Charles Rex Arbogast - AP
"Again, Carlos, you can't simply hope the offensive player will stop because you've yelled at him. Yes, even really loudly." (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
On the bright side, if Brian Scalabrine hit that three with 22 seconds left and put the Bulls up for good, I may have had to shut down the blog and just troll the BaB Facebook page for likes with Scal mixtapes and photoshops. As it stood in reality, the shot missed, the rebound got away, and 9 seconds went off the clock before the Pacers had an easy dunk to put them up four.
Scal came in on a strange defensive substitution the possession prior, with Carlos Boozer playing with 5 fouls and him being all Boozer-y on defense and whatnot. Though it was a situation where having either Taj Gibson or Luol Deng healthy would've changed everything, inserting Omer Asik could've been workable with him taking Roy Hibbert and Noah switching to David West. Maybe Thibs reasoned that Scal was less likely to be called for a questionable foul, something that the Bulls bigs encountered for much of the second half. I can't as easily guess his reasoning soon afterwards to not have Kyle Korver in for the last-ditch effort down 4 points, outside of him, er, hitting only 6 of his last 24 three-point attempts. It likely wouldn't have mattered, but it was obvious how much the Pacers overplayed Rose and dared Noah (or anyone else) to do anything about it.
As far as Rose himself, he just didn't look completely right, though he did lead the team with 24 points. It seems that he can still do everything, just not all the time, and this was a 4th quarter where the Bulls needed him to completely take over as they were always close they never were able get the lead. Meanwhile, a difference for the Pacers this year looks to be that not only do they have Danny Granger to make shots late-and-close (and a spot where Deng would've been big, literally) but David West has arrived as someone willing to take those late possessions as well. Granted, those aren't ideal closers, but they're willing, and technically in terms of quantity have more than the Bulls do in that department.
Though Ronnie Brewer is unfortunately a bit too small to completely check Danny Granger, or couldn't be the one to replace Boozer on defense instead of Scal, he had a fantastic night filling in for the rest of what Luol Deng usually does. Highlighted by a 2nd quarter one-man run where he lived off transition and on the baseline, Brewer finished the first half with 16 points and 3 steals. On the other side of the ledger was CJ Watson, who was due for a regression to the mean but it didn't have to be all in one night: 0-6 in only 10 minutes of action, culminating in his usual move of making sure to get another shot up when he sees Derrick Rose check in. The UC was so soured by Watson's play the 'M-V-P' chants started before Rose even took the floor, but unfortunately that script was merely that, not reality.
There were some other solid performances as well: Joakim Noah did wonders to give the Bulls extra possessions in the 2nd half. Rip Hamilton continues to add a new dimension to the Bulls offense, though I think that we saw a fairly good defense in Indiana's start to sniff out the Hamilton catch-pass that others never could figure out. Hamilton only shot 6-20 tonight but continues to be a threat, which is the difference from that spot on the floor this season for the Bulls.
Carlos Boozer had a brief spasm of great play in the middle of the 4th quarter, but otherwise looked to have fed the perception that he can only do real damage against bad frontcourts. The Pacers certainly don't have that, though West wasn't great himself, Tyler Hansbrough still is a flailing mess, and Hibbert needs total isolation and the entire shot clock to get his go-to move off...outside of some key boards from Noah the Pacers bigs did a better job against the Bulls frontcourt than anyone this year. Now, it'd be different if the Bulls had two key members of their frontcourt healthy, but credit to them for taking this victory even though I hate their team maybe even moreso than Miami. At least I respect that the Heat are contemporaries (and, sigh, deserved favorites) in their matchup with the Bulls, whereas it's annoying when this Pacers team plays good enough to hang around. This game doesn't mark any kind of major change in the conference hierarchy, but it does show that the Pacers are indeed still...around.
0 recs | 265 comments
I love Rose.
DRose: “I will never forget how they celebrated just from winning this game. I can’t wait to play them again.”
Krandle - January 26, 2012
Tired of the PR crap
I’m sure it’s genuine and all, but I’m tired of the media eating up this schtick after every loss or disappointing turn. He didn’t play well in the 2nd half. That should be part of the story. Not some spin that Derrick is mad and is going to exact his revenge on the Pacers. Why does he need to be beaten to get mad or determined? This is a team that treated him like a punching bag in the playoffs last year.
And that’s not a knock on him, just hate the local media spinning these stories all the time.
Niwrad - January 26, 2012
I agree, it's hard to articulate why but it bothers me too
and if they beat the Pacers later it won’t be because Derrick ‘remembered’, he’ll probably just have a better game. Reminds me of them going into that Golden State game with Rose ‘remembering’ the game the year before…and they dropped another turd.
your friendly BullsBlogger - January 26, 2012
Hasn't Jordan been deified for his ability to be slighted by anything?
and to get motivation from it as a result? I swear that comes up every time Joe Sportscolumnist talks about why Jordan is the GOAT.
SidM - January 26, 2012
But that kind of shit drove Jordan to not lose games in the first place,
and most of the slights he took for motivation were off-court stuff and didn’t come as a result of winning or losing, I think,
dakoose - January 26, 2012
You have to be incredibly motivated to be a great professional athlete
And they find really stupid ways to build up that motivation, but really we don’t need every single one reported.
What’s next, Derrick Rose really wants to beat team x because the room service sucked while he was in town?
tuluse - January 26, 2012
It really bothered me when I read it last night, too.
There’s already a developing rivalry here, it’s not like this is the first thing Indy has done to give him cause to hate them. If you don’t wanna see them celebrate, go out and win the damn game, don’t go and cry about it afterwards.
dakoose - January 26, 2012
Totally agree
It’s like he’s being covered by his parents. Nothing wrong with saying he had a shit game once in a while
Juiceboxjerry - January 26, 2012
Except he wasn't shit as you say
RogersPark Kris - January 26, 2012
Well, I wasn't trying to say that he was shit in this game, per se
I was speaking more in general. But the fourth quarter last night definitely wasn’t one of his finer moments
Juiceboxjerry - January 26, 2012
Listen, Rose had 12 points in the first quarter and was feasting on Indy.
Then in the 2nd quarter he goes out and drops 2 points and does nothing until a nice block and assist at the end of the quarter. Then, in crunch time, he doesn’t do very much and instead of getting himself a good shot to tie the game, passes the ball to Scal.
Anyone that thinks Scal is worthy of shot has been listening to too much Stacey King. Yes, you do fucking sleep on the White Mamba; he’s a bench scrub.
dakoose - January 26, 2012
from wat i've seen
rose was triple teamed so was he supposed to force a shot but yeah Scal in an ideal situation would not have shot or even been on the court.
ChicagoStyle - January 26, 2012
What does he expect when he jets down the lane for a game-tying shot?
Of course he’s going to draw extra defenders! As a guard, you only take that trip down the lane if you know that you have someone to dish off to once that double or triple team comes. Scal doesn’t qualify as someone to dish off to.
dakoose - January 26, 2012
You're right there's nothing wrong with him saying he played poorly
And hence he does that ALL THE TIME.
Rose is the superstar who is never afraid to take the blame, he does it even when it’s not deserved at all. Who have you been watching all this time?
Either he didn’t say it this time ‘cause A: He didn’t feel that way, or B: Everyone gets so mad at him when he takes all the blame that he figured no one wanted to hear that anymore.
Micdiddy - January 26, 2012
Perhaps he shouldn't try to take responsibilty for the losses?
And if you don’t like athletes giving out trite cliches after a game than don’t listen to post game interviews.
RogersPark Kris - January 26, 2012
Funny because I could have sworn Hamilton
was like 8-20 from the field and CJ Watson was 0-7. They were terrible and the reason the Bulls lost last night. Not the guy who scored 24 points, played good defense, and took responsibility for the loss. Not sure where the media cover-up or kiss assing to Rose is here
Dils - January 26, 2012
Rip usually makes those shots
that he missed, I think he’ll do fine next time, and CJ playing his worst game this year…As for Rose, I dont have anyproblem with him for he was the mvp for a reason
T.Moore - January 26, 2012
somewhere in indiana...
JustAnotherFan - January 26, 2012
somebody is regretting marriage?
Belize - January 26, 2012
I believe this is an extremely important and significant loss. My reasoning:
(posted this in the other thread but I think it’s better suited to be here)
-The Bulls are 3-4 against good teams, and three of those losses were blowouts
-Thibs is a better defensive mind, but I’d say Vogel at least equals him as a coach
-I don’t care how Boozer/Noah/Asik/Butler/Gibson (when he’s playing) do during a game. Unless all five guys are hurt, no way in hell Scal should be in the game at crunch time over any of them. I don’t care if they are a combined 0-47 with 0 rebounds, they all play over Scal in crunch time.
-We should NEVER lose a close game, especially at home, if Derrick Rose is playing. Tonight we did, and that shows how significant that this toe injury is. I’d say this game shows that it’s EXTREMELY unlikely we beat Miami on Sunday or Miami in a 7 game series with Rose’s toe the way it is. He has to be able to take over for us to win this type of game, especially with no Deng or a shell-of-himself Deng. If Rose couldn’t win us this game tonight, there are serious, serious issues going forward.
-It’s disturbing that the Bulls are STILL getting bit in the ass by teams that should not be as good as them, but are also not afraid of them. The Bulls are not good enough (especially with no Deng) to take other teams lightly. Even Miami gets bit doing that sometimes. Last year against the Pacers and Hawks in the playoffs, and this year against Atlanta, Pacers, and Grizzlies the Bulls seemed to think they "should" win, and then lost because these other good young teams arent afraid of them. The Bulls are taking teams lightly, and they have played VERY poorly against good opponents this season.
kpd - January 26, 2012
golden state is not a good team. Also, i would say lakers, clippers, hawks, pacers, and grizzlies are the best teams they have played so far
we r 4-2 against good teams. Im over this loss and its not that big of a deal.
Geo4MVP - January 26, 2012
and magic too...
make that 5-2.
Geo4MVP - January 26, 2012
sorry, lol, 5-3
Geo4MVP - January 26, 2012
even if you consider 5-3, we still shot be better than that
Seeing as two were blowouts and one was a close game at home. We should have taken the Pacers game and at least one of the other games
kpd - January 26, 2012
I think your expectations are unrealistic
Good teams are called good teams for a reason. Being 5-3 against good teams is pretty damn good, especially when you consider the injuries the Bulls have had.
Poloplaya14 - January 26, 2012
exactly, u wana check the heats record against the good teams?
ill tell u this its worse than the bulls.
Geo4MVP - January 26, 2012
I actually just did lol
And I’m sorry to say they’re not worse than the Bulls, they’re just barely better at 6-3. Counting Dallas, Indiana, Atlanta, the Clippers, Denver, San Antonio, the Lakers, and Philly as good teams.
Poloplaya14 - January 26, 2012
jus one more better team?
thats fine.
Geo4MVP - January 26, 2012
i have it in my head that the Heat are conserving for the playoffs, much like the 99 Spurs did in their lockout season
i could be wrong, but the fact that they are seemingly down ever game by somewhere between 5-10 until 3 minutes left and then they go on a 14-0 run makes me think that.
kpd - January 26, 2012
no, that wouldnt be a smart move for the heat.
they are trying in their games and the only thing they r conserving is wades health, thats it.
Geo4MVP - January 26, 2012
Lebron is playing at a historically high level right now
If he’s conserving for the playoffs, god help us all. Luckily, I’m pretty sure he’s not.
Poloplaya14 - January 26, 2012
like who? the hawks? when the bulls were coming off a long road trip?
the griz win was against a banged up bulls (watson and rose out?). this pacers win was the worse loss for the bulls so far.
Geo4MVP - January 26, 2012
i just think this Pacer loss makes everything else in the season look worse. the Bulls lose because Vogal out coached Thibs and the Pacers our played the Bulls, and Rose didn't take over
i’d say that’s cause for concern
kpd - January 26, 2012
nope, i wouldnt say that
would u say the same thing bout when the bulls beat the heat in all their meeting a cause for concern for maimi? of course not b/c its all bout the playoffs. Season is totally diff from the playoffs…
Geo4MVP - January 26, 2012
what i'm thinking about is the Bulls taking the Pacers and Hawks lightly last year in the playoffs and somewhat getting bit in the ass by it (not sweeping Indiana, losing game 1 to Atlanata)
and they did it again tonight. they aren’t good enough to do that.
kpd - January 26, 2012
i think the bulls will be more ready this playoffs more than last yr
season doesnt mean much to me…at this pt, i jus want the fuckin 1st seed and then itll be a diff ballgame.
Geo4MVP - January 26, 2012
ok so
we beat memphis by a sizeable margin the same week they get back at us with rudy having a great game.. kill ourself worse lose all season… beat ATL by a sizeable margin they get us back with JJ having a good game.. kill ourselves worse lose all season. now after knocking Pacers out of playoffs they had this game marked we were hurt they wanted revenge they win BY 5pts seriously guys we wont win all the rest of the season lets kill ourselves… OBVIOUS SCARASIM METER!!!
ChicagoStyle - January 26, 2012
They did what again?
The idea that every time the team loses or plays in a tough game implies that they are taking the other team lightly makes about as much sense as something really fucking stupid.
Here’s the deal:
Good teams lose and to say that the Bulls should NEVER lose a close game at home is absolutist and alarmist, but considering the source here, I don’t mean to get all pissy because I know how we all like to emote after tough losses.
But, YFFB is right. We were one Scal corner three away from saying: Oh, Indiana you quaint little fucktards with your inbred looking forwards and dick-fingered center, you couldn’t take us without Deng and Gibson, and you couldn’t take us with a banged up Rose.
Instead, now, here we are. I’m most concerned about the health of this team, period. I know people have said and will continue to say with good reason that everyone is hurting with the compressed schedule. But, the fact is, every player on this team has had prolonged periods of time where they seem off the axis a little bit. JoNo being one, DRose and his toe being two, the uncertainty with Deng being three, so on and so forth.
So, let’s see how the depleted roster plays against Miami, how hard the Heat force the ball off of Derrick and if Hamilton and Boozer can make some shots over the weekend.
Dogfishhead - January 26, 2012
that 3rd paragraph is pure gold
piccolomair - January 26, 2012
that was beautiful
MartyMondays - January 27, 2012 via mobile
+1
Rose2RipKaboom! - January 26, 2012 via Android app
Maybe derrick was testing to see if team offense could pull it off versus him just taking over. Kind of reminded me of the first few games where he was trying to be more a facilitator than scorer. Hated to see him pass the ball to rip a couple times in the fourth knowing as good as rip is, its derrick taking shots i would rather us live or die by. Hopefully this game sticks in derricks craw for a while, and we go 5 and 1 these next 6 games.
Rose2RipKaboom! - January 26, 2012 via Android app
wow unreal
out coached where do u get that vogal had a virtually healthy roster and wasn;t missing his starting SG and sixth man and WE LOST BY 5pts wow u’re just fuck bipolar or something its 1 fucking game out of 66. chill
ChicagoStyle - January 26, 2012
*4-3 against good teams
kpd - January 26, 2012
I guess
I missed how were still 16-4 with 5 of our best players hurt, 2 of which were out and we still only lost by 2 or 5(with the end score). Still think were one of the best teams in the league and were not even half way through the season still plenty of time for chemistry and trades, etc to happen really dude its ok dont jump off a bridge bc we lost a game to the pacers by a basket that scal almost made now if he air balled it would agree he shouldnt be in there but come on man everyone is looking for rose to score now so, its gonna be tough even with the toe. but rose doesn’t need to be the end-all lock for every chance to win we’ve beat teams without him. also miami is one injury away from being a mediocre team so don’t freak out just yet.
ChicagoStyle - January 26, 2012
I am not sure what you consider a good team
Let’s just look at all above .500 teams. Those would be: Philly, Miami, Orlando, Atlanta, San Antonio, Memphis, Dallas, Houston, OKC, Denver, Utah, Portland, LAC, and LAL.
Here is how the Bulls fared:
LAL – 2 point win, away
LAC – 13 point win, away
MEM – 40 point win, home
ATL – 2 point win, home
ORL – 14 point win, away
ATL – 15 point loss, away
MEM – 16 point loss, away
IND – 5 point loss, home
So, I’ve got the Bulls as 5-3 against above .500 teams. I am going to get rid of the Memphis loss because of no Rose and no Hamilton. You can disagree if you want, but it’s going to be near impossible to beat a playoff team without your best player. So the Bulls are 5-2 against above .500 teams. But let’s be fair, Zach Randolph went down in the middle of that Memphis game, so let’s get rid of that one too (if only because it was an outlier). Bulls are still 4-2 against good teams. That’s a solid record. Throw in the crazy amount of injuries the Bulls have had, and they are looking good.
Just for shits and giggles, let’s look at Miami against those teams.
DAL – 11 point win, away
ATL – 8 point loss, home
IND – 25 point win, home
ATL – 7 point win, away
LAC – 6 point loss, away
DEN – 13 point loss, away
SA – 22 point win, home
LAL – 9 point win, home
PHI – 21 point win, home
So, I’ve got the Heat at 6-3 against good teams. That sounds awfully close to the 4-2 I have the Bulls at. The big wins against Philly and SA were impressive, but they losses to the Clips and Nuggets were pretty bad.
Finally, the Bulls simple rating according basketball-reference.com slots them at #2. It’s not the greatest thing ever, but it does take strength of schedule and margin of victory into account. FWIW, the Miami Heat were #1 in that rating last year and the Bulls were #2. Dallas was #8, but they had huge injury issues.
I’ll get nervous when the Bulls truly look awful in a game again. Last night was not pretty, but the Bulls still looked like the better team. The thing that stands out the most to me is that the Bulls attempted 90 shots to the Pacers 80, both teams took 21 FT’s, won the turnover battle by 1, assisted on a higher percentage of their field goals, and still lost! The Bulls simply missed shots that they normally make. Sorry for the length of this post, but I suppose I had to convince myself a bit as well.
DRoseO1 - January 26, 2012
Oh and and as for Indy
I won’t do the whole list, but against good teams they are now 2-3. So they have played 3 less games than the Bulls and 2 less against good teams. They might also be the healthiest team in the NBA right now. Again, not concerned.
DRoseO1 - January 26, 2012
IIRC miami had a horrible record against the best teams last season
and went to the finals. WHO GIVES A SHIT.
Jaina - January 26, 2012
(i meant this as in support of what you're saying, really - that i'm not concerned about this)
Jaina - January 26, 2012
Agreed
Miami got swept by the Bulls and then Bulls lost in 5 in the playoffs. These games are not entirely meaningless, but when you are in the top tier of teams, they sort of are.
DRoseO1 - January 26, 2012
that rose dish to scal was really sweet
He gave him a wide open shot…they should have run that play for someone else but its good reps in the short season
Belize - January 26, 2012 via mobile
it would have been sweeter if it was to a player who should have been in the game, like anybody else on the roster
kpd - January 26, 2012
....
wow i guess u would’ve made that bc scal hasn’t been playing in the NBA for 10yrs while u sit at home on the couch watching the game. dude chill on the rage mode.
ChicagoStyle - January 26, 2012
But he's also right.
I’m not violently angry at the moment, but Scal should simply not have been in there. Even with Gibson and Deng injured, there’s basically no excuse.
Micdiddy - January 26, 2012
should have been korver and booz!
or at least booz!
Geo4MVP - January 26, 2012
i didn't say I should have been in over Scal, i said any other Bull should have been in over Scal
kpd - January 27, 2012
A disastrous fourth quarter from the Bulls, unfortunately
They shot 6 of 28 (21.4%) from the field, including 0 for 2 on threes, and 4 of 6 at the FT line for 16 points. Rose was a quiet 1 for 3 for 2 points in the 7:18 he played in the fourth.
The Pacers didn’t exactly light it up in the fourth, going 8 for 19 from the field, and just 4 of 8 at the FT line for 20 points. They did what they had to do to win, though.
Ronnie Brewer’s 20 points and 10 rebounds was his second career double-double.
Brian Scalabrine’s last three pointer was on April 14th, 2010, as a member of the Celtics. Scal is now 0 for 9 on three pointers as a Bull.
Mike from Illinois - January 26, 2012
The Issue:
Rose needed to be an MVP. He failed. He needed to take over this game. If the foot is to blame, that’s a very real issue.
kpd - January 26, 2012
nah, he looked fairly mobile like he usually does today, but ur right, he needs to take over
i dont think hell make the same mistake again. You heard what he said today bout facing the pacers again.
Geo4MVP - January 26, 2012
i think being outrebounded was the main reason why the bulls lost
cant wait till gibson comes back.
Geo4MVP - January 26, 2012
yep
Both Taj’s and Lu’s rebounding were missed in this game badly.
And as much as it pains me to say it, Boozer just can’t guard Hansborough. He can’t guard anyone, but for whatever reason he really seems to struggle against him
NormVanBeer - January 26, 2012 via iPhone app
hes not a terrible defender but he does bad against players like psycho T for some reason
Geo4MVP - January 26, 2012
This reminded me a lot of the Atlanta game last year where we it looked like we'd blow them out of the water but went bone cold shooting
And maybe it was also that their main big slammed down the nail in our coffin (replace Horford with Hibbert).
Not particularly surprised that it happened though, as these guys are the Nuggets of the East: a bunch of above-average to really good players (Granger, West, Collison, Hibbert) who if they put it together can beat anybody if they hustle and execute and the other team doesn’t play up to their potential or finish them off, which we didn’t.
If anything, I’ve kind of been surprised that others have been surprised that they’re winning.
Locust_Inferno_666 - January 26, 2012
so we just lost to the Skiles Bulls?
kpd - January 26, 2012
More like the late 80s-early 90s Cleveland Cavaliers
Locust_Inferno_666 - January 26, 2012
A slightly inferior Ewing Knicks team from the early 90s clone or a 'Zo-led Heat team from the mid-late 90s would work as far as quality comparisons go
Locust_Inferno_666 - January 26, 2012
I've calmed down now, I was so incensed at the officiating and the overall sight of losing to the Pacers at our house sucked
I knew that a loss was inevitable at some point, even if everyone had been healthy. The Pacers were coming off a game in which they had been blown out at home and were probably the more motivated team tonight. All things considered a fourth quarter in which seemed like one of the crappiest of the season and we only lost by five. The Bulls, and especially Boozer, have to play better against Milwaukee though otherwise I will be concerned moving forward.
dsenchi - January 26, 2012
By the way when do we play the Pacers again(hopefully over here)
I really want to get revenge on those suckers( havent calmed down that much I guess)
dsenchi - January 26, 2012
DRose: "I will never forget how they celebrated just from winning this game. I can’t wait to play them again."
I havent figured out how to do the whole block quoting thing but just thought I would share this.
dsenchi - January 26, 2012
select the quote and click blockquote button
JustAnotherFan - January 26, 2012
ah, and always give us the link
JustAnotherFan - January 26, 2012
yeah someone already quoted this
so no need.
dantheman3k - January 26, 2012
and also failed to blockquote and link
JustAnotherFan - January 26, 2012
I disagree that ronnie had a fantastic night
he had a fantastic 1st half. Like rose and rip he didn’t play that well in the 2nd.
JustAnotherFan - January 26, 2012
what caught my attention was the last 2 min
no shots by rose
JustAnotherFan - January 26, 2012
What was that one shit sequence where Noah tried a bounce pass to Boozer?
I wanted to throw my remote through the tv.
Also, considering how great he’s been, and the fact that it’s only January, I wouldn’t even bother complaining about a bad performance, but I just didn’t like his whole vibe in that quarter. He was tentative, walking the ball up the floor, sitting there waiting for Hamilton to come off screens. He just seemed different to me. It was very strange.
I’m not sure if this is part of him “raising his basketball IQ”, so he’s trying to forcefully get his teammates going more at the end of games so we’re not as reliant on him in the playoffs, but if it is, he needs to realize that he still needs to do more than just waiting for his teammates to run around and get open.
Juiceboxjerry - January 26, 2012
agreed
He needs to take a page out of D-will’s book how to use the screens. I really liked the way he attacked Rose the other night even though they lost. Something just looks off, especially in the 4th qtr of last night. He seemed like he was just floating around not really being aggressive. They could’ve really used Ben G…umm never mind
NormVanBeer - January 26, 2012 via iPhone app
I guess no one will give the Pacers credit for making adjustments
RogersPark Kris - January 26, 2012
and why should we? the trashbags play like goons
i cant believe im saying this but i respect the floppin heat more than the hackin n floppin pacers.
Geo4MVP - January 26, 2012
Part of me thinks
That they only do that BS on us, If they did it to lebitch refs will be all over his jock
T.Moore - January 26, 2012
I'm kind of tired of hearing about this basketball IQ.
I don’t see a much smarter basketball player when I watch him and the numbers don’t indicate a higher IQ either. He’s added half an assist and subtracted a third of a turnover per game, that’s nothing and can be entirely attributed to having Rip instead of Bogans. He’s shooting even more three’s per game despite shooting at a lower percentage than he did last season and above all things, he passed to Brian fucking Scalibrine for a game winning shot.
I don’t want a higher IQ from Rose, his IQ was perfectly fine last season. I want better scoring skills; maybe a bit of a post-game and a better three point shot. How about attack the rim instead of jacking 5 threes a game?
dakoose - January 26, 2012
he needs to stick to the mid range game
do what MJ used to do and rely on mid range jumpers more than threes.
Geo4MVP - January 26, 2012
He needs to come out of the gate attacking the paint.
It seems like his first shot every game is a three pointer; I dunno whether it’s him or thibs is pushing him towards being that type of player, but it’s a bad decision.
dakoose - January 26, 2012
if you are tired of hearing about his basketball IQ than maybe you and JBJ should
stop bringing it up. You guys are the only people who ever mention it.
Basketball Smurf - January 26, 2012
Rose is typically the one that brings it up;
I just mock it.
dakoose - January 26, 2012
Rose is posting the highest TS% of his career.
tuluse - January 26, 2012
If I cared about TS%, that might do something for me.
His percentages are about the same across the board from last season, yet his points are down significantly without any big uptick anywhere else. If Rose is gonna drop 4 points per game off of his average, I’d like to see his production increase in terms of field goal percentage and three point percentage, not just a few percentage points on free throws, which has nothing to do with IQ at all.
If a player wants to go out and become more efficient, by all means do it. But DRose isn’t doing it. He’s just been a less aggressive player than he has last season, and that hasn’t resulted in improved play in any other department.
dakoose - January 26, 2012
He's getting to the line more per shot attempt than he did last year (very slightly)
And he’s shooting over 50% on 2 point attempts
tuluse - January 26, 2012
I guess I should have just posted this
It’s also his career high in eFG%
tuluse - January 26, 2012
those numbers will go up this road trip
i think rose realized his mistake from yesterday
Geo4MVP - January 26, 2012
Rose has definitely been more efficient this year
The thing I really like is that he’s drastically cut down on the long 2s he’s taken. Last year he took 4.5 shots/game from 16-23 ft. This year, it’s down to 2.6 shots/game. Rose’s problem this year has been his midrange game; he’s only shooting 30% from 3-15 feet. But he’s shooting a much higher % from everywhere else.
Poloplaya14 - January 26, 2012
His little percentages from here and there don't matter to me.
What it boils down to is overall points on overall shots. I don’t care if he got better from x feet-z feet if he got worse from a feet-b feet. His scoring has not been significantly better as a whole.
dakoose - January 26, 2012
That's not the point I'm making
The point is that his overall shot selection has changed, which is a huge part of “basketball IQ”. The reason his scoring %s haven’t gone up as a result is that he’s not hitting those floaters which he usually makes.
Poloplaya14 - January 26, 2012
I'd rather D Rose play less aggressive
If it means shooting more threes, so be it. Bulls play 66 games in about 100 days. That’s insane. Bulls and rose have already been hit with the injury but. I’m perfectly fine with losing to an Indana Goon squad, and with Rose deferring in the fourth. It’s a regular season game against a team that has to play thuggish to compete with the Bulls. Bulls will be 1 or 2 seed in the east, regardless of a loss like this. Rose taking his foot off the pedal a bit this regular season is 100% fine by me. his typically aggressive style is not conducive to a compressed season like this, so go ahead Rose and score 4 fewer points a game.
Vuke - January 26, 2012
Listen, don't come one here and after posting for a couple days assume you know where people are coming from.
I’ve been saying the same shit for a year now, ever since his love affair with the three began. This condensed season has nothing to do with my point.
dakoose - January 26, 2012
you should take a laxative
if he doesn’t shoot from outside, he’s going to have far fewer driving lanes to attack.
Rose 5 3pa per game
LeBrick 2 per game this year, 5 per game career
Durant 4.4
Bryant 4.3
Carmello 4.5
The top scorers in the league shoot 3’s. percentages are all pretty similar. 3’s open up the rest of the floor. have to use it. does rose shoot too many? Probably. But I’ll take a small margin of more of those over him getting drilled and injured in a shortened season.
And what does my time on here have to do with me being able to make a point? you should probably remove your tampon or lay off the coffee.
Vuke - January 26, 2012
Threes only open up the floor when you make enough of them to scare defenders into stepping out.
News flash: Defenders still go under screens and give Derrick wide open threes. They’re not respecting the shot for a very good reason: Rose barely makes 1 out of three of them.
dakoose - January 26, 2012
as do
1. Lebron is 40% this year but 33 % career
2. Durant 32%
3. Carmello 28%
4. Kobe 28%
5. Rose 32%
What point are you trying to make? Players go under screens because they have to. Rose is too quick for them to go over screens. players go under screens for all the players listed.
Vuke - January 26, 2012
I'm done with someone that tries to argue that Rose is as good of a shooter
as Melo, Kobe, Durant and Lebron. He may be as good a 3pt shooter as ‘Bron, but ’Bron got the memo and doesn’t shoot many of them these days and his average was at zero until Wade got injured.
dakoose - January 26, 2012
where have I argued that he's as good of a shooter?
I argued that being a threat from the 3 point line opens up the floor and driving lanes. For as great of shooters as those other scorers are, their 3 pt % is awfully low.
Vuke - January 26, 2012
Kobe as great as he is
Is a chucker
T.Moore - January 26, 2012
Kobe "Chucker Cheese" Bryant ladies and gentlemen
+
=
Available at all Lakers games.
Locust_Inferno_666 - January 27, 2012
You know what?
If Hamilton does his job last night which is to come off of curls and screens and knock down shots, and if Scal hits the open jumpers that Rose created for him, you’re looking at another double double from Rose and win for the Bulls.
Rose is playing smarter and smoother. The ball is going where it needs to go on almost every possession. He’s taking those shots and hitting them when needed. He’s driving to the basket when necessary and playing the PG position better than at any point in his career while also playing better defense and he’s doing it with an injured toe.
Just not sure what his critics still want from him. Last year all guys talked about was him scoring too much and how Paul and Dwill was SOOO much better and smarter. This year, he’s not aggressive enough and not jumping out the gym. If you’re looking for what you saw last year forget about it. He has a SG he can play with now. He’s playing just fine.
Dils - January 26, 2012
Lol, Derrick isn't playing smarter at all.
You came out and said it yourself; it’s Rip that makes him look smarter. It’s not a higher IQ, it’s having a guy that can knock down a 15 footer. And when you’re the MVP, and you yourself say “why can’t I be the best basketball player in the world?” you don’t kick out game winning shots to bench-riders like Brian Scalibrine. I can live with a kickout to Korver or Deng, but not to Scal.
You know what I want from Derrick? I said this in last nights thread: Give me a fucking four-quarter long dominating performance. He’s got one game that stands out to me this season, and that’s the one against the Clippers. He said he wants to be the best player in the league, well, then you gotta be dominant all game long more than occasionally.
I never said anything about wanting him to be like CP3 or DWill, in fact I was always against that. DRose’s scoring ability sets him apart and makes him better; I want him to be a score-first point guard with a killer mentality all game long. I want more than 2 points in the fourth quarter. I want him to look at Scal on the wing and in his mind say, “fuck that, I’m taking this shot.” Y’all make fun of Kobe and call him a fake clutch performer, but I’ll take him in the last 5 seconds of a game over anyone else for that damn reason: he wants it more than anyone else.
Be real fellas, if the Heat lost a game to the Bulls and Lebron scored 2 points in the fourth quarter, we’d all be laughing at him. It’s alright to say that Rose didn’t do his job last night.
dakoose - January 26, 2012
obviously he didnt do his job last night and this was by far the worse performance rose had in the 4th Q this season
Geo4MVP - January 26, 2012
I love this...
Well hot damn! Who knew that being a dominating performance only meant going all “Kobe” in the 4th quarter and putting up shots.
Then there’s this…
So now we’re at the point where we won’t give the point guard credit for being a PG?? Why not take credit away from Stockton for having Malone or Paul for making Tyson Chandler a decent threat on offense? My goodness if Hamilton, Deng, or any of these guys are in a position to score easy baskets, it’s because of Rose. No other player in the league does that as well as him
You know when the last time we had this debate about Rose being aggressive? It was the last time Derrick played with a SG worthy of being in the NBA. When he played with BG we heard this same mess about him not taking over and deferring too much. When he passed the ball to Brad Miller for a game winner many here tore Rose a new one for not taking the shot or beasting in the 4th.
I’ll say now what many said then…Derrick Rose is a PG and don’t ever forget that. He doesn’t have the luxury of taking 35 shots a game and just winning through attrition of making shots. He also has the responsibility of running an offense. It’s what makes him different than Nash and Dwill and what sets him apart from a gunner like Westbrook. The things you hate about Rose the most is what makes him in a top 5 (In my opinion top 3) player in the league.
Dils - January 26, 2012
Well
I agree
T.Moore - January 26, 2012
Jesus, I guess we watch different games.
90 percent of Rose’s assists come from standing at the top of the key and waiting for guys to come over screens and such. Watch a guy like CP3 of DWill, they create the opportunities for their teammates by creating mismatches, forcing switches, threading the needle, etc. Rose’s assists are primarily low hanging fruit. To compare him to Stockton and Paul is ridiculous. i’m being straight up here, I have not seen him create one lob for any big on his team. If the guy’s open, he can hit him, but CP3 does things every game that Rose hasn’t done yet in his career.
And thats fine, because they’re different players, and Rose scores buckets nightly in ways that CP3 never has and never will.
By the way, what makes Rose the best guy playing the PG position in the league is his scoring, and that’s plain and simple. He’s not even one of the 5 best passing point guards in the league, let alone passers in the league. His size, athleticism and ability to score are the things that set him apart, and I never want him to steer away from those things in some stupid effort to be more “efficient.”
dakoose - January 26, 2012
yeah
that’s called Tom T’s offense. They are a set offense team. they have SG’s that are good at using picks……Hamilton, Korver. they have midly effective big men that you can’t really dump into the post and expect them to make a strong post move. Outside of Rose they don’t have slashers. How would you expect him to get assists?
Vuke - January 26, 2012
Lol
You make it seem like Rose is just some lumbering scorer who throws to wide open players for easy shots. So drive and kick doesn’t take skill? Being the only PG or player in the league that can jump in the air, hang, and constantly make great decisions on where the ball needs to go doesn’t take passing ability? Be a ballhandler on a team full of guys that can’t ball handle is a skill unto itself.
Get use to him being more “efficient”. I wasn’t one of these guys concerned with his efficiency last year and the reason why was because he played with a D-leaguer at SG. With Hamilton or any other SG that can actually score, he’s going to become more efficient by default. Because as the Point Guard it’s his job to run an offense.
Guys like Westbrook have the luxury at the PG position of running down and going to hole with reckless abandon because he’ll never see a consistent double team in his career. Rose wears one by default. Trust me, Rose’s IQ is rising and he is a better player than last year. He did nothing to lose that game last night and everything right.
Dils - January 26, 2012
What's he more efficient at this season?
It’s not three’s and it’s not two’s, it’s just free throws.
We’ll have to agree to disagree on this one. 2 points in the 4th quarters is terrible, in my opinion. I can’t have it both ways; if I’m gonna laugh at Lebron for shitting it up late in games, when Rose does it I gotta get on him to.
dakoose - January 26, 2012
Nope, highest eFG% of his career. He’s shooting over 50% inside the arc.
tuluse - January 26, 2012
It's .013 points better than last season, and only .003 points better than his second season.
That’s supposed to be meaningful?
dakoose - January 26, 2012
But why are you only basing his effectiveness on points in a qtr?
Did he or did he not have his team in position to win that game with a dish off to an open player who’s being paid in this league to hit an open shot? Great players struggle. Jordan did against Portland and it took Bobby Hanson and the bench to get them back in the game and MJ wasn’t even on the floor.
As the PG Rose playmaking ability put that team in position to win. It’s more to the game than going off for 15 in a qtr. You better hope there is because there’s no way we’re beating Miami with Rose having to win by scoring every game.
Dils - January 26, 2012
Rose is 8th in both assists per game and assist rate
He’s right below Tony Parker and I think he’s about equal to him in terms of passing. No he isn’t Chris Paul or D Will, but he’s still a very good passer and I think you’re underrating him. He creates a lot of that low hanging fruit with everything he does prior to actually passing the ball.
He’s also turns the ball over very little compared to other primary ball handlers.
tuluse - January 26, 2012
YEAH but he DIDNT WIN the FUCKING GAME DUUUUDE!
Dogfishhead - January 26, 2012
I think he's a decent passer at his position,
nothing less, nothing more.
dakoose - January 26, 2012
Decent?
Well he’s the best PG in the league and that’s not just because he scores points.
Dils - January 26, 2012
Ok, I read this and it truly pissed me off
First off, Rose is a solid passer. He is not a Nash, Paul, or Rondo, but he is a solid passer. Rose is a more efficient passer than most. Rose’s turnover rate is incredibly small, considering the focus that is put on him night in and night out. Again, he is a different type of passer. Do you know how hard it is to have an assist% above 35% without a TOV% above 14% like Rose did last year? It’s only been done 44 times. Of those 44 times, 5 were CP3, and 3 were LeBron. His passing is not that of a CP3 or Nash, but he is a very solid passer.
Furthermore, to say this:
bq. 90 percent of Rose’s assists come from standing at the top of the key and waiting for guys to come over screens and such.
First, that’s true for guys like Rondo as well. The Bulls offense does not involve screeners resetting the screen over and over like you see with CP3, DWill, and Nash. Thibs offense is a motion offense.
And to further address your concern, please see here, and here, and here, and here, and here (watch all the way through 1:50 mark, the first one is a pick and pop assist that you see CP3 and Nash do all the time, and the second one is just plain amazing), and here (just a drive and dish, but great vision nonetheless), and here (squeezed that one in there, good pick and roll play also keep watching until just past the 4 minute mark for a pass leading to a dunk, keep watching then until 4:35 for another nice dish), and here, and here (keep watching for a transition assist), I could go on. By the way, the last 9 assists shown were all from one game. I watched those highlights, Rose got 2 of his 17 assists to KK coming off screens, 1 was kind of weak as a drive and dish (didn’t take much vision) and then he had 3 easy transition assists. All the rest were pick and pop, pick and roll, pick and slip, drive and dish, drive and pass to the baseline, or lob assists. Those are all passes that we see the “great passers” make. Just because Rose is a scorer, please don’t dumb down his passing to simply standing and making a basic chest pass, because you are simply wrong.
DRoseO1 - January 27, 2012
its kinda interesting that he started playing better right after he got whacked in the head by deng
maybe his brain cells are “growing back”
use less IQ, more instinct, I say.
gooses - January 26, 2012
Also the fact that the game was National
and more people were calling out his bullshit on Twitter, made it stick out a bit more. I’ve gotten to the stage where I’m so used to it that it’s just white noise most of the time. But when outsiders are constantly pointing it out, it reminds you how bad he sucks all over again
Juiceboxjerry - January 26, 2012
Oops, this was supposed to be a reply to yfbb about Funk
how the hell did it end up here??
Juiceboxjerry - January 26, 2012
wow, i thought u were talkin bout rose, lmfao.
Geo4MVP - January 26, 2012
No Big Deal
I seriously don’t think this game is a big deal at all. Just one of those games you’re going to encounter throughout the season. The team is still sitting pretty at 16-4 and it’s not like Indiana is a bad team.
It did highlight a few things though that we’ve seen before. Trapping Rose with big guards is still an effective strategy when other players don’t step up. Boozer is just not effective against good frontcourts (although he did make some good passes). And Noah struggles with big Centers defensively. Indiana feels like a team where Taj would have played an important role in stopping.
While there are areas to point at, I think they lost this one in the 3rd quarter. The team played lazy for the first few minutes of the 3rd quarter and allowed Indiana to knock that 10 point lead down with ease. Maybe it was overconfidence, but you can’t let a good team go on a run that easily. You have to make them work to catch up.
Still don’t think it’s a horrible omen or anything. It does make me think we need another big man though. Scal is fine as a victory cigar or even a few minutes against bad teams. But he shouldn’t be playing signifigant reserve minutes against a good opponent. Whether that’s Rasheed, Leon Powe, or someone else, we can’t be in a situation where one injury puts Scalabrine on the court.
Niwrad - January 26, 2012
really, it's 2 injuries
if we had deng, we’d go small and he’d play the 4… and if we had taj, obviously he’d be out there. seems about right.
not to say i don’t think we need another big. but we didn’t see him for more than 5 minutes in a game where we didn’t have taj or noah…
Jaina - January 26, 2012
taj and deng are two solid rebounders who could have made a significant difference
Geo4MVP - January 26, 2012
I'm starting to think that Scal play at the end was Thibs trolling the UC hard for their fanatical Scal-love.
“Ok, you guys want the Mamba? I’ll give you the f’ing Mamba alright!”
Ha.
But anyway, I will say this: for a guy who seems to be pretty rigid in other areas, Thibs always seems to let something creative out of the hat for the end when it’s tight (The Jo-Deng play with Rose as the decoy comes to mind) if he’s got a chance. I know I, along with how ever many were watching, and definitely the Pacers, did not see that kick-out to Scal for a three coming at all. It worked perfectly except where it mattered most of course. Reminds me of certain plays the Bears have run on short-yardage situations, where they’ll need a yard, and of course will pitch it back seven yards to Forte and then try to run an end-around with Hester or whoever, and get hit for a 10+ yard loss, or go for a screen pass behind the line with seven guys on the defense in the backfield by the time the ball hits Forte in the hands, or whatever. You get the point. It should have been anybody but Scal out there for that shot.
Locust_Inferno_666 - January 26, 2012
need big game deng back.
Geo4MVP - January 26, 2012
You know what? I can live with a Scal corner three.
The guy can hit the shot.
Prevenge - January 26, 2012
Yeah, I won't hate on Scal for that shot. He was wide open after all.
I hate to say it, but if ever there was a play Keith Bogans could have been effective for, it was that one.
Locust_Inferno_666 - January 27, 2012
I turned it on late
I did not get to start watching the game until there was 4-5mins left in the 4th qrt
When I saw Scal come in for Boozer for the Def position I was sure that Asik had fouled out, I’m shocked to wake up this morning and read that he did not. Noah on West and Asik on Hibbert makes a lot more sense the having Scal in the game
and I think it has been said before, but I sure would like to see more Butler at SF, how will Bulls know if they have a backup SF if they never play him and let him get used to NBA and improve …. there is no guarantee you are going to W if you don’t play him or L when he sits so for long term benefit of team it would be nice to see if he is better SF then Brewer who played 42mins …. how many Ls in reg season could it really cost you and by playoffs we would at least know if he could play if needed?
NY Chicago Fan - January 26, 2012
butler was the first guy off the bench last night...
immediately turned it over twice. it’s great to get him minutes and all, but he’s not some savior.
Jaina - January 26, 2012
yeah, but it doesnt help not playing him for the past few games and on avg just playing him for the last 2 mins of the game
he needs more time and esp in blowout games, he needs to get time in roder to be more confident.
Geo4MVP - January 26, 2012
i don't mind seeing him get real game time
but at this point… 8 min seems about right. he played 6. he’s not going to be better than brewer at this point.
Jaina - January 26, 2012
kinda tough to say hows he going to be jus based on 6 mins of game action
its not fair to butler he rarely gets time and then hes thrown in at a crucial pt of the game. Thibs fucked up for not playing him enough in the previous blowout games.
Geo4MVP - January 26, 2012
well, i agree with that much
i don’t like leaving guys out there too long when it seems unnecessary. thibs def does that. it bugs me but the guy’s a great coach. it was def surprising to see jimmy just thrown in there as the first one off the bench after basically being out of the rotation.
Jaina - January 26, 2012
yeah, forgot to mention Butler played
it was interesting he came in ahead of Korver
your friendly BullsBlogger - January 26, 2012
Scal in the final minutes, Butler ahead of KK
Thibs lost his mind without Deng
JustAnotherFan - January 26, 2012
savior
Certainly I do not think Butler is that, all I am saying is we have no idea and without playing him we never will. With hardly any practice and the fact that you can’t really get comfortable in NBA from the bench, it seems like due to injuries and short season they should play him some.
Sucks he had two turnovers, but I think it is unfair to worry about that one instance as even vets make mistakes. If it becomes a trend then of course, he goes back to bench, but unless he consistently gets mins each game for awhile I do not think we can fairly judge any player.
Butler is most likely not a lot better then Brewer, so I would not expect him to come in and play better, I actually expect him to struggle as I think any non superstar player coming into NBA would. But maybe he can help eventually as he is bigger then Brewer and who knows if he can shoot better?
NY Chicago Fan - January 26, 2012
bigger than ronnie?
they’re both listed at 6’7 220.
Jaina - January 26, 2012
sorry
I thought he was taller, should have looked that up
NY Chicago Fan - January 26, 2012
he does have a longer wingspan though...
Geo4MVP - January 26, 2012
according to draft express
ronnie has a 6’11.25 wingspan… jimmy has a 6’8 wingspan…
ronnie… dude’s got long arms.
Jaina - January 26, 2012
wtf
JustAnotherFan - January 27, 2012
I said it last night on Twitter and I'll say it again today:
I hate Frank Vogel and his stupid rat face.
fundamentallysound - January 26, 2012
dude, the pacers are gonna get roasted if we meet them in the playoffs
Geo4MVP - January 26, 2012
Well, yes. But I still hate Vogel. He irritates me.
fundamentallysound - January 26, 2012
he does Smiles alot on even when they losing.
RED_BULL - January 26, 2012
As much as that game sucked, the worst part was still Neil Funk
That guy is a douchebag of the highest order. He should get some kind of award for the amount of retardation that comes out of his mouth. Last night was practically unbearable
Juiceboxjerry - January 26, 2012
glad I was at the game (usually am)
but I love Funk-bashing, so care to elaborate? Who was the designated player to shit on?
your friendly BullsBlogger - January 26, 2012
He was trying to target Granger at first
Going as far as to say that Brewer was “Shutting him down”, even though he was 4/6 and playing fine at the time. Then I think right after he said that, he hit a couple more shots and Funk backed off.
After that he was basically just spraying to all fields, you know the usual: “WHAT KIND OF SHOT WAS THAT?”, and other bullshit that he does. I’m not sure that he did it more than usual, but it just stuck out to me because the Pacers were obviously playing well, and it seemed even more unnecessary than usual.
Juiceboxjerry - January 26, 2012
Funk is bad
I don’t understand his need to criticize the other team so much. It just seems unncessary and if I was fans of other teams I would think he is a cocky a-hole. No reason for the Bulls play by play guy getting other fans to hate the Bulls
I watched a few of the early games on NBA tv when it was free and it seemed to me that he does it much more then the other home announcers for other teams.
NY Chicago Fan - January 26, 2012
you're right
I get to hear other announcers becuz I have LP, he does it the most. When we played Cleveland, their announcers heaped all kind of praise on the Bulls, throughout the entire game. I actually started to feel a little bad for the Cavs for a split second.
NormVanBeer - January 26, 2012 via iPhone app
He was trying to shit on Hibbert all game long, calling him a black hole,
despite the fact that he was shitting on Joakim all night long.
dakoose - January 26, 2012
that was sad
he would start talking about how Hibbert never passes than Hibbert would immediately flip a hook shot over Noah. On cue every time.
Basketball Smurf - January 26, 2012
It's pretty crazy how the guy can sit courtside every damn game
yet not see what’s going on. Hibbert dominated our bigs last night yet Neil went after him. Granger was on fire, 4-6 at some point, and Neil was calling him out for something stupid, though I can’t remember.
dakoose - January 26, 2012
at first
It was Granger…then later it was Collison. He really sounded overly-douchy last night. He can get away with it on a Bulls broadcast but when it’s on NBATV and millions of other fans get to hear how horrible he is, it’s just embarrassing. He really needs to be replaced.
NormVanBeer - January 26, 2012 via iPhone app
how bout pippen? cant be any worse than funk, lmao
Geo4MVP - January 26, 2012
I only saw the second half with audio, but he was definitely laying into Collison.
At one point, he came off a screen and tried a behind-the-back pass to West, which was about 3 feet off the mark and trickled into the backcourt for a turnover. Funk spewed his usual “that’s a terrible basketball play at any level” thing for about 90 seconds. It went all the way through the next Bulls possession. So frustrating.
pooriejay - January 26, 2012
thank you all for the responses :-D
your friendly BullsBlogger - January 26, 2012
Yeesh no kidding
I remember him saying something like “this is when the pacers struggle during crunch time” or something like that when a pacer player made free throws and was ahead. He clearly doesn’t know what he is talking about a lot of the time
dsenchi - January 26, 2012 via mobile
I wasnt paying any attention to him
So, meh
T.Moore - January 26, 2012
After just seeing the game this is what I take from it...
Taj is more important than anyone realize for a few reasons. He covers up for the lack of defense from Boozer late in games. Now I actually liked how Boozer was playing earlier in the game defensively. He rotated well, moved his feet on help, and was all around active. But late in the game he seemed to revert back to his old ways with dumb fouls.
This is where Taj would come in and be or defensive stopper in the paint to grab some of those loose balls that Granger just happened to be standing around to grab. Also, Thibs needs to decide if Noah and Asik can play together because toward the end of that game having Scal out there is a killer on the defensive end and to me makes no sense. Because Boozer is atrocious against real frontcourts it shows exactly how much Taj is covering up for when he’s on the floor.
I thought Rose was fine tonight and Brewer was spectacular but of course Deng was missed. We also lost this game because guys couldn’t make shots. CJ and Hamilton at times was off and even though I think Jimmy Butler is a player, his lack of rotating faster of defense allowed Granger to get going in that first half. If he’s not going to be better on defense then he’s pointless out there.
Hey it’s one loss and the Bulls are 16-4 and Miami barely beat the damn Pistons and Cavs. We’ll be fine.
Dils - January 26, 2012
Deng and Taj is key in these games.
RED_BULL - January 26, 2012
We really missed Taj in the 4th
Pacers had a couple of key offensive rebounds in the 4th that don’t happen if Taj is in. Boozer’s 4th quarter D was brutal; Thibs obviously agreed by subbing Scal for defense.
The Pacers are a good team, improved with the addition of West, but if we have a healthy Taj (let along Deng), this is a close win. Heck, if Rip hits a few of those open 12-footers, the outcome would’ve been different.
pguilian - January 26, 2012
yeah, rip was pretty brutal out there
short armed a bunch of shot’s he’s been making fine.
Jaina - January 26, 2012
yeah, he wasnt way off yesterday and most of his shots were good attempts. Hell be fine.
Geo4MVP - January 26, 2012
I'm pretty sure Thibs has made up his mind about Jomer.
If he thought Asik and Noah could play together, I don’t think he would’ve subbed Scal in for the final possession of a 2-point game.
pooriejay - January 26, 2012
he should rethink his conclusions
Scals can not play against good teams.
Basketball Smurf - January 26, 2012
It's a little alarming that he thinks Scal can actually play.
dakoose - January 26, 2012
on D
why couldn’t they play together in short bursts? I get the off thing but they needed a stop and put in Scal?
NY Chicago Fan - January 26, 2012
Thibs seemed...
pissed at Omer. Indy got two offensive rebounds at the start of the 4th when Omer was in, and Thibs sent Noah back in right away. In addition to CJ and Watson, Omer had a crappy game last night. I do agree that Jomer makes more sense than Scal.
El Toro de Goro - January 26, 2012
im glad what Rose said after the game about Pacers celebrating....
because at the final buzzer,Rose was walking back from the other side of the court,Colison and another Pacer hugging and celebrating in front of him and then bumped him.Rose kept walking and i knew right away he got more pissed and couldnt wait to play em again………Pacers not that good they got lucky.
RED_BULL - January 26, 2012
hes not happy. you can tell hes looking for blood this friday.
Geo4MVP - January 26, 2012
If the Pacers somehow land Eric Gordon, they will be better than us
Chanel#1_Rose - January 26, 2012
rofl
RogersPark Kris - January 26, 2012
you again
JustAnotherFan - January 26, 2012
Buahahahahaha
I just about peed.
Some of these comments have made me realize one thing: I’m not going to panic until the Bulls drop beneath one of the top 2 seeds in the East or until the playoffs. Mavs were not a great team in the regular season last year and won it all.
DRoseO1 - January 26, 2012
Im now sure that Rose will never consistently get his valid calls
Sure he’ll get his when he gets to the line 15 times, but then it would be back to 2 times and then up and down, never consistent. They can’t give the damn MVP his calls….
T.Moore - January 26, 2012
the bulls need a veteran who can whine and bitch for rose
BRING IN SHEED!
Geo4MVP - January 26, 2012
Sheed would bring some new Fatality moves
it would be awesome
JustAnotherFan - January 27, 2012
Well, Derrick isn't exactly playing the type of game that warrants all those foul calls.
He’s shooting a lot of three’s and mid-range two’s these days, and a big chunk of his layups come in the open court/transition. He’s attacking the lane in the half-court only a few times per game; watch Wade and some of the other guys that get to the lane all the time; they’re in attack mode all game long.
dakoose - January 26, 2012
There will be games and times where you are forced to take more jumpshots
Especially against defensive minded teams.
RogersPark Kris - January 26, 2012
Wade plays for contact every time he does so, he even flops to the paint as well..Superstar call shit
Im talking valid obvious ones in which he gets clotheslined but he gets nothing, Just the obvious calls that should be called but are not for some reason (Reason that they are blind)
T.Moore - January 26, 2012
I don't think that he is entitled to a certain number of free throws and he has to be more aggressive than he was last night in the 4th q.
Its just that when he DOES take it to the basket and get fouled he SHOULD BE GETTING MORE CALLS!
dsenchi - January 26, 2012 via mobile
and wade has missed how many games?
Vuke - January 26, 2012
Dude,
I never asked him to play like Wade. I just said that he doesn’t get as many free throws because he doesn’t do what they do. Jeez
dakoose - January 26, 2012
you've said repeatedly
you want him to play more aggressively. playing more aggressively is playing like Wade . Most people here will agree that in a season like this, with minimal rest, that’s a recipe for a lot of missed games.
Vuke - January 26, 2012
Guys, Rose is playing with an injured toe. He looks tentative out there
he’s playing through pain. Everyone can see it. This is why I believe the emphasis is on management to monitor the injury and sit him down if he can’t be effective.
Basketball Smurf - January 26, 2012
I'm still so angry over last night's loss
Just for the fact that:
1. Everyone now gives a shit about Indiana
2. They continue to hack thier way to a victory
3. Frank “the thug” Vigel had that child molestory smile on his face.
4. It was Indy who gave us our first loss at home.
Bullforlife - January 26, 2012
Its B/C the Pacers are
an up and coming team. Were not as good as the Bulls. But maybe next season you need to worry a little more.
rockguyinindy - January 26, 2012
if u can get a superstar next yr, then yes, u will def be on the rise...
as of right now, you guys are no better than the hawks.
Geo4MVP - January 26, 2012
They need Paul George to take that next step.
He looks real good right now and if he kicks it into that next gear and turns into the player that he looks like he can become, the Bulls have what to worry about. He’s the X-factor on that team, everybody else is pretty much as good as they’re gonna get; he’s the guy that can really take his game to the next level.
dakoose - January 26, 2012
i dont think hell make significant strides next yr, but def in the next 3 years
Geo4MVP - January 26, 2012
and honestly, i can see him becoming a borderline allstar at best.
Geo4MVP - January 26, 2012
He won't start in all-star games because Wade has that spot locked down,
but I think he can definitely make the team a bunch of times. The dude is tall, athletic, can defend, shoot, finish, etc. He’s got a great set of tools.
dakoose - January 26, 2012
I'm curious as to what Rose actually worked on this past off-season.
He mentioned his post-game a billion times but he hasn’t used it once yet. You would think that with an injured toe and limited explosiveness, this would be the ideal time to bust out a post-game that he was working on for an entire (extended) off-season.
Honestly, is there anything that stands out as different in Derrick’s game this season? This is not a reaction to the loss, I’ve been thinking about this for a while now. Derrick’s a guy that people say improves every offseason. What’s he better at now?
dakoose - January 26, 2012
You are turning into jbj
dsenchi - January 26, 2012 via mobile
Lol Turning??
T.Moore - January 26, 2012
Answer the question.
What’s better in his arsenal this season? He said it was his post game……..what happened?
dakoose - January 26, 2012
It's possible his post game is simply not ready yet
How many times do you think he actually posted up in his career before this year? I am talking grade school, high school, college, and NBA. He may have never even worked on establishing post position all that much before this summer.
Furthermore, take a look at this for a moment:
Player A: 26.2PER, .607 TS%, 11.0 REB%, 13.5 AST%, 27.5ppg
Player B: 23.6 PER, .589 TS%, 10.3 REB%, 13.2 AST%, 25.6 ppg
Player A is Kevin Durant in his 3rd season. Player B is also Kevin Durant, but in season 4.
Do the same thing for Rose and here is what you get:
Year 3: 23.5 PER, .550 TS%, 6.4 REB%, 38.7 AST%, 25.0ppg
Year 4: 23.8 PER, .562 TS%, 5.4 REB%, 38.2 AST%, 21.1ppg
Rose is basically the same player, but he is scoring more efficiently. His PER is up despite his USG% being down. Is he a ton better? No. But KD actually got worse year 4. It’s a tough year. He is trying to find himself and lead his team to a championship. It’s darn near impossible to improve much on an MVP season.
DRoseO1 - January 27, 2012
DRose's TS%, Ast%, Ortg, Drtg and PER have increased every year he is in the league
He is clearly a better defender now than he was 2 years ago. Its not easy to improve on a MVP season in a year when numbers are down across the board.
Basketball Smurf - January 26, 2012
I didn't say it was easy.
You act like I have some insane expectations for him; HE SAID “why cant I be the best player in the league?” So….when he comes out and says that, and then says I’m gonna come back next season with a post-game and a higher IQ, is it not fair to ask where those things are? Twenty games in with zero post ups!
dakoose - January 26, 2012
He said that 2 years ago. I swear people comb through his words like he is Confusious or something
The Bulls run a pretty set offense. They have set options on each play. When he said he had a post game, I distinctly remember Thibs chuckling as if to say “yeah, I won’t be using that.” They aren’t out there free-styling, he is running the offense the coach wants.
Anway, this argument is stupid. When people show signs of clear improvement you say it doesn’t count. As if there some basketball IQ test that you have especially set out in your head. He is shooting a higher ration of shots/fts – doesn’t count. His ast% is rising – doesn’t count. His shooting % are rising – doesn’t count. Shot selection better – doesn’t count. So what we are arguing with is your own convoluted reasoning of what YOU think amounts to having a high basketball IQ.
Basketball Smurf - January 26, 2012
His advanced numbers have barely jumped
20 games into the season despite taking significantly less shots on offense. That’s what I’m talking about it. The only reason his advanced numbers have jumped is because his free throw percentage is a few points better.
And by the way….his rebounding assist percentages are down while his turnover rate is up, and that’s combined with a lower USG%. Those numbers should be improving, not getting worse, with three less FGA per game.
dakoose - January 26, 2012
I've seem him use a post move when he got in the lane
He gave him a turn around shake move that Stacey King went crazy over.
It was probably unnecessary because he had the defender backpedaling anyways, but he did it.
tuluse - January 26, 2012
When?
I haven’t seen it, and neither has Kendall Gill by the way. He’s the only media guy I’ve heard publicly call for it consistently.
dakoose - January 26, 2012
I'm trying to remember the game
It was early in the year, possible the Golden State game.
Damn, I can clearly picture the move he did and King going crazy comparing him to Hakeem, but I’m not sure which game.
tuluse - January 26, 2012
Oh, he does that dream shake,
but not out of the post, he just stops on a dime, fakes the lay-up to get his guy in the air and then turns back inside for the floater. It’s a nice move, but it’s not a post-move.
dakoose - January 26, 2012
ya
he has turf toe, big difference in his game
ThorCo - January 27, 2012
hmmm...u know, a hawks vs pacers matchup would be quite intriguing to watch
two teams i find annoying going at it? fuckin awesome
Geo4MVP - January 26, 2012
Atlanta's too stupid, Indy would probably take that series.
dakoose - January 26, 2012
nonetheless, still intriguing and when the hawks are on they are good
Geo4MVP - January 26, 2012
Atlanta's less annoying than the Pacers, at least in my eyes. I actually like some of their
players. There is ABSOLUTELY NO ONE I like or can tolerate on the Pacers team. Atlanta plays stupid, but I think they have more talent than the Pacers, so I would give the edge to the Hawks in a playoff series. Plus the Pacers always seem to try harder against the bulls. They might not take the Hawks that seriously.
BlackStar - January 26, 2012
At least the hawks don't hack excessively in their games
dsenchi - January 26, 2012 via mobile
This
The Hawks don’t thug is out against teams. They actually make plays with the talent they have. The Pacers are pure thugs and it permeates from thier douchbag coach.
Bullforlife - January 26, 2012
If Indy keeps that up, they won't go far
They rely on their BS tactics more than their talent
T.Moore - January 26, 2012
In the playoffs
Which Indy will probably make, I hope some other team shits on them (hopefully ATL) and then we shit on ATL. That way they know where they stand in our conference.
Bullforlife - January 26, 2012
they are going to finish somewhere between 3 and 6
so they will have a tough 1st round opponent. I personally hope they play Orlando. The sight of Hibbert getting punked by Howard would bring a smile to my face.
Basketball Smurf - January 26, 2012
Dont sleep on hibbert
Watch your neck
Trey23 - January 26, 2012
i hope this happens, and then winner kicks Miami's ass
kpd - January 27, 2012
i remember last year some dipshit boston reporter wrote a story about when the bulls beat the celtics at home,
and he called it a “dud” of a game for the celtics, when in reality, the bulls were just better at that point and the celtics were declining.
if he wrote that story about the bulls for this game it would actually be correct this time. they just mostly sucked all around. though the pacer sure don’t foul very much. i don’t think i’ve ever seen a team not foul so much.
obnoxious american - January 26, 2012
thread recap
Summary: its the regular season. We still have the best record in the east. And we have bigger fish to fry now. If you are seriously concerned by rose in the regular season, not attacking (and thus getting hit more) you must want him to be in the same condition he was in last year going into the playoffs. I am totally fine with him taking more jumpers right now because 1.) He is making them and 2.) it will keep him healthier and more preserved for a title run. This is a brutal regular season but at the end of the day when you are as good as the bulls you can now begin to treat the regular season as practice for the real war. To use regular season losses to question our best players work ethic when we are better than last year right now and all of his teammates have gushed about his leadership is just downright ignorant.
And thibs is experimenting too. He can afford to do it right now. And he can also afford to keep certain plays close to the vest and surprise teams with them in the playoffs.
Tldr, its the regular season. Calm down.
anorexorcist - January 26, 2012 via mobile
People are allowed to complain about the refs
that was a poorly reffed game, period. Its not like only Bulls fan complain about NBA reffing either – I heard two national ESPN guys talking about how this is the worst reffing the NBA has seen in a long time b/c so many vet refs retired. I know when I watch an NBA game it seems to be at an all time low.
Basketball Smurf - January 26, 2012
Downright ignorant?
What the hell are you talking about? You think I don’t know what Derrick Rose is? I know he’s the MVP, but when HE SAYS, I’m gonna work my ass off in the offseason, come back with a post-game and come back with a higher Basketball IQ, and he doesn’t, why the hell shouldn’t I be asking questions a third of the way through the season?
dakoose - January 26, 2012
.
He has slowly raised his FG% above last year, his assist to turnover ratio is a bit better. I mean, his basketball IQ was already pretty high to begin with.
Dunker Von Smashalot - January 26, 2012
Listens to reason he does not
Next game we wait until….(See what I did there?)
T.Moore - January 26, 2012
Wise one you are
Basketball Smurf - January 26, 2012
I don't consider anything special to
raise your field goal percentage by half a percentage point when your shot attempts are down almost 20 percent. In theory, the more selective you are with your shots, the better your field goal percentage should be, and I’d more accepting of a slightly less aggressive Rose if it mean he was THAT much more efficient, but he isn’t.
dakoose - January 26, 2012
So by your reasoning to show he has high basketball IQ he would be taking
more shots and making more shots. I think of Basketball IQ, especially for a PG, as isn’t getting the best shot possible for your team whether it results in you scoring or getting an assists. As Rose’s teammates improve, he should be passing more and shooting less – he won’t always be the best option to score on every possession.
By the way, of guards averaging 10 or more shots a game – 36 of em, he ranks #6 in TS%. Of total 76 players shooting 10 or more shots, he ranks # 19. Only 4 guys shoot more than Rose and have a better TS% – Lebron, Durant, KLove and Bargnani (?). He is improving getting teammates involved, shooting better shots at a higher percentage AND can still take over a game. You’re overreacting to a bad game by the Bulls.
Basketball Smurf - January 26, 2012
You know my opinions; these are not reactionary.
I don’t really care to compare Rose to anybody other than Rose, and here’s the deal: if he wants to show basketball IQ, I want to see better passing, less turnovers and better shooting numbers as a function of better decisions with the ball, in terms of both shooting and passing.
dakoose - January 26, 2012
This would be virtually impossible
Rose has a historically low turnover rate already. I know it looks like he throws 2 lazy passes a game that get picked off and he could cut it out, but really he gives the ball away less than almost anyone ever has for his usage and passing stats.
tuluse - January 26, 2012
I didn't say his turnovers were an issue.
What I’m saying is that if Rose wants to turn himself into some IQ machine of a player, then shouldn’t that manifest itself in less turnovers and better shot selection and passes?
dakoose - January 26, 2012
His shooting is better
The passing really isn’t better but probably a function of people hitting shots. He is top 5 in assists and probably top 15 in scoring. He is the best shot blocking pg in the league. His defense is much improved. I honestly think people are asking too much.
DRoseO1 - January 26, 2012 via Android app
Maybe, but he needs to be THAT GOOD
for this team to win a championship.
dakoose - January 26, 2012
Well
That could be right. We will find out come playoff time I suppose.
DRoseO1 - January 26, 2012 via Android app
I mean, yeah, getting Rip makes the team better,
but the Bulls lost 4-1 to the Heat last season, and getting Rip won’t be enough to go from that to champs of the East. Rose needs to bring it better than he did last season for them to get over the Heat.
dakoose - January 26, 2012
how much better do you expect rose to play?
he won’t be able to improve enough to compensate for Bosh, LeBron and wade. Bulls need Boozer and Noah to be awake enough during the series to play in the 4th quarter. The addition of Rip adds missing offense that they didnt’ have last year. Coupled with the fact that their defense is a small notch better is what will beat the Heat. Not Rose doing it all.
Vuke - January 26, 2012
The bulls simply played bad in the 2nd half
And pacers made shots
Thibs calls those plays where rose passes to Rip, Korver, as they go off screens
Thibs needs to call iso plays for Rose in the final minutes
Why the fuck is Noah running up to set a screen, everytime. Rose doesnt neednfucken hibbert jumping him, ISO indy bigs step up to stop the drive, bulls bigs offensive rebound and enough with the clumsy tips, grab the ball and go up right away
Trey23 - January 26, 2012
Addendum
Jomer was so obvious after Boozer allowed west to go to his strong hand, why Scal, i have no idea what thibs was thinking
Trey23 - January 26, 2012
Rose is the floor leader, he should be capable of recognizing situations
and calling his own number.
Your point about Noah coming up to set the screen is spot on. It has irritated me since the Vinny days and I don’t see the purpose of bringing a big who can’t roll or pop properly to set the screen. A
A)Rose doesn’t need the extra defender
and
B)Noah can’t do anything with the ball once he gets it.
dakoose - January 26, 2012
I was loving the rose/deng screens
If you want to create space for rose, either iso him, or bring rip or deng out to set a screen. If they double, it’s in the hands of someone who can do something with it.
DRoseO1 - January 26, 2012 via Android app
I can't believe the hate Rose is getting over at ESPN. Pathetic.
The guy says one simple thing, and he is immediately made out to be this ‘hater’ or ‘villain.’ Media in this country loves its sensationalism, sorry to state the obvious.
BullsFan22 - January 26, 2012
meh, its espn...piece of shit sports station with analysts an IQ no better than a 5th grader
ignore them. They dont know shit bout basketball. The last website i go to check out articles/box scores etc. is espn.
Geo4MVP - January 26, 2012
The don't know shit about sports in general
Except for Ditka….im biased
T.Moore - January 26, 2012
What are they hating for, the 'never forget' thing
If so, that’s dumb. Bulls/ knicks players said plenty worse in the 90’s
DRoseO1 - January 26, 2012 via Android app
I think Rose should keep it to himself
JustAnotherFan - January 27, 2012
Maybe
But this was tame. Media was looking for a quote, he was pissed, gave them one. Whatever.
DRoseO1 - January 27, 2012 via Android app
link?
if it was from TV, don’t watch
your friendly BullsBlogger - January 27, 2012
Da Bulls Should Have Lost By 30pts
No offense fellas but the Da Bulls look slow & horrible against the young Pacers. With 34yr old RIP and 30yr old Boozer ‘farting aroung’ the court and a bunch of ‘slow-twitch’ bench guys, Even Noah looked like a RETARD out there. Da Bulls were lucky that MVP D.Rose was on the court to keep the game close…..otherwise…..it wouldn’t been LIGHTS OUT in the 2nd Half when we usually go on our RUNS and tighten up on DEFENSE. The Pacers just need to LEARN to play better in the HALF COURT sets with newbies D. West and Paul George starting this year and George Hill and Tyler Hansbrough still learning how to play together and when inserted with the 1st unit. We’ll need at least 50 games played before we’ll be any good. Da Bull fans already SAW our progress from the preseason….wait until you SEE US IN THE PLAYOFFS!!!
See ya GIRLS….LOL!!!!
Pacerman - January 27, 2012
we were lucky to have a player on our team playing for us?
your trash talk is as stupid and silly as the state you hail from.
Basketball Smurf - January 27, 2012
Smurf
My post wasn’t ‘trash talking’ nor stupid….if you want TRASH TALKING…..read your OWN BlogaBull posts….them fellas are downright NASTY or IGNORANT or both!!!! And, what’s wrong with Indiana….you don’t like WHITE PEOPLE or something…..LOL!!!
P.S. We have blacks, browns (illegals and legal), yellows (illegal and legal), and whites in Indiana….just like you do in Illinois…..and Chicago ain’t nothing to brag about either. I bet the rest of your state feels the same about Chicago as most New York state residents feel about New York City….LOL
See Ya Girls…..
Pacerman - January 27, 2012
you are seriously underestimating the bulls and overrating your team
criticizing rip like that means you havent watched the bulls enough. Thats fine though, you really are not worth the time discussing bball. You are nothing but a troll who makes observations through hatred. The bulls bench has been rated one of the deepest in the nba. Regardless, you keep being a big time homer.
Your team is good, but you guys are not even good as the sixers. You beating us in a season games means NOTHING. Its all about the playoffs and you will see a totally different type of agme once you either face us or miami heat/sixers.
Geo4MVP - January 27, 2012
yeah bulls pacers
have to end up 2/3 or 1/4 to meet in the second round. otherwise pacers get miami lol.
Jaina - January 27, 2012
Everyone flag the troll :D
DRoseO1 - January 27, 2012
im on it :)
Geo4MVP - January 27, 2012
yeah he's gone
your friendly BullsBlogger - January 27, 2012
What
You don’t RANDOM all caps in the middle of SENTENCES for no reason? I mean if you actually READ what he wrote OUT LOUD just think how RIDICULOUS it would SOUND.
tuluse - January 27, 2012
weren't we also lucky to have 2 of our (arguably) top 6 players out?
Jaina - January 27, 2012
girls are cool!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owV3M7udwvw&feature=youtu.be&t=1m12s
your friendly BullsBlogger - January 27, 2012
Girls?
You’re worse than Lion fans. At least they can come up with a decent insult….Man indy sucks, I should know…I live here not by choice
T.Moore - January 27, 2012
To Answer A Bulls Fan's Question About THIBS.....read this
Your Bulls fans are wondering (via their above comments) why Thibs has Noah setting screens for Rose instead of RIP or Deng…..seems logical to everyone I thought……he wants Noah’s man (i.e. Hibbert) to vacate the paint for D.Rose to drive hard to the HOLE and/or dish to either RIP or DENG (for a Open look at the rim) if their man (i.e. Paul George or Danny Granger) collapses back inside to provide HELP defense in the PAINT against a hard-driving D.Rose. Having RIP or DENG set screens would necessarily give them an Open look since Paul George or Danny Granger will simply ‘slip under’ the screen and Hibbert is STILL in the paint area protecting the RIM…..any more
Pacerman - January 27, 2012
I am confused by your use of the shift/caps lock keys
SidM - January 27, 2012
Do you even speak english? Good lord.
As far as your explanation, this would make sense if the Pacers were not hedging hard on screens. In case you don’t understand hedging (my guess would be not), if Noah sets the screen, the 7foot+ Hibbert and Rose’s defender quickly double Rose to give Rose’s defender time to recover. This usually leaves the screener temporarily open. I would rather see a smaller screener against teams that hedge hard/double off of screens for two reasons:
A) Rose has a better chance of passing over/around/through a smaller defender.
B) Getting Noah wide open out near the 3 point line is less effective than getting a shooter open from that same area.
Here is a prime example (sorry for the bad memories all). Kurt Thomas sets the screen. Now, Rose is doubled by Haslem and Lebron. He is unable to get the ball to KT. If instead Brewer had set the screen, Mike Miller would have been the one trying to get his hands on the pass and a better ball handler would have had the ball. Pierce and Rondo do a ton of this, but it works differently because defenders sag off Rondo. It can be very effective.
DRoseO1 - January 27, 2012
When Lu comes back
I’d like to see him set some screens for Rose.
Though this won’t help against the Heat when Lebron will be on Deng.
tuluse - January 27, 2012
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