You can't help but be caught up in Rubio fever when watching a Timberwolves game. And maybe the fact that Rick Adelman makes you wait 10 minutes before seeing the guy only fuels that. Until that point, Derrick Rose took advantage of his much ballyhooed rivalry with Minnesota starter Luke Ridnour, hitting his first six shots (including two 3-pointers). Rose soon exited after his ankle was fell upon by Anthony Tolliver during a loose ball situation, but the Bulls bench kept the heat on to the point where they were up 24 points and shooting 65% to the Wolves 27%.
But then the Wolves found a solid lineup with Rubio at the helm with support from Kevin Love and Anthony Randolph, closing the first half on a 20-2 run and surging through the 3rd quarter to eventually tie the game. Rubio started the 2nd half to keep that run going, and may have permanently won the job on this night. And interesting to see first-hand why there's been all that griping regarding Minny's starting lineup in the first place, he and that lineup were extremely impressive. Not much more than what a lot of us have seen in highlights over the opening weeks to the season, but still something to see in an extended viewing how he can make plays for teammates effortlessly yet precisely, and is always looking to do so. And even on defense: he no-doubt will struggle against many NBA PGs first steps (least of which being Derrick's), but showed impressive hands and even swiped the ball straight-up from Rose a couple times.
Meanwhile in the time where Minnesota closed the gap, Rose himself did not look like he had overcome the ankle sprain from earlier. There are always flashes of explosiveness even when he's hobbling, but you know when he's not looking to take over even on broken possessions both how great he is at his peak, and also how much the Bulls need him to be at that peak. The offense slows to a standstill without him forcing the defense to move, as though both Boozer and Noah had solid starts to the game (perhaps buoyed by the awful Wolves starting lineup) they showed yet again how they can't be counted on to carry the offensive load even for spurts.
And by the fourth quarter both starting bigs were benched for good. The Bulls frontcourt depth once again paved the way to victory as both Taj and Asik were able to provide a more active defense to force some transition opportunities. It's a luxury, but also still a story unless you believe that the bench bigs are the Bulls best chance to beat Miami. Until then, it'll always a concern when the ideal best option can't show it.
But who definitely showed it all night and carried the team even when Rose was slowed down was Luol Deng. 42 minutes (Rose played the same on the injured ankle, minutes-watchers), 11 rebounds and 21 points on 9-17 shooting. He guarded Wes Johnson to start the game and Kevin Love to finish it. Luol even found his 3-point stroke a bit going 2-4, and the team as a whole shot great from that range between him, Rose (4-8, minus at least one heave) and Kyle Korver (3-3). Korver was speculated (here) to be likely out of the rotation this season with the signing of Rip Hamilton and an improved Ronnie Brewer. Brewer has certainly stayed improved (17 points on 10 shots tonight), but Korver has been a consistent boost as well, going 14-26 from distance in his past four, a roll that's been especially timely with Rip and CJ Watson unable to play.
The Bulls were extremely backcourt heavy tonight, with Boozer/Noah/Asik/Gibson only accounting for 25 of the team's 111 points. The Wolves indeed allowed the Bulls to play small, but once again that was also out of necessity as well as opportunity. Whether its Boozer shooting from too far, or Noah not even being able to shoot before a guard ripped the ball from him, the Bulls were forced to rely on activity plays from their bench bigs (though Asik actually threw in a couple moves today over the much-shorter Love) instead of something that can be considered solid and sustained frontcourt scoring.
Often times, it's enough. The Bulls did ultimately win by 11, and Derrick Rose yet again made fantastic late plays to seal the victory, sore ankle be damned (and sure to never be admitted). The Timberwolves look like a team that will have a lot of close losses, and the Bulls as we know are a team that simply wins with that defense+Rose formula. This one may have been tougher than expected, but they get an extremely soft landing with a home date against the Wizards. So yet again, they stay great without looking particularly great, and we're left wondering just how real it is. I suppose it's real until it isn't.
0 recs | 202 comments
Although Noah hasn't looked great
I think the fact that Taj and Asik are playing so much late is more of a testament to how good they’ve been (particularly defensively) as opposed to how bad the starters have been.
Thibs is probably thinking, “Well, if most of the shots in the fourth are gonna go to Rose, Korver or Luol anyway, might as well have our best defensive frontcourt out there”. Asik has been tremendous. And while Taj has been terrific defensively as well, his “can’t hit a jumper, but still won’t pass” offense has gotten a bit annoying.
Juiceboxjerry - January 10, 2012
Its a shame that Taj doesn't try to get more attempts near the basket
he has good enough moves down low to get buckets, at least on a more consistent basis than midrange jumpers.
windycitywarrior - January 10, 2012
hes a terrible finisher though
just…terrible
piccolomair - January 10, 2012
It's those small hands!
The few times I’ve seen him go into the post he’s looked pretty good. Maybe I just have selective memory?
windycitywarrior - January 11, 2012
Well, there was that one time...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ekg_vx0hmvk
Locust_Inferno_666 - January 11, 2012
def and itll be imortant against the heat
impotrant to shut down players like bosh/haslem down the stretch.
Geo4MVP - January 10, 2012
yeah part of the deal is korver's the closer but you have to balance him with defense
but that doesnt excuse Noah, who’s been awful
paddyfairview - January 11, 2012
Awful may be overstating it, but Noah certainly hasn't been himself.
Tim S. - January 11, 2012
so you're saying that they're indeed going to be the crunch-time lineup in the playoffs
your friendly BullsBlogger - January 11, 2012
I dunno, but even if they are, why is that a huge deal?
If it really is the best way to beat the Heat, and it helps us win a title, I’ll gladly see John Lucas in the crunch time lineup. Whatever works. Worry about the fallout when we can’t afford them anymore
Juiceboxjerry - January 11, 2012
I'm operating under the assumption that it won't work
which I think is a solid one.
your friendly BullsBlogger - January 11, 2012
OT: Kobe is having a crazy game too
32 pts shooting greater than 50 percent. And once again, it looks liek the heat will beat a crappy warriors team
Geo4MVP - January 10, 2012
I got worried as soon as Rose got hurt
you could tell immediately he was testing it the remainder of the quarter. similar to the injury vs Indy in the playoffs (though that was worse), you can tell even a tweak really takes away from his explosiveness. definitely something to watch.
I guess I’m ok with Noah & Booz on the bench late as long as we’re winning, and the depth has really been an asset (but will it really help vs Miami in the playoffs?). I just think Asik has such an impact with his defense that it’s important to have him out there in the 4th when the game is decided. he really is a game-changer.
really hope there’s no let down tomorrow. sweeping a b2b2b would be sweeeet!
BULLieving in Miami - January 10, 2012 via iPhone app
yeah, that was a mild sprain
hopefully the bulls can get CJ watson back asap as well as rip, it can def ease Rose duties. I cant wait till this fuckin month is over with.
Geo4MVP - January 10, 2012
Lucas is playing pretty well on offense.
Tim S. - January 11, 2012
I'd like to see Rose get a little smarter so that he doesn't have to use his athleticism as much to score
Just as an example: I think I counted at least three times in tonight’s game where he drove, pulled up, and his defender would jump in the air. If Rose was smart, he would just jump into the contact and get a few easy free throws (common vet move), but for some reason he avoided it, and tried to make a difficult pass to an open teammate. I know it’s nit-picking when he has performances like he had tonight, but doing things like that will be helpful for when he doesn’t have it rolling
Juiceboxjerry - January 10, 2012
yeah, but i think the part was also the frontbourt playing like shit on offense
once rip returns, i think hell have more room to operate and score.
Geo4MVP - January 10, 2012
its defintely nitpicking
“if he were smart” I didnt know you could play at his level and not know the game a little bit.
Slick Ric - January 11, 2012
"Smart-ER". There's a difference.
Juiceboxjerry - January 11, 2012
Now I'm nit-picking:
You said “smart,” not “smarter” (as well as bungling the whole conditional-aspect, “were” in place of “was” thing).
However, I do agree with your actual premise, nit-picking aside.
jpx7 - January 11, 2012
I would like to seem him post up small guards.
Tim S. - January 11, 2012
*see
Tim S. - January 11, 2012
they changed this rule
you can’t jump into contact anymore
D-Cas - January 11, 2012
Just because the NBA change the rule
doesn’t mean they will enforce it
T.Moore - January 11, 2012
I worry about Noah even more than Boozer.
If Noah keeps playing like shit I could see the org shipping him this off-season for some perimeter firepower (Iggy)?.
Boozer is unreadable and if Asik and Taj keep outplaying Noah, it’ll be tough to justify that expensive frontline. I can see Noah being the odd man out if he doesn’t step it up.
illwill - January 10, 2012 via iPhone app
fuck, if we get iggy, ill be so damn ecstatic
a damn good ball handler and solid defender. easily the MVP of the sixers.
Geo4MVP - January 10, 2012
ha! I just went to the trade machine to try to trade Noah for Gordon or Harden
but its down for maintenance.
http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine
Basketball Smurf - January 10, 2012
If the Bulls did trade Noah for Gordon
now would probably be the time to do it, since Noah’s trade value is presumably low (than usual) and Gordon is still sidelined with an injury for a few weeks.
bryield - January 10, 2012
why would we want Gordon? I am assuming you mean Ben Gordon
Brigade17 - January 11, 2012
No - I assumed Smurf was referring to Eric Gordon
bryield - January 11, 2012
that is a MUCH better idea
sorry, some folks here harbor man crushes on Ben Gordon
Brigade17 - January 11, 2012
Let's be clear
I do have a small man crush for BG, but not enough to trade Noah for him…
bryield - January 11, 2012
I have a crush on Ben "I put up 20 in the 4th qtr, whatcha gon' do about it?" Gordon
Not Ben “I hate my life” Gordon
Brigade17 - January 11, 2012
Everyone should watch this every day
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3s8O9bkzwA
tuluse - January 11, 2012
yes i was referring to eric gordon
Basketball Smurf - January 11, 2012
I wonder if Gordon being in N.O. makes him more available for his free agency.
He should feel no loyalty towards the Hornets organization. Of course if the Bulls have no money then it won’t matter, but if it’s even a possibility to make a move for him or sign him then you have to look into it.
Of course if he turns out to be injury prone…
Dr. Handsome, D.D.S. - January 11, 2012
Could work out a sign and trade
tuluse - January 11, 2012
if you amnestied boozer and declined options on brewer and korver you'd get
rose/watson
gordon/hamilton
deng/butler
taj/?/noah
noah/asik
and be able to give him around 11 mil (rough calculation) without hitting the tax. interesting at least
paddyfairview - January 11, 2012
tax isn't the same as the cap
after the raise for rose, amnestying boozer doesn’t help enough.
Jaina - January 11, 2012
...oh yeah.
that was dumb.
paddyfairview - January 11, 2012
The trade machine being down for maintenance is the best thing I've heard in months.
They should shut it down for maintenance a lot more often.
pooriejay - January 11, 2012
I liked the sarcastic trades people would propose
but I won’t be missing the stupid ones.
MRubio52 - January 11, 2012
about time they updated it for the new CBA
SidM - January 11, 2012
well that iggy trade will probably have to wait until the sixers stop blowing out every opponent they face.
TheMoon - January 10, 2012
sixers are pretty scary this yr
the spencer hawes addition is really paying off. yet again, another kings young player let go.
Geo4MVP - January 10, 2012
yet again? Who was before Hawes?
Basketball Smurf - January 10, 2012
gerald wallace and hedo (before he started to suck)
Geo4MVP - January 10, 2012
Noah + Rip for Kevin Martin + Dalembert?
Should work out salary-wise. Houston really needs a defensive-minded big man. They probably have no use for Rip, so we might want to get a third team involved. Can we even trade Rip? Maybe we send Brewer or Korver instead?
Poloplaya14 - January 10, 2012
Small sample size.
Maybe Noah just didn’t work out enough in the off season, and needs to play himself into shape. I’m confident he will get better, and he isn’t really playing like shit, he just isn’t playing like himself.
Tim S. - January 11, 2012
I think he, Boozer, and Rip
are the only Bulls who understand that, for this type of team, the playoffs are the only thing that matter. Noah has been around long enough to have learned to pace himself, Doc River’s Celtics style, by coming in out of shape and then hitting stride after the all star break.
#prayingnoahreturnstoformsoon
BigforkBullsFan - January 11, 2012
Boozer is pacing himself
for the end of his contract.
El Toro de Goro - January 11, 2012
The way Hawes is playing though
Would they want Noah?
I mean without Brand, yes, but they’re paying Brand a lot more money than we’re paying Boozer….and Noah.
I don’t know what’s up wiht Noah, he hasn’t been the same since that ankle injury last year. I just sadly traded him from my fantasy team (I’ve kept him through the last 2 yrs, but this year, I had to go, and what’s worse I traded him for that freakish tranny-Alien, whom I deeply hate, but who will help my friggin team (I pulled a fast one on the league I think).
majoyenrac - January 11, 2012
Noahs an evil genius
Driving down his trade value so he can’t be dealt for Dwight
sin - January 10, 2012
Yes, because the Magic are on the lookout for players on the decline...
Juiceboxjerry - January 11, 2012
He's 26. He's not on a decline.
He’s in a slump/out of shape. Good lord.
Dash2112 - January 11, 2012
I was responding to Sin
I don’t believe Noah is on the decline per se, but there’s no denying that he has been a suckfest.
Juiceboxjerry - January 11, 2012
maybe he's trying to lower his trade value enough for him to be dealt fairly to NY for melo
kpd - January 11, 2012
Also on the last play where they intentionally fouled luol
Luol clearly was bent over, hands on knees, looking tired as fuck.
sin - January 10, 2012
the bulls schedule has been freekin nuts
so damn condensed.
Geo4MVP - January 10, 2012
i bet it's because of the lockout!
kpd - January 11, 2012
Poetic ending to the season: Bulls win the title, and Lu keels over and dies running to hug Thibs as the clock expires
Juiceboxjerry - January 11, 2012
NOOOOOOOO!!!!
tyger1147 - January 11, 2012
Hey, don't worry cause at least Lu can rest this summer.... wait.
One of the top home-country faces of the London Olympics – Luol Deng
Stupid Olympics could have Deng, Derrick, and Jo playing non-stop through mid August with maybe a 2 weeks break after the *finals.
Jscho316 - January 11, 2012
You think Britain is gonna go far in the Olympics or something
or the French…Please, USA USA USA USA
ThorCo - January 11, 2012
Fortunately, Washington at home is next.
Tim S. - January 11, 2012
Rose aggravated a turf toe, it wasn't the ankle
This worries me more just thinking of what turf toe did to Boozer last season
Option27 - January 11, 2012 via mobile
you can see his toes bend wierd in the replay
I think he’ll be fine though…kid is tough
Brigade17 - January 11, 2012
and Boozer's a 260 lbs bitch
illwill - January 11, 2012 via iPhone app
Boozer has a lot more weight on the toe, which means more weight slamming down on it when he lands
Rose the way Rose lands, his flexible ankle and knee joints take most of the weight. not that turf toe isnt painful, but it should be much less annoying and disruptive for Rose and for Boozer
kpd - January 11, 2012
Rose is about 400x as athletic as Boozer
Boozer’s a rather short for a PF guy who has limited athleticism….but what he lacks in athleticism, he makes up for with good footwork in the post (when he uses it) and a nice mid range jump shot.
If he loses a step it’s costly because he loses any lift he has and that makes him much more guardable.
Derrick can lose 3 steps and after that he’ll be on a level playing field with the second most athletic PG in the league….Derrick’s a freak of nature.
majoyenrac - January 11, 2012
sorry I had some weird CPU issues
majoyenrac - January 11, 2012
thanks, new thread is up
http://www.blogabull.com/2012/1/11/2698879/derrick-rose-has-turf-toe
your friendly BullsBlogger - January 11, 2012
I was gone for the second half,
were the Bulls bigs really as bad as it looks like they were, on paper?
dakoose - January 11, 2012
yes, lots of spazzing from Noah near the bucket
Taj and Omer brought the D in the 4th
Trey23 - January 11, 2012
If Thibs consistently relies on his backup 4 and 5 to win tough games,
doesn’t he have to think about switching up the minutes distribution? At the very least the front office should think about swinging some moves.
dakoose - January 11, 2012
we need a 5th big
too much foul trouble for Noah and Asik to not have someone who can play a few minutes at C…I miss Big Sexy
ThorCo - January 11, 2012
just watched the Taj interview on nba.com
didn’t know thibs has a no candy rule lol
trig - January 11, 2012
what?
Skittles corporate lawyers activate!
We will not stand for this.
Trey23 - January 11, 2012
well Taj did mention he love skittles
trig - January 11, 2012
Link, or you're the Devil
Juiceboxjerry - January 11, 2012
nba.com video swirks inside the locker room with Taj
Taj
trig - January 11, 2012
Thank you, you are not the Devil
Juiceboxjerry - January 11, 2012
Was he holding a warm beer?
Sandberg's evil twin - January 11, 2012
There's a shirtless god of thunder in that shot
half of Turkey just got impregnated spontaneously
ThorCo - January 11, 2012
here
http://www.nba.com/bulls/video/inside-locker-room-taj-gibson-010912.html
gooses - January 11, 2012
Jujubees gotta be made by him. Ripped so many fillings out.
Sandberg's evil twin - January 11, 2012
HE prolly has no self control and knows he'd be face deep in jelly beans if players were allowed to bring candy in.
dakoose - January 11, 2012
How did Thibs get Rose to agree to that?!
Brigade17 - January 11, 2012
Seriously?!?
Skittles! COME ON THIBS
Prevenge - January 11, 2012
First in the east!
JockstrapNoah - January 11, 2012
the wiz are not even an nba caliber team. rip should play and rose should sit tomorrow.
TheMoon - January 11, 2012
scalabrine should play point
piccolomair - January 11, 2012
and center
at the same time
Trey23 - January 11, 2012
lob it to himself
Trey23 - January 11, 2012
use super speed to get inside the paint and ctach his own lob.
Geo4MVP - January 11, 2012
lol, impossible with cj out
if he returns, then i wouldnt mind rose sitting.
Geo4MVP - January 11, 2012
why? just have rip/ronnie/lucas play PG and run a lot of offense through boozer and noah.
the wizards really, really blow.
TheMoon - January 11, 2012
I wanna see Rose shit on Wall.
He’s a little nicked up so he might take it easy, but I feel like Wall’s gonna have nothing to dougie about tomorrow night!
dakoose - January 11, 2012
wall sucks, so who cares.
TheMoon - January 11, 2012
yeah, overrated piece of crap
Geo4MVP - January 11, 2012
who is rajon rondo
piccolomair - January 11, 2012
fuck rondo
Geo4MVP - January 11, 2012
they may have a bit more confidence/play harder because they won today
or not. thats a strange team.
gooses - January 11, 2012
Wall hasn't had anything to diggie about all year.
Since he’s been pretty bad.
Dr. Handsome, D.D.S. - January 11, 2012
lol @ diggie
chicity773 - January 11, 2012
what is this?
obnoxious american - January 11, 2012
oh nevermind, i remember this horseshit now.
obnoxious american - January 11, 2012
And I mean pretty bad.
He’s having a Brandon Jennings-like second season. Only difference is he still gets some assists and he gets to the line… where he shoots poorly.
Dr. Handsome, D.D.S. - January 11, 2012
... I wonder why I said 'second year'
when Brandon Jennings has always been a crappy shooter; especially ignoring his first month in the league.
Dr. Handsome, D.D.S. - January 11, 2012
I guess the point is, I don't like Brandon Jennings
and I can’t stand John Wall.
Dr. Handsome, D.D.S. - January 11, 2012
i lurk on the bullets forever blog
in the summer time those guys were going gaga over walls summer spectacles when he was dominating on playgrounds and charity events. “look at that jumper” they said, “look how awesome it looks. Look at the way hes defending…did you see that dunk, oh my god wall looks so much better. He is better than derrick rose, westbrook, hes gonna be an all star”
They even did this simulated games during the lockout (when the season should have started already) and talked about how walls stats looked awesome and he was gonna kill…..then real nba started and none of that was true.
They jinxed themselves something bad
piccolomair - January 11, 2012
Its hard to judge wall at this point
its hard playing with bunch of dumbass players that don’t want to play team bball
trig - January 11, 2012
Not that difficult to judge horsecrap shooting.
He can at least shoot over 40%. He’s not Pargo.
Dr. Handsome, D.D.S. - January 11, 2012
teach me how to diggie
ThorCo - January 11, 2012
dig dug reference
me like.
dantheman3k - January 11, 2012
The Wolves are not playing awful basketball this year
They’re only 3-7, but they have a positive point differential.
Poloplaya14 - January 11, 2012
He said Wiz.
Referring to tomorrow’s game, I believe.
Dr. Handsome, D.D.S. - January 11, 2012
Oh whoops
Fail on my part. Yeah the Wizards are god awful
Poloplaya14 - January 11, 2012
"And Bulls are set to begin the first of three games this season against a Top 25 high school team, the Washington Wizards!"
Locust_Inferno_666 - January 11, 2012
Warriors and Hawks
have both beaten the Heat and Bulls, accounting for each of their two losses respectively
Orange Juice - January 11, 2012
thats fuckin creepy
Geo4MVP - January 11, 2012
hand down man down
ThorCo - January 11, 2012
I'm so glad I don't have to hear that shit anymore.
jpx7 - January 11, 2012
They just showed highlights from the Bulls game
and blurred out what Rose said after he hit a three to seal the game. Anyone know what he said????
dakoose - January 11, 2012
motherfucker
windycitywarrior - January 11, 2012
looks like he said MotherFuker.
RED_BULL - January 11, 2012
he said motherfucker
i was fucking surprised. i think he was saying it to rubio too
sin - January 11, 2012
If he was screaming it at Rubio then good.
Sometimes I want to see him get fired up at someone.
Dr. Handsome, D.D.S. - January 11, 2012
that is awesome
welcome to the nba ricky
Matt Hoogland - January 11, 2012
uhh...
If he said it to rubio I lost a lot respect for him.
Man G - January 11, 2012
really?
rubio made weird faces after a few good plays even in the first quarter. what’s wrong with getting a little excited so late in the game? it’s not like he hard-fouled him over anger or something. when the game ended he also gave rubio a hug fyi.
Jesus Fever - January 11, 2012
no matter what kind of douche Rose is going up against
From the way he conduct himself and how sincere he sounds when he is talking to reporter I would just not imagine him saying something like that during a game.
From my opinion, I do think he said motherfucker, but I do not think he was referring to anyone in particular just my opinion.
With that said there is nothing wrong with him trash talking…Its just I would have not expected him to display himself in such a way.
Man G - January 11, 2012
with all respect to your perception of rose
i don’t think he’s “the nice guy” that the media portrays him and i hope he’s not. he seems sincere when he’s talking but he never claims to be the perfect guy, that’s jut what the journalists make of him. he swears a lot, he can get angry on the court, he’s not afraid to say and show he’s sick of attention and he’s nowhere near humble when it comes to playing and winning basketball games. he’s not plastic like, say kevin durant.
of course it’s not right if he referred that mofo to rubio (and i think you’re right about it was just random too) but even if he did it’s because he’s just a human being and doesn’t try to fake being the nicest guy with doing the right. and that makes me like rose more. he’s not a saint, he’s like us. except for making 20-25 million dollars more than the rest of us a year.
Jesus Fever - January 11, 2012
if anything, hes very similar to kobe in respect to his attitude
well, a more humble version of kobe, haha
Geo4MVP - January 11, 2012
you need to get a close seat at an NBA game
and bring your earmuffs
SidM - January 11, 2012
I uh, actually really enjoy stories of NBA trash talk.
It’s just a part of basketball.
MRubio52 - January 11, 2012
i really doubt he was saying it to rubio, sin has a tendency to exaggerate everything
anorexorcist - January 11, 2012
Yeah, I was wondering the same thing
Wish I was watching the Wolves feed. Rose is a baaad man. Have to admit, early in his career I wasn’t sure if he had that killer type of personality, but he most certainly does
Juiceboxjerry - January 11, 2012
Yeah he's just self-aware enough not to parade it around like some self-important superstars.
cough**Kobe**cough
Poloplaya14 - January 11, 2012
yeah, he was just saying
I’M A BAAAAAD MOTHERFUCKA
obnoxious american - January 11, 2012
trying to find video of it
im sure he said motherfucker though.
sin - January 11, 2012
wee-un bitches!
Geo4MVP - January 11, 2012
stacey kings looses cool points tonight
he said the same thing bosh said last season about diving for loose balls. The refs were fucking horrible, I thought we were playing the heat tonight with all the damn foul calls the t-wolves were getting. happy to see Lu step up like he did tonight, love seeing him and Rose in the PnR.
Slick Ric - January 11, 2012
to be fair, bosh said it way more like a bitch, though.
obnoxious american - January 11, 2012
Sort of OT. Is Ricky Rubio a long lost relative of Ringo Starr?
windycitywarrior - January 11, 2012
hahahaha
TheMoon - January 11, 2012
when he was playing in Spain people said he'd get traded to the Heat. Fourth Heatle lol
paddyfairview - January 11, 2012
*playing badly in Spain
paddyfairview - January 11, 2012
Definitely has that 60's mod hair going.
Locust_Inferno_666 - January 11, 2012
cant buy me (kevin) love?
Belize - January 11, 2012 via mobile
Rubio's mom musta bumped uglies with Ringo
probably after a Thomas the Tank Engine shoot.
ThorCo - January 11, 2012
By the way
listening to the Wolves telecast, I’m sure they said something about Rose having the best 4th quarter +/- in the league. +62 or something like that.
Dr. Handsome, D.D.S. - January 11, 2012
They've played more road games then anyone in the league
One of the toughest schedules, injuries to RIP and Watson, yet still own the NBA’s beat record.
And this is all happening with a horrid Noah
Option27 - January 11, 2012 via mobile
its nice that Korver, Taj, Asik has come in and contribute
esp during games where Booz and Noah were nowhere to be found
trig - January 11, 2012
yeah cant say we're squeezing the most out of the roster now
still some moving pieces
paddyfairview - January 11, 2012
Maybe we're just overachieving ...
AGAIN!
Lolz
Option27 - January 11, 2012 via mobile
im not too concerned about Boozer and Noah
Boozer had an off game, but he’s been playing very well for the most party as of late. Noah I think might be a case of the lockout. I think he might not quite be in basketball shape, which is something that should fix itself as the season progresses.
kpd - January 11, 2012
I'm not concerned about Boozer
But I am really concerned about Noah.
I think Boozer started the game off well, but then went into hoist-em-up mode, and even when he could have moved closer to the rim, was jacking shots that are a step or two out of his best range. But Boozer was playing fine in the first quarter, so I think had Taj/Asik not been the T-Wolves kryptonite, Boozer would have been back.
But Noah? What’s up. He didn’t take a FGA in Monday’s game, and then in this game he was mostly passive.
I know he’s getting a few ticky tack calls (some of hwich are because he lost some spring in his step).
I hope it’s just an out of shape thing, but if it is that out of shape thing, then Joakim what the f, you knew you’re second year you came out of shape and it sucked, and that should have taught you to bring it in the offseason. I mean you’re friendly with Rose, work otu with him….
majoyenrac - January 11, 2012
Unleash the tornado
He was hiting it pre-injury last year. This year his man sags so far that he clogs the lane for the other players. Noah passes well out of the high post but he needs to hit a few to keep his man honest.
El Toro de Goro - January 11, 2012
And before we get too excited about Philly
they’ve had a comically easy schedule. They started the season with two games against the Wizards, have lost to Portland and Utah and the only team with a winning record they’ve beaten are the Pacers (who’ve had an easy schedule themselves.) I realize that they’ve decimated some of these teams, but I’ll wait until their games on the 18th, 20th and 21st before I think too highly of them.
Dear lord, they have back to backs against Washington again this week.
Dr. Handsome, D.D.S. - January 11, 2012
And Hawes will come back to earth soon.
Tim S. - January 11, 2012
And Granger didn't play that game, neither did Hill.
chicity773 - January 11, 2012
creepy video thumbnail.
gooses - January 11, 2012
wait.
thats a poster. thought barea was walkin by.
gooses - January 11, 2012
hahaha
Dash2112 - January 11, 2012
Random note
Bulls are 2nd in the league in Rebound Rate despite our leading rebounder having only 8.1 per game. This team gang rebounds like their is no tomorrow. Imagine what would happen if Noah woke up.
Dr. Handsome, D.D.S. - January 11, 2012
They would get more rebounds?
Juiceboxjerry - January 11, 2012
What an active imagination!
boyonthedock - January 11, 2012
WRONG!
They would get LOTS MOAR REBOUNDS!!!
Dr. Handsome, D.D.S. - January 11, 2012
first or bust
JustAnotherFan - January 11, 2012
Yes yes... but whose bust is in question?
Dr. Handsome, D.D.S. - January 11, 2012
We're also #2 in offensive rebounds despite the fact that we're
9TH IN FG% at 45.9%.
The team ahead of us (Sacto) shoots 40.5%
majoyenrac - January 11, 2012
Best chant of the night from my section
“Keep them under 100!”
It was college night at Target Center last night.
The Bulls had 99 at that point.
NBA Observer - January 11, 2012
Also
Adelman changed his rotations to open the 2nd half. Anthony Randolph played twice as many minutes as he does in a typical game.
Wes Johnson, who is a bricklayer on most nights, had a great shooting game. Adelman never inserted him again after the first quarter though. That was odd. Wayne Ellington also never saw the floor again. I know the two started the game where the Bulls were +15, but Johnson was playing well and Ellington just sucked.
A lot of the fans in my section think the Wolves should start Randolph at center.
NBA Observer - January 11, 2012
Bulls takes the best record on the league
ESPN writes about how awesome Rubio is
JustAnotherFan - January 11, 2012
Well, it was Zach Harper.
Dr. Handsome, D.D.S. - January 11, 2012
Rose never gets media attention!
your friendly BullsBlogger - January 11, 2012
ESPN sucks!
Rose rules!
JustAnotherFan - January 11, 2012
Guess who still wants a trade to the Bulls
JustAnotherFan - January 11, 2012
heh, i remember fuckin howard complimenting rose in the playoffs
and he wants to go to fuckin NJ! HOO-RAH!
Geo4MVP - January 11, 2012
missed the first half but he was ballin in the fourth woth some pretty dishes and drives
Almost mj-ish/coby-ish the way he ducka his head and moves around defenders to get to the hole…I did not know he soarined hia ankle till I read this…was it bad? Did he go to the room and get a shot? Cuz if so…I say rest him for the next 2-3 games. Ill take a full healthy bulls team on a lower seed than a high seed with an injured team
Belize - January 11, 2012 via mobile
*injured his ankle
Belize - January 11, 2012 via mobile
it looked like it might have been his ankle
i wouldn’t be surprised if he just went back to the locker room to get it taped though. he said it was his turf toe injury that he aggravated. he didn’t mention that his ankle was bothering him at all.
Jaina - January 11, 2012
toe..ankle...i say let him rest till hes back to speed
Gonna be a long gruiling season…ill take the 7th spot anyday if we are healthy
Belize - January 11, 2012 via mobile
Rose has the best layup package in the NBA
MRubio52 - January 11, 2012
i find these words strange.
“rose”, “best”, “package”
obnoxious american - January 11, 2012
He impresses me the most when he is avoiding bodies and contorting his own to hit a layup
That’s all.
MRubio52 - January 11, 2012
just bein a butthead.
obnoxious american - January 11, 2012
Just thinking...
Next year should and could be very very interesting when 23 year old Greg Oden goes to the open market.
You know Miami and New York are goign to take a chance on him and offer the max funds they have available….
And I wonder if any team will give much more than the max….
I mean Portland probably doesn’t want to have him walk, but would they pay 4-5 yrs at $5-6M (or whatever the current bargaining thing has) for him to possibly not play?
I can see the risk reward being much greater for New York (course they’d do it even without the reward for a lesser player) and for Miami (if Oden gets himself healthy, they’ll win all the titles and then some….
It’ll be very interesting…..I mean my understanding this year is that his injury is more a precautionary thing for long term health he’s sitting to get the ligaments to heal 100%.
He hasn’t yet retired….hell I’d take a chance at him far before doing the same for like a Battier/Miller, etc.
majoyenrac - January 11, 2012
He's played like 12 games in his career
If Miami really wants to risk their offseason on trying to strike it big with that guy, I’ll be more than ok with it. It’s not like they even NEED someone to be that (potentially) great.
Juiceboxjerry - January 11, 2012
He's played a full season all in
And his numbers for the limited availability he’s had are pretty eye openingly good.
I know they don’t need anyone to be that (potentially great) but if he can come in and just play the D and Board game for them, he’d hold down their C spot and make one of the best defensive teams that much tougher….
And he’ll be 24 next yr….I mean I know it’s different in scope because he already proved his value for many years but Grant Hill was out almost most of what 4-5 yrs and came back in his early past prime 30’s to play very well. Imagine the opposite on a 23 year old who should have some spring and ability to recover….
majoyenrac - January 11, 2012
There's no doubt it would be an interesting, and possibly amazing move if it worked
I just question whether a team like Miami would want to aim that high.
Juiceboxjerry - January 11, 2012
man, they signed Eddy Curry
JustAnotherFan - January 11, 2012
That hardly qualifies as a risk
I think he signed for the vet min
Juiceboxjerry - January 11, 2012
random conspiracy note...
Why the hell is the Miami/Golden State game highlight not up yet?
That was supposed to be the highlight of my day….
inkybreath - January 11, 2012
Lebron and his Nike reps have confiscated it
Yibs - January 11, 2012
Random comment but I just saw the 2nd quarter and Anthony Randolph fouled Noah on like 3 dunk attempts.
He “blocks” a Noah dunk, except instead of stopping the ball he stopped his elbow. Doesn’t excuse a poor 2nd half though.
Boozer is a cockbag. He starts the game in the post then just drifts further and further away, then compounds it by never bothering to cover Kevin Love, who walks into three straight 3s. I don’t understand how a guy who’s been coached by Krzyzewski, Jerry Sloan and Thibs can be so unaware of what’s going on.
Ozzie Montana - January 11, 2012
Yeah, noticed that too.
wasn’t even close to a block. he just doesn’t get the calls for some reason. Hope he fights through it.
BAB-Bass - January 11, 2012 via Android app
Noah has to have a poor reputation with officials when it comes to finishing
I think those things count. Maybe its just happenstance, but I’ve noticed Rose getting a lot more questionable calls as he has become better at making difficult lay-ups.
Basketball Smurf - January 11, 2012
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