pull-up, and pop. Where was the coaching? You don't run thru a house of mirrors.
Kirk Hinrich: Never look a gift horse in the mouth. This guy passed up more open shots than Ben Wallace from THREELAND. Then to make matters worse he, as did Gordon, would drive into a switching zone and pass into the hands of a switching defender who in turn would fly down court and flush it down 'POOR DECISION LANE', A.K.A Detroits basket.
Scott Skiles: This man has gotta be on this list twice! Probably should have been 1 and 2. Made no attempt to switch defenses back and forth to at least give them something to think about. Didn't look at all like he may have suggested to his players to keep their feet on the ground until Detroit left theirs first (looked like a bunch of grasshoppers with a real bad itch). Not to mention the fact a head fake of our own might have been a good thing every now and then seeing as how well it worked for the enemy. Fresh legs would have been welcome on the boards and on 'D'.
The truth be told, Detroit is a veteran team who shoots the ball well and plays quick footed 'D' on the perimeter. The Bulls are basically juniors and freshman obviously still in the learning process. B.J. and Wallace played commendable, as was expected of the veterans. Unfortunately we were a few veterans short and one coach shy.
Is it disaapointment or reality the Bulls are simply not ready to play at the next level. Basketball is supposed to be a finesse game, I bet everyone would agree to that. But in actuality some elbows have to be thrown to make your presence known on the court.
Micheal Jordan had that extra talented gift where if you knocked him down, he got back up and made you pay for it. It would seem frustration would set in but not for him. He REV it up another gear and made the opposing player look silly. Though early in his career they were call "Micheal and the Jordaniares", the other players eventually feed off his heady play. Matter of fact some were angry about it and it showed on the court. They felt they were as just as big of a star.
This present team must work and shall I say play a little dirty like the old Pistons who knocked Micheal silly every time he tried to dunk on them. This team has not SHOWN the heart to "I BE DAMN IF I JUST GET MY A$$ WHUP WITHOUT TRYING ANYTHING, EVERYTHING AND ALL THINGS TO WIN!!"
SIMPLY PUT, the Pistons do not fear this Chicago Bulls team....
Thanks, Tim. That was a really sweet thing to say. It's always nice to know that other people like to read what I write (aside from me!). Let's hope the Bulls give us all something positive to write about today. :)
Tim your post touched my heart. It helped me appreciate my wife and Mother's day even more. And yes there is something to this patience thing! It appears the best IS yet to come for the Bulls. Yesterday's game was great! Bulls had every reason to lay down and go on vacation, but they chose to stave off a sweep and go valiantly back to Detroit. Mr. Skiles looked as if his heart finally grew three times its size as he returned reserves Chris Duhon and Tyrus Thomas back to the Hoo-ville faithful! Ben Gordon discovered his heart, Kirk Hinrich found his courage and the United Center showed there is no place like home. Yes, we still have to go up to detroit and face the flying monkeys and their fans, but the Wiz can no longer fool us with his zone defense! We finally have the Brains, Heart, and Courage to win. If they believe in themeselves just maybe they can get back home? Tim you have me thinking about fairytales again. Maybe I should go back to sleep.
Hey Anthony, your assessments were right on point! Yesterday the Bulls seemed to address all 3 problems, and that is a credit to Scott Skiles. Its also a discredit to him because it took him too long to get there. Playing Tyrus Thomas (at home) and figuring how to bust a zone are no-brainers. There was not ONE article I read concerning the subject where the writers or analysts didn't ask "where was Thomas". This one adjustment might have cost us the 3rd game. Yesterday's game also put to rest any questions as to whether the 3 times the Bulls beat the Pistons in the regular season were a fluke or not. The Bulls CAN play with and beat the Pistons. Series should be 2-2 - at least. Pistons know that too, its Chicago I am having a hard time convincing.
right now my biggest disappointment is you haven't started a new thread after the Bulls game 4 win, Roman. so I guess I'll just have to use this one for my comments.
like most Bulls fans yesterday in the 4th quarter I was thinking "oh no not again" until Hinrich drew the charging foul on Billups and Gordon followed that with a 3 at the top of the circle to push the lead back to 10 with just over 3 minutes remaining. then when Ben Wallace knocked down 3 of 4 from the line I actually laughed, remembering how he had made 7 out of 8 when Miami had tried the same strategy, and wondered why he doesn't shoot from the line like that all the time.
now I have no delusions of grandeur that this Bulls team will be the first NBA team in history to overcome a 3-0 deficit and advance to the next round BUT! I would love to see it happen for no other reason than to see if that sarcastic s.o.b. Marriotti will do what he said he'd do in his column today....walk out on the floor of the United Center and kiss the snorting Bull's nostrils. that picture covering the full front page of the Sun-Times would hang on my wall right along with the 6 championship front pages.
in all likelyhood the Bulls season will end tomorrow night but if by chance the Bulls force a game 6, Marriotti might want to start thinking about getting some chapstik and a disinfectant wipe to clean a spot on the Bulls logo to kiss.
The Pistons allowed the Bulls to win the game, as evidenced by the lopsided score. In the first three games, the Bulls were never close. Now, in Game 4, they blow the Pistons out? Game 4 was a consolation prize from the Pistons to the Bulls. The Pistons are allowing the Bulls players a little pride by letting them win one, instead of blowing them out, which it is entirely in their power to do.
Game 5 will be a repeat of Games 1 through 3: the Pistons will out-hustle, out-defend, and out-shoot the Bulls, and the Bulls will show their youth. The Bulls are getting their asses-whooped, plain and simple. It may be that
Julie B. you're quite welcome.....Keith my man loved the Wizard analogy let's hope Tuesday nights game plan includes the attitude "there's no place like home let's take this thing back there"!
Scott if you honestly believe the Pistons "let" the Bulls win yesterday you gotta be just a little nuts or one of those people that believe the play-offs are as rigged as pro wrestling and certain match-ups are prolonged so the networks and players can make a bit more money. all the presure now is on the Pistons to close the series out at home and believe me they know they were lucky to have frustrated the Bulls in game 3 and are not 2-2 right now instead of 3-1. this Bulls team is not gonna go away quietly and they know that. if the Bulls win game 5 they may just go on to make NBA history.
To me, the Bulls victory in game 4 can be attributed wholly on the following three factors:
1. Rebounding. The advantage was obvious and consistent throughout the game on both ends of the court. The Pistons actually looked a little worn out in the 3rd quarter.
2. Kirk Hinrich. Really good to see him knock down some baskets for change. It would be nice to see Nocioni reappear, but Kirk is a starter – he had to play better.
3. The Return of the Greatest Hairstyle in the Entire World. When Big Ben was introduced and all I saw was that 8” afro, I just knew there was no way we would lose. That is the most fantastic hair I’ve ever seen. As a matter of fact, I think the ‘fro is worthy of it’s own introduction. Now that’s confidence!
I still contend that Tyrus Thomas needs to be on the floor more, if not starting. I know he made some mistakes yesterday, but he’s just a better player than P.J. Brown. This might have been the token win for the Bulls in this series, but I don’t care. I’m still getting my free Big Mac today!
You gutless, spineless, non-faithful wretches!! This is now a three game series! We got them where we want, back in Detroit with their heads swelled thinking they will be drinking champagne after OUR NEXT VICTORY!!...
you gotta have faith (notice faith is lower case)...lol
Hey Tom Little, there is another guy across town who writes for the other newspaper who needs to do the same thing as WHINER-iotti...
oh yeah Scott you gutless so and so, blankety blank @#$%#$...I bet you didn't hug your mom for Mother's Day, ya bum..lol..Be glad this is a family PG Blog site...lol
Come on Bulls make a series out of it!! Show the faithless there is hope in the next game!!..
Julie B. your analysis was right on and I agree Tyrus needs more time on the floor. the mistakes he made in Sunday's game were aggressive mistakes though not passive mistakes and you can live with those. I have never been upset when he has been called for goal tending because even though the bucket is counted there is a message sent and many times players become more aware of his presence and alter their shot next time and miss.
I hope you get an opportunity for another free Big Mac before this is over.
Julie you are right about Tyrus Thomas. The only thing that stops this guy is himself and the coach. His lenght, quickness and jumping ability creates an invaluable mismatch in this round. This game will be good for the Bulls either way. We prevail and come back home having grown a whole lot in a little time. We don't and we have a measuring stick of where we are and where we need to be. If it weren't for their length, the Pistons would be toast. We have to add this element next year regardless. Its ironic that length was not a problem with the Jordan Bulls, but heart, and vice-versa for this team.
Keith, the "Writing Wiz". Yeah, Skiles made the adjustments, and hopefully not too late. We still could use a better handle on a couple. First and foremost I would like to tell the Tribune, Sun-Times, and blog commentators that Andres Nocioni has played a liitle better than even he himself has given credit. Games 1 and 2 we wre playing catch-up early. Everyone just started to rush things (veteran teams won't do that as was seen in games 3 and 4 by Billups consistent decisions to pull up and set regardless of how far behind they were) and it only snowballed for the Bulls. Nocioni shot the ball very well in games 3 and 4, with the exception of the last minute and thirty of game three when nothing fell for NOBODY. He just needs to keep his feet on the ground on 'D' when he's away from the bucket and he's going to be big for us. I also believe we need to stay away from double teams as much. I'd much rather see a guy score a bucket going to the hoop with a man on him then see a guy hit a wide open jumper off the double team. That's why switching defenses back and forth was a key factor; it changes the pace of their set killing valuable seconds forcing them to rush shots. If we cure the first quarter blues, maintain the man-man faithfully, avoid head fakes from 15+ out, and continue the awesome rebounding we may be looking history in the mouth. Now, let's go knock some teeth out!!
I'm glad you guys are giving Julie B. her props. She's my new blog wife. I told you guys that I don't know the full nuances of B.Ball and I get the finer points from some of you guys. You guys are better at breaking down the skill level of that sport than a lot of guys/gals break down the other sports on this site.
O.K., even if the Bulls lose this series, I must admit that my equation; Skiles=Collins, was perhaps wrong,and without merit. I may even have infringed upon one of Microsoft's 235 patents(which are merely alogrithims anyway) as well. We need a new thread Mr. Modrowski. It has been 4 days. Hope everything is O.K.
O.K. guys, this is it. Bottle it, pack it safely, and take it with you wherever you go. It's called "Confidence and Relaxation" and it's not sold in stores anywhere. All you have to do is remember to take it before every game, whether you think you need it or not, and don't think about anything else. Continue with your daily lifestyle and hard work at the job, and C&R will take you the rest of the way. All the way!
C&R is sold without a prescription and clinically proven to maximize your performance, treat and cure disillusions and nerves.
These statements have been evaluated by the National Basketball Association.
Now am I finally happy with how far the Bulls have come. I feel like they have finally made the progress they were projected to make. Win or lose, they have shown significant growth and the season has been validated. Next year the Bulls should make it to the conference finals or advance to the NBA finals. We are a few pieces away from it all. I am even open to the return of Scott Skiles to lead the way, but its finals or bust for him. I actually believe he is not the next level guy, but as long as we keep making progress, and that it does take us 3 or 4 more years. We are ready NOW. Its just a matter of having a coach who can see it and get the most out of the players. That being said, its time to make some history. Detroit is going to bring all they have, but the Bulls have already taken their best punch. Its time to put it together and shake up the world!
above the rim....look it's a bird , it's a plane, noooooo it's Tyyyyyyyyyyyyrus Thomas.....snatching bullets out of mid-air at one end of the floor and flushing the Piston's confidence through the hoop at the other end......have no fear Unnnnnderdog is here being Deng consistant in his humble and unseemingly quiet way......meanwhile back at the point Dudley (Hinrich) Do-Right slashes fearlessly through a throng of Pistons to vanguish Snidely (Billups) Whiplash as Flash Gordon pats the evil "Rip" on the head after sending the ball safely through the net while Pharoah Rasheed curses his way to yet another "Tech" as the freed slaves make their way to the promised land.
This IS now a series! granted it won't be easy forcing a game 7 but Detroit is now feeling the pressure and the Bulls are playing as loose and as confident as they ever have. if the Bulls win Thursday night and send it back to the Palace for a game 7 the Pistons will certainly be desperate and vulnerable. if the Bulls make history and become the first team to come back after trailing 3-0 and win a series, will Big Ben's former team mates (who wouldn't return a text message before game 1) show some class and congratulate him and the rest of the Bulls team? or will they take a page from the Isaiah book of cry-babies and walk off the floor? will the poster calling himself Jaytroit who has been silenced by the last two games in which the Bulls lead by as many as 23 points and never relinquished the lead show up and say congratulations? you can bet if the Pistons recover in either game 6 or 7 that Jaytroit will show up to gloat. but then through the years Bulls fans like their team have always shown they have class unlike their counter parts from the motormouth city.
Tune in for the next episode of mission impossible 4 where we know drama.
Game 5 will be a repeat of Games 1 through 3: the Pistons will out-hustle, out-defend, and out-shoot the Bulls, and the Bulls will show their youth. The Bulls are getting their asses-whooped, plain and simple. It may be that
Posted by: Scott | May 14, 2007 09:53 AM
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This comment was not from Scott was it?
What's the matter, no faith?
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right now my biggest disappointment is you haven't started a new thread after the Bulls game 4 win, Roman. so I guess I'll just have to use this one for my comments.
Posted by: Tim Little | May 14, 2007 09:05 AM
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A new thread when so many Bull fans had given them up for a
bad Piston, and fooled into buying a new engine?
Why should Roman start a new one when you guys had
gone to the auto repair shop? No wonder those
guys charge and arm and a leg!...lol
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First half proved that Detroit is beatable, very beatable.
Posted by: Keith-Lifetime Southsider | May 11, 2007 10:05 AM
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Great observation Mr. Southsider; the last
three games have proven that, though we let
one get away.
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That was a really sweet thing to say. It's always nice to know that other people like to read what I write (aside from me!). Let's hope the Bulls give us all something positive to write about today. :)
Posted by: Julie B. | May 13, 2007 12:22 PM
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Julie B. we men pay attention
even when scratching in places
we shouldn't in public...lol
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You gutless, spineless, non-faithful wretches!! This is now a three game series! We got them where we want, back in Detroit with their heads swelled thinking they will be drinking champagne after OUR NEXT VICTORY!!...
you gotta have faith (notice faith is lower case)...lol
Come on Bulls make a series out of it!! Show the faithless there is hope in the next game!!..
Aw Shut Up Already...lol
Posted by: gotta have faith | May 14, 2007 04:15 PM
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We are back in Chicago for game six, TWO GAME SERIES!
Come on off the ledge you wagon-jumpers, we still love
ya! I told you Bull fans, "you gotta have faith!"
Now the first two letters are capitize and FAith
will get us through this. Now lets go to the
United Center and cheer own Bulls to victory! I
think hear some Pistons going bad on that
Detroit team, don't you?...lol
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FROM THE MOVIE THE PRESTIGE - Every good trick has 3 parts:
1. The Show (this is where the magician shows you an object and draws your attention) - affectionately known as GAME THREE. The Bulls showed life.
2. The Turn (this is where the magician makes something disappear). affectionately known at games 4 and 5. The Bulls went out and erased a great deficit. This is great, but its not enough to applaud yet.
3. The Prestige (this is where the magician brings back what he made disappear culminating in a great applause) And for the Fans this would have been game 6 and 7, only we never got to celebrate victory. The Bulls themselves decided they would disappear. It seems only PJ Brown showed up. In Kevin Garnett's Voice: "We fooled you didn't we".
Comments
Biggest disappointment for me is coaching. First half proved that Detroit is beatable, very beatable. Flip Saunders makes ONE adjustment. Bulls refused to shoot over the zone even though we are one of the best 3 point shooting teams in the NBA. Iceberg of a lead melted down like cotton candy. How many points must we give up to make a counter adjustment? Skiles refused to go to Thabo and Tyrus or Duhon.
Posted by: Keith-Lifetime Southsider | May 11, 2007 10:05 AM
I'm disappointed not in the fact that they're losing the series to the Pistons, but in how they're losing. The team has come a long way and it's a really good thing that we're talking about Bulls playoff games in the second round to begin with. The team will continue to make strides, they're headed in the right direction and the future looks really bright. The turnaround of the franchise is not complete yet... let's keep being patient.
Posted by: Keith Sowa | May 11, 2007 10:36 AM
it's hard to decide on any one individual as being more disappointing than another. I tend to think Nocioni is hurting more than he is admitting and it is affecting his shot. Hinrich and Gordon I think have been trying to do too much with the ball and not enough without it. And as a whole when faced with a zone defense movement without the ball comes to a halt as the ball is simply passed along the perimeter til the shot clock is in the red. Flip Saunders comment that the Piston's zone was phenominal was not as accurate as the truth that the Bulls offense against the zone was abominable. If there is one critizism I have of coach Skiles it is that through the entire season he has failed to engineer an offense to attack the zone and force teams out of it. In every double digit lead that was blown and resulted in a loss this season the begining of the each teams comeback started by going to a zone defense and forcing jump shots from the perimeter with the clock winding down. The Piston's have shown that they can turn it up a notch in the post season. Billups should be the league MVP, the man has ice water in his veins and is like a robot in the second half. The Bulls would need some kind of a miracle to win 4 in a row agianst this Pistons team but the question now is do they have enough pride in them to avoid a sweep? I guess we'll find out Sunday afternoon. Win or lose Sunday I am still greatful for an exciting season that was hopefully just another step towards the trophy. I hope other Bulls fans will see it that way also, it's been a fairy tale season but keep in mind you could have been a Dallas Maverick's fan and how embarressing was it to win 67 regular season games and lose the first round to the 8th seed Warriors?
Posted by: Tim Little | May 11, 2007 10:50 AM
The whole thing is a mess...What's this about Duhon missing their film session the other day??? This is the 2nd time he's missed something with the first time being attributed to "oversleeping". ...Duhon is just another "guy" on the roster.
Posted by: JJ | May 11, 2007 12:24 PM
Ben Wallace was brought in to rebound, block shots, guard, and overall play steller defense. For the most part, I believe he has accomplished just that. I don't see how the Bulls failure this series has been his fault at all. If you want to point the finger, you can blame the fact that Nocioni hasn't scored hardly at all, and his lack of quickness became a huge liability in the series, or the fact that the backcourt of Heinrich and Gordon has been getting killed (especially Gordon, who looks completely overmatched, if he can't score on Hamilton or Billups, you are going to have to bench him because he is a huge defensive liability. )Right now, you have to look at your future. Tyrus Thomas should be playing instead of Nocioni, and I think you have to find a way to get Sefolosha in there more. There's no shame in losing to the Pistons, they are solid at pretty much every position and have championship experience. They will probably take care of the Cavs in 6 at the most.
Posted by: Kris | May 11, 2007 12:28 PM
Tim my friend its been a fairytale alright, but I was thinking Romeo and Juliet! You have the patience of a monk. It is a virtue I must pick up (right away of course lol).
Kris I enjoyed your post today! Your assessments are realistic. I agree, Wallace has done all that he said he would and probably more than he was contracted to. Just him guarding Shaq should be enough.
Posted by: Keith-Lifetime Southsider | May 11, 2007 01:15 PM
Next time ya'll make to the playoffs(whenever that may be) tell Nicioni to shut the hell up and play ball. We're the only team in the nba that make guarantees. Yesterday he's on the bench with tears in his eyes. never look past the greatest in the east, 6 years in a row!!!
Posted by: Jaytroit | May 11, 2007 02:03 PM
Hard to decide on any one thing as being the "biggest" disappointment. It is disappointing to watch the Bulls play so poorly when they played so great against the Heat. It was disappointing to be completely demolished in game 1, not learn anything from it and get blown out again in game 2. The loss last night was maybe harder to take, because we showed signs that we could have won that game. I thought Tyrus Thomas made an immediate impact when he entered the game in the 2nd quarter, then we didn't see him again until it was too late. And I think just about every Bulls fan knew the second the Pistons went ahead in the 3rd, it was all over. Ben Gordon is just too one-sided a player, and our bench is non-existent. I don't understand why Thomas doesn't get more playing time. He was deemed too good to trade away, and I agree with that, but then why not use him? And it would be very disappointing to get swept, but I would not be surprised at all if that happens.
Posted by: Julie B. | May 11, 2007 03:08 PM
How can Skiles think Detriot's zone is not having an impact? Does he teach Heinrich to dribble the hell out of the ball against it?
When you have a team that relies on the outside jump shot to win...you live by it (Miami) and die by it (Detroit).
The real bad news is that they no longer have the expiring contracts to match an offer for guys like Gasol or Garnett. You can dream of all kinds of trade ideas but they don't have enough guys making enough money to trade for a big time player.
Posted by: Jessie | May 11, 2007 09:05 PM
Keith ole buddy patience is a learned thing, first raised by a die hard Cub fan and then years of sitting quietly in a tree stand deer hunting. The latter also teaches you to observe and analyze little things most others don't notice. and I was glad to see you finally gave Big Ben the acknowledgement you were reluctant to give him during the regular season.
Jaytroit...enjoy your gloating while it lasts. you sound much like the Piston's team of 91 that walked off the court refusing to congratulate the 92 Bulls. when the tide turns (and it will soon) I will be one of the first to say your team fought well and with pride. but i seriously doubt you will have the balls to post any congratulations to the Bulls fans on this or any other blog.
Julie B. I have enjoyed all of your posts and agree with your latest assessment of Tyrus Thomas's playing time, Ben Gordon and the bench in this series. I haven't had the pleasure of listening to a female intelligently analyzing the Bulls since my wife passed away 5 years ago this month. looking forward to see what you have to say after the draft and after what ever trades maybe made during the off-season.
Posted by: Tim Little | May 11, 2007 09:35 PM
Disappointment is an understatement! Actually I lost all coaching respect for Skiles in the third quarter. Let's break this backbreaker down by "disappointments" in their proper order.
Scott Skiles: The Bulls played their best ball of the series with Nocioni on the court in the first half. They played their most inspiring defense with Thomas and Sefalosha on the court in the first half. Their offense clicked when it revolved around P.J. at the free line in the first half. Their defense stayed primarily close man to man, not allowing an open shooter off a double team, in the first half. Second half? Skiles chokes and goes brain dead. His first timeout comes a bucket too late (VERY IMPORTANT). Nocioni comes in when the ball is running too fast downhill (TOO LATE AGAIN). Thomas and Sefalosha are banished to, I have no effin idea? P.J. disappears from the ranks of the free throw line, and guys are running to 'DOUBLE TEAM SHOOTERS AT THE ARCH?' leaving 'THE REAL SHOOTER' wide open. Come crunch time the guys had nothin' left in the tank. Very poor professional substitutioning an game management. Very poor!
Ben Gordon: I'm sorry but this guy killed us this series. He makes very bad court decisions at CRUCIAL times; consistently. Hinrich and Sefalosha should have been given the bulk of playing time this series. Sefalosha plays very relaxed and confident for a rookie. Gordon rushed his shots and looked intimidated as was apparent by his air balls and overall percentage. Big liability on "D" should have made this an easy 'save for tomorrow' decision, top scorer or not.
Luol Deng: Like Gordon rushed his shots at will. Actually he played like a chicken with his head cut off. You ABSOLUTELY CANNOT do that against a switching zone. Sefalosha and Nocioni would have stretched the 'D' in a more controlled manner. Deng treated the leather like a 'hot potato'. Relax, pull-up, and pop. Where was the coaching? You don't run thru a house of mirrors.
Kirk Hinrich: Never look a gift horse in the mouth. This guy passed up more open shots than Ben Wallace from THREELAND. Then to make matters worse he, as did Gordon, would drive into a switching zone and pass into the hands of a switching defender who in turn would fly down court and flush it down 'POOR DECISION LANE', A.K.A Detroits basket.
Scott Skiles: This man has gotta be on this list twice! Probably should have been 1 and 2. Made no attempt to switch defenses back and forth to at least give them something to think about. Didn't look at all like he may have suggested to his players to keep their feet on the ground until Detroit left theirs first (looked like a bunch of grasshoppers with a real bad itch). Not to mention the fact a head fake of our own might have been a good thing every now and then seeing as how well it worked for the enemy. Fresh legs would have been welcome on the boards and on 'D'.
The truth be told, Detroit is a veteran team who shoots the ball well and plays quick footed 'D' on the perimeter. The Bulls are basically juniors and freshman obviously still in the learning process. B.J. and Wallace played commendable, as was expected of the veterans. Unfortunately we were a few veterans short and one coach shy.
Posted by: Anthony Navarro | May 12, 2007 09:13 AM
Is it disaapointment or reality the Bulls are simply not ready to play at the next level. Basketball is supposed to be a finesse game, I bet everyone would agree to that. But in actuality some elbows have to be thrown to make your presence known on the court.
Micheal Jordan had that extra talented gift where if you knocked him down, he got back up and made you pay for it. It would seem frustration would set in but not for him. He REV it up another gear and made the opposing player look silly. Though early in his career they were call "Micheal and the Jordaniares", the other players eventually feed off his heady play. Matter of fact some were angry about it and it showed on the court. They felt they were as just as big of a star.
This present team must work and shall I say play a little dirty like the old Pistons who knocked Micheal silly every time he tried to dunk on them. This team has not SHOWN the heart to "I BE DAMN IF I JUST GET MY A$$ WHUP WITHOUT TRYING ANYTHING, EVERYTHING AND ALL THINGS TO WIN!!"
SIMPLY PUT, the Pistons do not fear this Chicago Bulls team....
Posted by: Douglas | May 12, 2007 12:56 PM
Thanks, Tim. That was a really sweet thing to say. It's always nice to know that other people like to read what I write (aside from me!). Let's hope the Bulls give us all something positive to write about today. :)
Posted by: Julie B. | May 13, 2007 12:22 PM
Tim your post touched my heart. It helped me appreciate my wife and Mother's day even more. And yes there is something to this patience thing! It appears the best IS yet to come for the Bulls. Yesterday's game was great! Bulls had every reason to lay down and go on vacation, but they chose to stave off a sweep and go valiantly back to Detroit. Mr. Skiles looked as if his heart finally grew three times its size as he returned reserves Chris Duhon and Tyrus Thomas back to the Hoo-ville faithful! Ben Gordon discovered his heart, Kirk Hinrich found his courage and the United Center showed there is no place like home. Yes, we still have to go up to detroit and face the flying monkeys and their fans, but the Wiz can no longer fool us with his zone defense! We finally have the Brains, Heart, and Courage to win. If they believe in themeselves just maybe they can get back home? Tim you have me thinking about fairytales again. Maybe I should go back to sleep.
Posted by: Keith Lifetime Southsider | May 14, 2007 03:26 AM
Hey Anthony, your assessments were right on point! Yesterday the Bulls seemed to address all 3 problems, and that is a credit to Scott Skiles. Its also a discredit to him because it took him too long to get there. Playing Tyrus Thomas (at home) and figuring how to bust a zone are no-brainers. There was not ONE article I read concerning the subject where the writers or analysts didn't ask "where was Thomas". This one adjustment might have cost us the 3rd game. Yesterday's game also put to rest any questions as to whether the 3 times the Bulls beat the Pistons in the regular season were a fluke or not. The Bulls CAN play with and beat the Pistons. Series should be 2-2 - at least. Pistons know that too, its Chicago I am having a hard time convincing.
Posted by: Keith-Lifetime Southsider | May 14, 2007 08:51 AM
right now my biggest disappointment is you haven't started a new thread after the Bulls game 4 win, Roman. so I guess I'll just have to use this one for my comments.
like most Bulls fans yesterday in the 4th quarter I was thinking "oh no not again" until Hinrich drew the charging foul on Billups and Gordon followed that with a 3 at the top of the circle to push the lead back to 10 with just over 3 minutes remaining. then when Ben Wallace knocked down 3 of 4 from the line I actually laughed, remembering how he had made 7 out of 8 when Miami had tried the same strategy, and wondered why he doesn't shoot from the line like that all the time.
now I have no delusions of grandeur that this Bulls team will be the first NBA team in history to overcome a 3-0 deficit and advance to the next round BUT! I would love to see it happen for no other reason than to see if that sarcastic s.o.b. Marriotti will do what he said he'd do in his column today....walk out on the floor of the United Center and kiss the snorting Bull's nostrils. that picture covering the full front page of the Sun-Times would hang on my wall right along with the 6 championship front pages.
in all likelyhood the Bulls season will end tomorrow night but if by chance the Bulls force a game 6, Marriotti might want to start thinking about getting some chapstik and a disinfectant wipe to clean a spot on the Bulls logo to kiss.
Posted by: Tim Little | May 14, 2007 09:05 AM
This will all be over by Game 5.
The Pistons allowed the Bulls to win the game, as evidenced by the lopsided score. In the first three games, the Bulls were never close. Now, in Game 4, they blow the Pistons out? Game 4 was a consolation prize from the Pistons to the Bulls. The Pistons are allowing the Bulls players a little pride by letting them win one, instead of blowing them out, which it is entirely in their power to do.
Game 5 will be a repeat of Games 1 through 3: the Pistons will out-hustle, out-defend, and out-shoot the Bulls, and the Bulls will show their youth. The Bulls are getting their asses-whooped, plain and simple. It may be that
Posted by: Scott | May 14, 2007 09:53 AM
Julie B. you're quite welcome.....Keith my man loved the Wizard analogy let's hope Tuesday nights game plan includes the attitude "there's no place like home let's take this thing back there"!
Scott if you honestly believe the Pistons "let" the Bulls win yesterday you gotta be just a little nuts or one of those people that believe the play-offs are as rigged as pro wrestling and certain match-ups are prolonged so the networks and players can make a bit more money. all the presure now is on the Pistons to close the series out at home and believe me they know they were lucky to have frustrated the Bulls in game 3 and are not 2-2 right now instead of 3-1. this Bulls team is not gonna go away quietly and they know that. if the Bulls win game 5 they may just go on to make NBA history.
Posted by: Tim Little | May 14, 2007 02:03 PM
To me, the Bulls victory in game 4 can be attributed wholly on the following three factors:
1. Rebounding. The advantage was obvious and consistent throughout the game on both ends of the court. The Pistons actually looked a little worn out in the 3rd quarter.
2. Kirk Hinrich. Really good to see him knock down some baskets for change. It would be nice to see Nocioni reappear, but Kirk is a starter – he had to play better.
3. The Return of the Greatest Hairstyle in the Entire World. When Big Ben was introduced and all I saw was that 8” afro, I just knew there was no way we would lose. That is the most fantastic hair I’ve ever seen. As a matter of fact, I think the ‘fro is worthy of it’s own introduction. Now that’s confidence!
I still contend that Tyrus Thomas needs to be on the floor more, if not starting. I know he made some mistakes yesterday, but he’s just a better player than P.J. Brown. This might have been the token win for the Bulls in this series, but I don’t care. I’m still getting my free Big Mac today!
Posted by: Julie B. | May 14, 2007 03:48 PM
You gutless, spineless, non-faithful wretches!! This is now a three game series! We got them where we want, back in Detroit with their heads swelled thinking they will be drinking champagne after OUR NEXT VICTORY!!...
you gotta have faith (notice faith is lower case)...lol
Hey Tom Little, there is another guy across town who writes for the other newspaper who needs to do the same thing as WHINER-iotti...
oh yeah Scott you gutless so and so, blankety blank @#$%#$...I bet you didn't hug your mom for Mother's Day, ya bum..lol..Be glad this is a family PG Blog site...lol
Come on Bulls make a series out of it!! Show the faithless there is hope in the next game!!..
Aw Shut Up Already...lol
Posted by: gotta have faith | May 14, 2007 04:15 PM
Julie B. your analysis was right on and I agree Tyrus needs more time on the floor. the mistakes he made in Sunday's game were aggressive mistakes though not passive mistakes and you can live with those. I have never been upset when he has been called for goal tending because even though the bucket is counted there is a message sent and many times players become more aware of his presence and alter their shot next time and miss.
I hope you get an opportunity for another free Big Mac before this is over.
Posted by: Tim Little | May 14, 2007 09:14 PM
Losing the Super Bowl.
Posted by: BBB | May 15, 2007 08:21 AM
Julie you are right about Tyrus Thomas. The only thing that stops this guy is himself and the coach. His lenght, quickness and jumping ability creates an invaluable mismatch in this round. This game will be good for the Bulls either way. We prevail and come back home having grown a whole lot in a little time. We don't and we have a measuring stick of where we are and where we need to be. If it weren't for their length, the Pistons would be toast. We have to add this element next year regardless. Its ironic that length was not a problem with the Jordan Bulls, but heart, and vice-versa for this team.
Posted by: Keith-Lifetime Southsider | May 15, 2007 09:27 AM
Keith, the "Writing Wiz". Yeah, Skiles made the adjustments, and hopefully not too late. We still could use a better handle on a couple. First and foremost I would like to tell the Tribune, Sun-Times, and blog commentators that Andres Nocioni has played a liitle better than even he himself has given credit. Games 1 and 2 we wre playing catch-up early. Everyone just started to rush things (veteran teams won't do that as was seen in games 3 and 4 by Billups consistent decisions to pull up and set regardless of how far behind they were) and it only snowballed for the Bulls. Nocioni shot the ball very well in games 3 and 4, with the exception of the last minute and thirty of game three when nothing fell for NOBODY. He just needs to keep his feet on the ground on 'D' when he's away from the bucket and he's going to be big for us. I also believe we need to stay away from double teams as much. I'd much rather see a guy score a bucket going to the hoop with a man on him then see a guy hit a wide open jumper off the double team. That's why switching defenses back and forth was a key factor; it changes the pace of their set killing valuable seconds forcing them to rush shots. If we cure the first quarter blues, maintain the man-man faithfully, avoid head fakes from 15+ out, and continue the awesome rebounding we may be looking history in the mouth. Now, let's go knock some teeth out!!
Posted by: Anthony Navarro | May 15, 2007 09:47 AM
I'm glad you guys are giving Julie B. her props. She's my new blog wife. I told you guys that I don't know the full nuances of B.Ball and I get the finer points from some of you guys. You guys are better at breaking down the skill level of that sport than a lot of guys/gals break down the other sports on this site.
Posted by: William R. Donald | May 15, 2007 08:01 PM
You are a bunch of suckas. The Pistons will take it!
Posted by: Stooge | May 15, 2007 09:10 PM
O.K., even if the Bulls lose this series, I must admit that my equation; Skiles=Collins, was perhaps wrong,and without merit. I may even have infringed upon one of Microsoft's 235 patents(which are merely alogrithims anyway) as well. We need a new thread Mr. Modrowski. It has been 4 days. Hope everything is O.K.
Posted by: stuckinwisconsin | May 15, 2007 11:03 PM
O.K. guys, this is it. Bottle it, pack it safely, and take it with you wherever you go. It's called "Confidence and Relaxation" and it's not sold in stores anywhere. All you have to do is remember to take it before every game, whether you think you need it or not, and don't think about anything else. Continue with your daily lifestyle and hard work at the job, and C&R will take you the rest of the way. All the way!
C&R is sold without a prescription and clinically proven to maximize your performance, treat and cure disillusions and nerves.
These statements have been evaluated by the National Basketball Association.
Go Bulls!
Posted by: Anthony Navarro | May 16, 2007 07:41 AM
Now am I finally happy with how far the Bulls have come. I feel like they have finally made the progress they were projected to make. Win or lose, they have shown significant growth and the season has been validated. Next year the Bulls should make it to the conference finals or advance to the NBA finals. We are a few pieces away from it all. I am even open to the return of Scott Skiles to lead the way, but its finals or bust for him. I actually believe he is not the next level guy, but as long as we keep making progress, and that it does take us 3 or 4 more years. We are ready NOW. Its just a matter of having a coach who can see it and get the most out of the players. That being said, its time to make some history. Detroit is going to bring all they have, but the Bulls have already taken their best punch. Its time to put it together and shake up the world!
Posted by: Keith-Lifetime Southsider | May 16, 2007 09:25 AM
above the rim....look it's a bird , it's a plane, noooooo it's Tyyyyyyyyyyyyrus Thomas.....snatching bullets out of mid-air at one end of the floor and flushing the Piston's confidence through the hoop at the other end......have no fear Unnnnnderdog is here being Deng consistant in his humble and unseemingly quiet way......meanwhile back at the point Dudley (Hinrich) Do-Right slashes fearlessly through a throng of Pistons to vanguish Snidely (Billups) Whiplash as Flash Gordon pats the evil "Rip" on the head after sending the ball safely through the net while Pharoah Rasheed curses his way to yet another "Tech" as the freed slaves make their way to the promised land.
This IS now a series! granted it won't be easy forcing a game 7 but Detroit is now feeling the pressure and the Bulls are playing as loose and as confident as they ever have. if the Bulls win Thursday night and send it back to the Palace for a game 7 the Pistons will certainly be desperate and vulnerable. if the Bulls make history and become the first team to come back after trailing 3-0 and win a series, will Big Ben's former team mates (who wouldn't return a text message before game 1) show some class and congratulate him and the rest of the Bulls team? or will they take a page from the Isaiah book of cry-babies and walk off the floor? will the poster calling himself Jaytroit who has been silenced by the last two games in which the Bulls lead by as many as 23 points and never relinquished the lead show up and say congratulations? you can bet if the Pistons recover in either game 6 or 7 that Jaytroit will show up to gloat. but then through the years Bulls fans like their team have always shown they have class unlike their counter parts from the motormouth city.
Tune in for the next episode of mission impossible 4 where we know drama.
Posted by: Tim Little | May 16, 2007 10:27 AM
Game 5 will be a repeat of Games 1 through 3: the Pistons will out-hustle, out-defend, and out-shoot the Bulls, and the Bulls will show their youth. The Bulls are getting their asses-whooped, plain and simple. It may be that
Posted by: Scott | May 14, 2007 09:53 AM
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This comment was not from Scott was it?
What's the matter, no faith?
*******************************************
right now my biggest disappointment is you haven't started a new thread after the Bulls game 4 win, Roman. so I guess I'll just have to use this one for my comments.
Posted by: Tim Little | May 14, 2007 09:05 AM
******************************************************************
A new thread when so many Bull fans had given them up for a
bad Piston, and fooled into buying a new engine?
Why should Roman start a new one when you guys had
gone to the auto repair shop? No wonder those
guys charge and arm and a leg!...lol
******************************************************************
First half proved that Detroit is beatable, very beatable.
Posted by: Keith-Lifetime Southsider | May 11, 2007 10:05 AM
*********************************************
Great observation Mr. Southsider; the last
three games have proven that, though we let
one get away.
*********************************************
That was a really sweet thing to say. It's always nice to know that other people like to read what I write (aside from me!). Let's hope the Bulls give us all something positive to write about today. :)
Posted by: Julie B. | May 13, 2007 12:22 PM
**********************************
Julie B. we men pay attention
even when scratching in places
we shouldn't in public...lol
**********************************
You gutless, spineless, non-faithful wretches!! This is now a three game series! We got them where we want, back in Detroit with their heads swelled thinking they will be drinking champagne after OUR NEXT VICTORY!!...
you gotta have faith (notice faith is lower case)...lol
Come on Bulls make a series out of it!! Show the faithless there is hope in the next game!!..
Aw Shut Up Already...lol
Posted by: gotta have faith | May 14, 2007 04:15 PM
*********************************************************
We are back in Chicago for game six, TWO GAME SERIES!
Come on off the ledge you wagon-jumpers, we still love
ya! I told you Bull fans, "you gotta have faith!"
Now the first two letters are capitize and FAith
will get us through this. Now lets go to the
United Center and cheer own Bulls to victory! I
think hear some Pistons going bad on that
Detroit team, don't you?...lol
*********************************************************
I told you Roman, just have a little faith man!
Posted by: Douglas | May 16, 2007 12:07 PM
Rom - I guess you didn't want to read all the trash-talking that was going to come with a few victories huh?
Posted by: Gotta Have Faith | May 17, 2007 01:49 PM
Wow - I've never gotten so much attention from men who don't know what I look like. What's a blog wife? As long as I don't have to cook for you......
Posted by: Julie B. | May 18, 2007 07:55 AM
FROM THE MOVIE THE PRESTIGE - Every good trick has 3 parts:
1. The Show (this is where the magician shows you an object and draws your attention) - affectionately known as GAME THREE. The Bulls showed life.
2. The Turn (this is where the magician makes something disappear). affectionately known at games 4 and 5. The Bulls went out and erased a great deficit. This is great, but its not enough to applaud yet.
3. The Prestige (this is where the magician brings back what he made disappear culminating in a great applause) And for the Fans this would have been game 6 and 7, only we never got to celebrate victory. The Bulls themselves decided they would disappear. It seems only PJ Brown showed up. In Kevin Garnett's Voice: "We fooled you didn't we".
Posted by: Keith-Lifetime Southsider | May 18, 2007 08:23 AM
Roman - are you on vacation? Haven't seen any new blogs in a while.
Posted by: Kri