With center Joakim Noah out for three weeks minimum, the Bulls are hoping to see Taj Gibson continue his strong play. Gibson is averaging a solid 12.2 points and 10.6 rebounds in the nine games he's played since the All-Star break. The 6'9 forward from USC has also increased his efficiency during that time, and is shooting 59% from the floor. The rookie has quietly stepped up his shot-blocking as well over that time span, as he is now averaging 1.2 for the season. Forgotten in all this is the fact that his damage is done in less than 30 minutes a game.
Forward Luol Deng and All-Star point guard Derrick Rose are both probable for tonight. Rose has gone through a rough week with knee bumps and hits to his body, which is never a good thing to see this late in the season.
The Memphis Grizzlies with Zach Randolph, Marc Gasol, O.J Mayo and Rudy Gay have been the big surprise team this season. Mostly known as scorers and shot-takers, this group came together and started playing solid basketball. They're currently ninth in the Western Conference, with a 31-30 record. They've done this without much help from the 2nd overall pick in last June's draft, Hasheem Thabeet. The 7'3 center from Connecticut was sent down to the D-League and is the highest drafted player to be so.
While Memphis found a way to play together, they're still not sharing the ball as much as they could. 19.4 assists per game compared to 23.0 for their opponents. The Bulls will have to clog the lane against Randolph and Gasol, while trying to take away open lanes for Gay and Mayo. Tonight calls for a lot of defensive communication for the Bulls.
This is a game where rookie James Johnson could make a positive effect. Johnson has shown potential as a shot-blocker and has a large enough frame to be able to handle contact. Against an athletic beast like Rudy Gay, Johnson's size and mobility could help the Bulls slowing him down a bit. Johnson started against Atlanta and had nine points in his first starting gig in the NBA.
Chris Richard and his motor is back in the Windy City. The Bulls waived Lindsey Hunter to make room, and Richard will have to do his best Joakim Noah impression, by keeping balls alive and rebounding.
Filed under: Game Threads
Tags: chicago bulls, derrick rose, Marc Gasol, Memphis Grizzlies, O.J Mayo, Taj Gibson
Good points about Taj Gibson.
I would love to see him average a double-double for the rest of the season.
I wonder what role Taj ends up in the future of this team
6 in a row...starting 2nite.
what a dunk by Rose.
Can the Bulls trade Derrick Rose (a loser) for Dwyane Wade (a winner)?
This loss is on Derrick Rose!!!
^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Ignorant bulls fan everyone, take a look because it doesnt get worse than this. Sure Rose missed some easy shots but he was getting doubled and no one was hitting shots when he got them the ball.
Wade missed a game winner, I think he is a complete loser. I think Wade should be cut. I am sorry I was sniffing glue and posting like some people here.
You are CLUELESS.
DWADE is a WINNER, while DROSE is NOT.
Did the Heat win tonight vs. the Lakers? YES, thanks to DWADE. Did the Bulls lose tonight vs. the Grizzlies? YES, thanks to DROSE.
DROSE disappeared for 3 quarters.
YOU ARE CLUELESS!!!
What did DROSE shoot tonight? 9/21.
HERE'S THE GOOD NEWS.
If the Bulls keep losing they will have a shot at getting EVAN TURNER in the draft lottery. He's a CHICAGO KID, who knows how to lead a team, unlike Derrick Rose apparently.
let me know how FAR does evan turner go with a COLLEGE TEAM than ROSE wth a NBA TEAM .. we cant lose every game and get the second pick..
I have a new nickname to give out.
Since Derrick Rose is not a BATMAN, but a ROBIN on the court I think it's now appropriate to refer to him as "ROBIN" ROSE.
The Bulls last two #1 Picks: "DICKEY" Johnson and "ROBIN" ROSE.
Good job, John Paxson.
Gun shot going off that ends newskools life, see what you do to people MrHappy.
wow another shot at rose again .. really ?
And Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins predicted, "He's going to be one of the all-time greats before he's done."
and you still call him robin? a coach whos around basketball way more than all of us and actually studys and scouts said this about rose and you run out and call him robin?
MrHappy is an idiot
An idiot who apparently knows something about pro basketball.
Was is not Doug Thonus who said ASSISTS ARE OVER-RATED? I have to disagree.
COMPARISON:
DWADE (last night) - 9/21 FG Shooting...27 points and 14 assists...HEAT WIN.
DROSE (last night) - 9/21 FG Shooting...20 points and 3 assists...BULLS LOSE.
CONCLUSION:
#1.) Assists matter.
#2.) DWADE is a "BATMAN."
#3.) DROSE is a "ROBIN."
Where was this game lost?
Derrick Rose 10 points in the 1st Quarter...the Bulls 17 point lead.
Derrick Rose 4 points in the 2nd Quarter...the Bulls up by 6 at halftime.
Derrick Rose 2 points in the 3rd Quarter...the Bulls up by 4 at the end of three.
Derrick Rose 4 points in the 4th Quarter...the Bulls lose by 9 points.
DROSE is NOT a leader or a finisher. That's a MAJOR problem for this team.
Yea. If DROSE have a big game on saturday you will be saying he is a god. You should change your name to Mr. Unhappy...
Don't worry. Neither of those things will happen.
Derrick Rose is a "ROBIN" not a "BATMAN." It's easy to tell. Open your eyes people.
The Bulls last two #1 Picks are SOFT.
- "ROBIN" ROSE
- "DICKY" Johnson
Pathetic. Warrick is the Eddy Curry of rebounding, Kirk is the Chris Duhon of jump shots.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't the Bulls have a 17 point lead in this game?
WTF? How does VDN still have a job?