Last time these two teams met, it took close to ten minutes past the final buzzer to determine a winner. Bulls center Brad Miller hit an off-balance 21-foot jumper at the buzzer, with originally just 0.3 seconds left. The shot was counted as invalid, and the Nuggets won the game.
Tonight, the Bulls hope to even the season series, in their final meeting with Denver this season. After a 15-point defeat against the NBA champion Lakers on Thursday, the Bulls are now playing with a chip on their shoulder. Point guard Derrick Rose looked visibly upset during the second half of the Lakers game, aggresively taking the ball to the hole and finishing with 20 points on the evening.
Guard/forward John Salmons hit for 18 during the first half, but was helt scoreless after halftime. Center Joakim Noah, who went up against Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol, impressed yet again. The 240-pounder fought hard for rebounds, boxed out and blocked two shots on the evening, adding to his statline of 12 points, 15 rebounds, four steals and four assists.
Brad Miller chipped in 15 points and got to the free throw line nine times. Against Nuggets center Nene, Miller will continue to take advantage of his scoring touch from the outside, and hopefully take the Brazilian out of the paint.
Luol Deng, averaging 16.4 points and nine rebounds on the year, had an off-game against Los Angeles, wrapping up just six points and six rebounds in 36 minutes of play. Deng did a good job on Nuggets star Carmelo Anthony at the United Center eleven days ago, where he forced the All-Star to shoot just eight-for-22 on the night, adding up to just 20 points, ten below his season average.
Rookie forward Taj Gibson come into tonights game averaging 6.9 points and 4.8 rebounds. his match-up tonight will be Kenyon Martin, the athletic top draft pick from 2000. chicago's other rookie, forward James Johnson, has seen few minutes, but contributed some during this west coast road trip for the Bulls. The 6'9 forward from Wake Forest could see a substancial increase in minutes, if he carries over his two performances from Sacramento and Los Angeles.
Filed under: Game Threads
Tags: Carmelo Anthony, chicago bulls, Denver Nuggets, derrick rose, Joakim Noah, john salmons, Luol Deng
Pretty much says it all. They're competitive, and coming off a loss is going to make them fiesty. Second game in a back to back also doesn't necessarily mean all that much when you're at home, IMO.
We'll see how it plays out. I'm optimistic, but Denver could still kick our butt.
If Rose, Deng and Noah come out aggressive, then I like the Bulls chances. Also, the Bulls bench has to outplay the Denver bench, if they plan on winning.
Rose is telling some of the Bulls' fans to eat nuts. They were talking about Jennings is better than Rose... stop it lamers! Him and Deng are back!
Wow Rose release looks amazing tonight.
James Johnson looks in horrid shape.
James Johnson looks so smooth with the ball. It's a sight to see! I like the sloppy look lol.
sick dunk by Kenyon however over the back call c'mon
Bulls defense keeping them in this, 2 straight turnovers by Denver.
Deng baby is officially back. Monster put back.
How did Taj get a T?
Damn Afflalo is driving Rose crazy with his defense.
Deng with a pump fake and draws the foul. Nice.
I would bet my life that Chis Andersen has atleast 1 std.
why are announcers still calling Earl Smith JR? He said he wants to go by Earl now.
They look really winded out there though. Vinny needs to get Deng, Salmons, and Taj out to give them some rest. I mean why the hell is Noah coming out before Taj anyway
nice heads up move by Brad Miller.
Nice Rose.
Earl with a 28 ft 3.
JR Smith = athletic version of Pargo
JR Smith makes Tyrus look like Einstein.
Rose is back officially. Sick floater.
but has poor shot selection a la Pargo
Damn JR another deep one. We look in trouble.
well thats games folks.
No point in watching these jokes anymore
Brad miller sucks, get a board for christ sake.
Bulls need to throw an elbow at JR and send a message.
well I am done with this game. Embarassing 2nd half.
Does Hinrich know there's game tonight?
Hinrich was worth keeping again tonight. Salmons was great.
The kid can shoot but he has so much baggage. We could have gotten more for him when we dealt him but i could never support a thug like him on my team.
Great defense Hinrich!
Its hard to win games when roster spots are taking up by Lindsey Hunter, Aaron Gray, and Jerome James.
Ben Gordon!
It is sad to see the bulls giving up on this game. Absolutely pathetic.
Rose has bad handles.
Nuggets just have better players
What a guy Doug. The other night folding laundry and now helping with groceries, wife hit the jackpot. Anyway yea JR went off and Bulls failed to put an elbow into his face. In the 80s and 90s players would never let a player go off like that without some payback.
JJ efficient once again in morsel minutes. Bulls coaches are too conservative. Next game:
Rose
Deng
Johnson
Gibson
Noah
Are you high?
Post Deng up and spread the other four out. Run the offense through him on some plays.
Deng has no post game though
So Doug, Do you think if we go winless on the road trip there will be changes made by managament or Del Negro?
Better question, is there any moves we could make that would keep us in the same positioning for the summer but make us a better team? AKA Get rid of Salmons or Hinrich for a better SG or sumtin.
Also Doug, What would we do if Salmons doesnt opt out next year? What is our salary situation like?
In a word, PATHETIC!!!
Not only did the Chicago Bulls blow a 14 point 2nd quarter lead, which they turned into a 19 point loss, they QUIT in the process.
It's obvious now that John Paxson and Gar Forman need to find better players. Players who have HEART, SKILL and CHARACTER. Three traits that are SORELY MISSING on this current Bulls roster.
John Salmons is an embarassement. Makes me miss BG even though i now hate him lol.