The Chicago Bulls can't catch a break these days. They've lost six in a row and saw All-Star point guard Derrick Rose go down hard against Orlando, in a tumble with Dwight Howard. This is the second time this year a Howard/Rose connection has seen Rose leave the game to not return.
Already without center Joakim Noah and forward Luol Deng, the Bulls now have their three best players on the bench going into Miami to face the Heat. Guard Kirk Hinrich and forward Taj Gibson will be the only two starters playing tonight, as Chicago will hope to get some help from the bench.
Forward Hakim Warrick and guard Flip Murray have been inconsistent of late, but both have the gift of being able to create offensive opportunities for themselves. The Bulls could use a strong effort from those two early on.
Veteran center Brad Miller will be forced to handle a lot of minutes, and he could end up with the ball in the high post a lot against the Miami. Miller is a threat from the mid-range area and an establishment of his game early could go a long way for the struggling Bulls.
Rookie forward James Johnson had 13 points, 3 rebounds and 4 dimes against Orlando, and will most certainly get some minutes tonight, with so many key players out. Johnson could possibly find himself play a point forward role on occasion if the Bulls miss guards who can produce through long stretches.
The Heat are led by guard Dwyane Wade, who is often connected in Bulls talk due to the free agency angle in 2010. Wade and Miami have won four straight on their home floor, and will look to increase that tonight. The Bulls are in for a tough one, but if they can pull it off on the road without their biggest three players, it would require huge games from several players.
Filed under: Game Threads
Tags: chicago bulls, derrick rose, Dwyane Wade, miami heat, Taj Gibson
Maybe the Bulls can play them tough tonight lol
JJ with 14 at half and the Bulls down 1.
I swear I thought we had no shot unless JJ had a monster game. I doubt he goes for 28 and doubles this bt he has suprised me with his play. If we win, I wonder what Mr Happy ill say about JJ then. He is single handdidly keeping us in this game.
He'll say "He's SOFT with no HEART!!"
He's SOFT with no HEART!!!
Even Dickey Simpkins had a good game or two.
Wow, im glad ur no where near the bulls organization.
Hey Doug, rumor has it you can block people here as well lmao
This was actually a fun game. JJ played real well and Kirk made my night. Bigger story is how bad the Heat really are lol, struggled to a team with 3 of its best players out.
We had no chance in this game, Rose, Deng, and Noah out, while Taj has planter faciatius, and Miller had an injury too I believe. Joe Alexander is the worst player I've ever seen on the Bulls roster in the last couple years that actually plays...Dump Pargo, Alexander, Murray, and maybe Warrick depending on how much he wants next year.
I didn't get to see this game, but I heard all about the cheap shots from Wade and his loser teammates. It's too bad Taj is playing injured/so hampered by this fasciitis crap. The next time he gets cheapshoted by someone(Wade) he's gotta go after him/them, at least get up in their face, and then shove them etc. if they do some shit. Taj has been picked on all year mostly by the refs. Now players are joining in. He's got to stand up for himself, and he's got to stand up to the refs more aggressively when he gets jobbed.
Vinny has been so passive all season not stikcing up for Taj who has been labeled because he is somewhat foul prone, his at times docile demeanor, and for his somewhat low pedigree with his position in the draft.
These guys have got to fight. And Rose has to start Confronting refs. If he can't confront them genuinely, and not as some obligatory effort then he's just not the fighter he needs to be. Go at them as Wade/Kobe does though not as often and punkishly. I've never liked Wade. There's a part of me that would love to have him come here, but another part that doesn't want anything to do with his at times punkish and phony, complaining ass. I'd really like to see Rose and Deng come back soon and with fire. And keep getting Johnson his minutes even if some of them are at the four. We need James playing for now and the future. This is a turning point for him. If Hakim has to sit, so be it. And don't yank him out of the game if he makes a couple of mistakes. We need him to turn the corner not be yoked on a leash every time he has a bad four minute spell. We might eek by some wins by dumping him. But will only win over the long haul by him coming on board with a real contribution.
+2 pretty good post all around. The refs were terrible and they always are terrible in Miami. Last year Wade was pretty much making the calls for the refs. That really pisses me off. Wade gets touched and its a automatic foul. NBA is rigged...they know who they want to win and what to happen in the games. Stars get what they want.
But anyways, like another poster said, it shows how bad Miami is when our 3 best players arent even playing and we were still in the game with them. Like Sammy says, apart of me doesnt want Wade but then theres another part of me that does. IMO We need a big man more then anything.
About time the Bulls stood up for themselves, Kirk thank you. I wanted everyone else to pretty much do the same thing lol Brad Miller intentail foul is a joke. Taj.....GET NASTY! You let these guys just punk you...do something about it. Stop being a pansy.
James Johnson played really well and hopefully he continues that. He was showing a little anger in him by the way he was playing. I like to see that. Bulls are going to have to start winning or go after that draft pick here pretty soon.