Andrew's 06 Bulls, Part 2 :: 07/08 (October 2007)

[lefisto]

Despite his lack luster game with the Nuggets, Ben Gordon is on rampage!

[Andrew]

No worries Sit, wondered what you were referring to there.

At least one more for tonight:

January 9th, 2007
Chicago (113) at San Antonio (98)
Bulls win Finals rematch, extend streak to six
[ Boxscore ]


Kirk Hinrich picks off a pass intended for Tony Parker

Last June, the Chicago Bulls swept the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals to claim their seventh NBA championship. In the team's first meeting since the 2006 Finals series, the Bulls once again stood tall as they took advantage of Tim Duncan's absence to claim a 113-98 victory over the Spurs and their sixth consecutive win.

With Duncan sidelined by a sprained thumb, Chicago's plan at the outset was clear; pound the ball into Carlos Boozer and take advantage of San Antonio's depleted frontcourt. Boozer responded by scoring 17 of his 21 points in the first quarter, out-muscling Robert Horry and rookie Cyrus Galbraith, the 60th overall pick in last year's Draft. The Bulls led by as many as fourteen and ultimately finished the period up ten.

The Spurs were down but not out however, as Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker led a 12-0 run in the second quarter to storm back into the game, erasing an eighteen point lead to trail by only six late in the quarter. Chicago regained their composure and extended the lead back up to ten by halftime but the San Antonio run stopped the Bulls' momentum in its tracks and set up a third quarter shootout in which both teams would shoot over 60% from the field. The Bulls were 17/26 in the third quarter while the Spurs connected on 12 of their 20 attempts, with the Bulls outscoring the Spurs 36-29 to push their lead out to 17 with one quarter left to play.

Ginobili would finish with 33 points for the Spurs but it wasn't enough as the Bulls would lead by as many as 23 during the fourth quarter, punctuated by a Kirk Hinrich three with just under four minutes left. Chicago's starters left the game at the next timeout and while the Spurs attempted one final push, it would ultimately fall short as they failed to get the deficit into single digits, eventually losing by fifteen.

Boozer's 21 points led the Bulls with Ben Gordon also scoring 20 points, but having another tough night from the field shooting 9/26 including 2/8 from three point range. Tyson Chandler posted another double-double with 10 points and a game high 19 rebounds, Mike James and Kyle Korver added 14 apiece off the bench and Kirk Hinrich had 13 points, six assists and three steals. Luol Deng also scored 10 points for Chicago.

Ginobili had 4 rebounds and 2 steals to go along with his 33 points while Tony Parker totaled 12 points and also handed out 12 assists. Bruce Bowen, whose three point shooting helped trigger several small runs by the Spurs, finished with 15 points and played his usual swarming defense. Michael Finley also scored 14 points off the bench for San Antonio.

Notes: Chicago attempted only five free throws, making two. San Antonio were sent to the line for ten attempts, connecting on eight...Chicago committed 25 turnovers including 17 in the first half. San Antonio turned the ball over sixteen times...Duncan's thumb injury is expected to keep him out at least another week...the Bulls had a significant edge on the boards, grabbing 46 rebounds to 30 by the Spurs. They also had 21 offensive rebounds to the Spurs' 15.

Current Record: 29-5
Next Game: @ Orlando Magic; 23-8 (January 11th)

[George7]

Just Wow for Beng Gordon and the 3 game 50-point streak!!

Nice wins there,Bulls seem really unstoppable.
Get ready for another huge winning streak!

[Andrew]

I'm definitely giving it a shot. There's been a few 20+ win streaks in Dynasty threads as of late so I'd like to see if I can set a new mark.

[lefisto]

With or without TD, you can beat Spurs!

[Martti.]

A bit sad to see Korver head back to the bench, but at least he lit it up against the Spurs.

[Fresh8]

Get to the playoffs already!

[Andrew]

With or without TD, you can beat Spurs!

Seems so. A bit easier with him out of the lineup though!

A bit sad to see Korver head back to the bench, but at least he lit it up against the Spurs.

I was toying with the idea of keeping him in the starting lineup, but I like having that firepower off the bench.

Get to the playoffs already!

If I can get in two or three games a day, should be there fairly soon. If I'm not close enough by the time NBA Elite 11 is about ready to come out, I'll simulate or sim/intervene some games to get there and get through to next season.

[Axel The Great]

Still strong. Gordon's 50-point games must be something to brag about.

[kibaxx7]

Seven Bulls in double figures, hope the streak stays alive, Andrew!

[Andrew]

Thanks guys. I was hoping Gordon's dominance would continue but I've been forcing it a bit too much in the last couple of games, it's something I'll just have to let happen organically. I did actually set out to begin the month with those dominant performances, the third 50+ game was a bit forced which is why his shooting percentages plummeted by the end of the game (well, that and the comeback AI), but in all three games he was knocking down shots early on and the opportunity came about somewhat naturally. There was just a bit of stat padding as the game wore on.

[Andrew]

January 11th, 2007
Chicago (109) at Orlando (93)
Bulls outlast Magic, win seventh straight game
[ Boxscore ]


Ben Gordon finishes an alley-oop from Kirk Hinrich

There was no 50 point game or furious fourth quarter comeback this time around; just two of the top teams in the East slugging it out until the league leading Chicago Bulls proved why they are the defending champions, building momentum throughout the second half before finishing strong for a 109-93 victory. Ben Gordon led all scorers with 38 points while Dwight Howard was spectacular for the Magic, scoring 22 points on a perfect 11/11 from the field, grabbing 17 rebounds and blocking four shots despite leaving the game during the third quarter with a wrist injury.

Playing in front of a frenzied home crowd, the Magic took control of the game early but had no answer for Gordon, whose 14 first quarter points helped Chicago capture the lead. It would be short lived however as the Magic evened the score by the end of the first and then, no doubt mindful of Gordon's outburst the last time the two teams played, played swarming defense on the third year guard who scored just six second quarter points on 3/10 shooting. The lead was traded back and forth before the Bulls gained the upper hand and led by seven at the half.

Chicago appeared to be in the driver's seat the start of the third as they built a 14 point lead but Orlando capitalised on turnovers and were soon snapping at their heels. Gordon paced the Bulls with nine points however and kept them on top, finishing the third with an eight point lead. Both teams seemed to find fresh legs in the fourth quarter which featured some excellent shooting by both teams. The Bulls however, shooting a scoring 15/19 from the field in the period and thanks to another nine points from Gordon, capped off their seventh straight victory.

Kirk Hinrich and Carlos Boozer scored 13 points apiece for the Bulls. Hinrich also added eight assists while Boozer had six rebounds. Tyson Chandler matched Dwight Howard with 17 rebounds while blocking two shots, handing out three assists and scoring four points. Steve Francis had a tough start to the game as he picked up two fouls within the first minute, but ended up playing 30 minutes and scoring 18 points and handing out eight assists. Rookie Isidore Snow scored 12 points and once again found himself in foul trouble guarding Gordon.

The Bulls will now have a week off before facing the New York Knicks at home while the Magic will play host to the team with the league's second best record, the Dallas Mavericks, this Sunday.

Notes: Ben Gordon is averaging 37.2 ppg so far in January...all twelve of the Bulls players saw court time, with ten scoring at least two points...Orlando were 14/18 from the free throw line. Chicago were 6/10...both teams committed 14 fouls...Chicago had 39 rebounds to 37 by Orlando, but Orlando held a 13-10 advantage on the offensive glass...the Magic committed 25 turnovers while the Bulls committed 18...Chicago are now 20-1 on the road compared to 10-4 at home. They play ten road games in January before playing nine of thirteen at home in February.

Current Record: 30-5
Next Game: vs New York Knicks; 14-23 (January 18th)

[Alpha_]

good game for Gordon!! I remember Isidore Snow, he's one of the best generated rookies in Live 06..

[George7]

Gordon is the star of this team for sure!
Great win again for the Bulls and it seems that this team holds the first seed solidly enough

[Martti.]

Who are the next few opponents? Cause the way things are going now no one can stop the defending champs!

[Fresh8]

I'm loving your dynasty's version of Ben Gordon.

[Andrew]

It's definitely Gordon's month. I'd love to get him Player of the Month honours, get him amongst the league leaders in scoring and hopefully secure an All-Star berth. I think the second two might happen but his other stats might not be enough for Player of the Month. We'll see.

January 18th, 2007
New York (101) at Chicago (120)
Bulls emerge victorious in Windy City shootout
[ Boxscore ]


Ben Gordon eludes three Knick defenders to finish with a driving layup

Fans of the Chicago Bulls haven't had many opportunities to cheer their team on at home this season, with 21 of their 36 games to date being played on the road. Tonight however they were treated to a decisive 120-101 victory over old rivals the New York Knicks, in only one of two games in the United Center this month. They will return home February 3rd for a four game home stand and will play nine of their thirteen games next month at home. Ben Gordon and Carlos Boozer each scored 27 points for the Bulls, combining to shoot 25/37 from the field. Boozer also added 13 rebounds while Gordon tallied four rebounds and seven assists.

It was Gordon's 12 first quarter points that helped get the Bulls rolling as they took command early and jumped out to a fifteen point lead by the quarter's end. Stephon Marbury picked up two early fouls and was forced to take a seat, leading to more minutes for second year point guard and reigning slam dunk champion Nate Robinson. Boozer led the way for the Bulls in the second quarter with ten points but New York would rally, cutting the deficit to ten by halftime.

Although nothing like the Bulls/Knicks matchups of the 1990s, the game was at times physical and resulted in two injuries during the first half. Quentin Richardson of the Knicks left the game briefly after receiving an inadvertent poke to the eye, returning to play 24 minutes and finish with 13 points. Kyle Korver of the Bulls rolled an ankle late in the second quarter but also returned to the game, scoring 15 points in just 12 minutes.

Gordon scored ten points in the third quarter but the Knicks refused to quit, matching the Bulls intensity and hot shooting in the period. The Bulls shot 15/19 in the third, good for 78.9% while the Knicks shot 65.4% but made two more field goals, going 17/26 and reducing the deficit to nine heading into the fourth. The fourth quarter would belong to the Bulls however as they forced seven turnovers by the Knicks and outscored them 30-20, pulling their starters at the four minute mark as they locked up a 19 point victory.

Chicago would suffer another injury late in the fourth quarter though as Monta Ellis landed awkwardly after completing a layup for a three point play opportunity and had to be helped off the floor. Unable to attempt the free throw, Korver returned and made it to complete the three point play. X-rays on Ellis' ankle were negative but he reportedly suffered a severe sprain and is expected to miss some games.

Kirk Hinrich added 15 points for the Bulls to go along with eight assists and Mike James made five Chicago players in double digits with 10 points as well as seven assists off the bench. Two former Bulls led the way for the Knicks as Eddy Curry scored 23 points on 11/17 shooting as he overpowered former teammate Tyson Chandler inside but had only two rebounds, while Jamal Crawford scored 14 points and handed out four assists. Marbury totaled 13 points nad four assists despite playing only 21 minutes due to foul trouble and Mike Dunleavy, acquired from the Bulls earlier this season, scored 12 points and registered a team high seven assists.

The Bulls have now won eight straight and will travel to Salt Lake City where they face the Utah Jazz tomorrow night.

Notes: The Bulls attempted just six three pointers, making three. The Knicks were 5/18 from beyond the arc...Chicago committed just eight fouls in the game compared to 21 by the Knicks. Chicago also held a significant edge in free throw shooting, making 13/18 from the line compared to 2/5 by New York...Chicago outrebounded New York 38-22, including a 10-8 advantage at the offensive end...Ben Gordon now ranks fourth in the league in scoring behind Baron Davis, Dirk Nowitzki and Rashard Lewis.

Current Record: 31-5
Next Game: @ Utah Jazz; 17-18 (January 19th)

January 19th, 2007
Bulls guard Ellis to miss two weeks with ankle sprain

CHICAGO, IL -- Chicago Bulls' backup shooting guard Monta Ellis is expected to miss up to two weeks after suffering a sprained ankle late in his team's 120-101 victory last night. Ellis landed awkwardly after completing a layup and drawing a foul on Stephon Mabury for a three point play opportunity. He was unable to attempt the free throw however and had to be helped back to the locker room. Kyle Korver, who came up hobbling earlier in the game, entered the game for Ellis and made the free throw.

Ellis has appeared in all 36 of the Bulls games so far this season, posting averages of 4.0 ppg, 0.9 rpg and 1.2 apg in 11.1 mpg.

[George7]

it's Gordon's month for sure!!

Another top performance!!
And a fantastic streak.Clearly unstoppable and possibly back-to-back champions!

[Andrew]

That's the plan. Hoping I can best that sixteen game winning streak along the way and achieve a few other marks and milestones to keep things interesting, though right now I'm in no danger of getting bored.

[Axel The Great]

Halfway to tying the 16-game win streak. Sucks to see Ellis go down. That Knicks game sounded intense, just like back in the 90's.

[Andrew]

It was, I expected it to be much easier after the first quarter but they kept coming back right up unti about midway through the fourth.

[Clutch]

some nice recaps daBulls are definitely in cruise control right now

hard to see anyone standing in the way of a title run, though the game changer may be how healthy your squad is closer towards the playoffs; Ellis is a lot more expendable on your team (as opposed to the RL Warriors) so not too severe of a hit there luckily; hopefully he'll not spent the 2-week recovery period cruising around on his moped

[kibaxx7]

Great 1-2 punch with BG and Boozer

[Andrew]

some nice recaps daBulls are definitely in cruise control right now

hard to see anyone standing in the way of a title run, though the game changer may be how healthy your squad is closer towards the playoffs; Ellis is a lot more expendable on your team (as opposed to the RL Warriors) so not too severe of a hit there luckily; hopefully he'll not spent the 2-week recovery period cruising around on his moped

Indeed. I've been trying to get him more involved lately so it's a shame but for a while there I thought everyone might end up playing 82 games, so I'm glad that the game has thrown me a challenge and a couple of injuries have occurred recently. Just hoping that Gordon can make it to the All-Star game this time, last year no one on the team played all 82 games which was the first time that's ever happened for me in Dynasty Mode when playing every single game.

Great 1-2 punch with BG and Boozer

I'm definitely liking it, shame it didn't turn out that way in real life.

[Andrew]

January 19th, 2007
Chicago (120) at Utah (115)
Bulls keep winning streak alive with OT victory in Utah
[ Boxscore ]


Ben Gordon and the Bulls celebrated their ninth straight win

It took them an extra five minutes, but the Chicago Bulls kept their winning streak alive as they handed the Utah Jazz their third straight loss at home. Ben Gordon top scored for the Bulls with 35 points while Carlos Boozer posted 28 points and 7 rebounds against his old club and Tyson Chandler had a huge game with 19 points, 15 rebounds and four blocks. Andrei Kirilenko led the Jazz with 27 points while Mehmet Okur had 23 points and 21 rebounds. Deron Williams also scored 21 points for Utah to go along with six assists but struggled from the field.

Chicago were sluggish to begin the game, shooting 8/24 from the field in the first quarter and though they kept Utah in check for most of the period, the Jazz made a short run as they beat the Bulls to offensive rebounds and jumped out to an eight point lead heading into the second. Utah maintained control through most of the second quarter but Gordon scored 11 points to help Chicago take a 42-40 lead. Former Bull Chris Wilcox then had a putback to end the half and knot the game up at 42.

Utah began the third quarter with five answered points, immediately getting the Bulls on their heels. Gordon paced his team with eight third quarter points but Kirilenko answered with nine of his own as the Jazz out-dueled the Bulls to go up by seven heading into the fourth thanks to a three by Danny Granger - who was traded to the Jazz along with Andres Nocioni and Chris Wilcox in exchange for Boozer - setting up an exciting conclusion for the teams who twice met in the NBA Finals just under ten years ago.

The Bulls came flying out of the gate at the beginning of the fourth quarter but to no avail as they soon found themselves down ten, 81-71. Boozer and Chandler both turned in heroic performances for the visiting Bulls however as Boozer scored nine in the fourth and Chandler had a spectacular quarter with 14 points, five rebounds and three blocks as Chicago stormed back with a 14-2 run to take an 85-83 lead. Kirk Hinrich, who had three steals and four assists in the fourth, deftly picked off passes on consecutive plays and ran the fast break to perfection as Chicago went up 91-86 with a little over three minutes to play.

The Jazz were far from done however as they fought back and then capitalised on a turnover and a missed shot by Gordon to tie the game at 91 and then take a 93-91 lead. The teams traded baskets before Deron Williams appeared as though he might have sealed the game for the Jazz with a three pointer that put them up 102-99 with just under 50 seconds left in the game. Kyle Korver then nailed a three from the top of the key to tie the game up at 102 and give the Jazz the ball with 36.3 seconds remaining.

Utah brought the ball up the floor and set up their offense, but the Bulls' swarming defense was effective in disrupting the play and Ben Gordon picked off a pass from Williams intended for Okur and called timeout, giving the Bulls a chance to win the game in regulation. Following the timeout, Gordon was forced into a tough eighteen footer from the elbow that caught the back of the rim, sending the game to an extra period.

Both teams played with a sense of urgency from the start of overtime but it was Chicago who scored first off a Hinrich layup. After Okur responded, Gordon made a three and then found Korver for another three on consecutive possessions to put the Bulls up by six. The Jazz were far from done though as reigning Western Conference Rookie of the Month Keenan Pack made back to back three pointers and Okur scored off an offensive rebound to take a 112-111 lead. Undaunted, Hinrich found Boozer underneath for a layup and the Bulls would not trail again, with Deng making a layup of his own before Gordon and Chandler sealed game with some clutch free throws.

"We had some really rough stretches out there tonight but we came together and played our best basketball when it mattered the most," said Kirk Hinrich, who had eight of his 13 assists in the fourth quarter and overtime. "(The Jazz) pushed us to our limits. We both have a lot of pride and when you've got some guys on both sides facing their old teams, it really gets intense." Former Bulls Chris Wilcox and Andres Nocioni both turned in solid efforts, with Wilcox contributing 14 points and 13 rebounds while Nocioni scored 12 points on 6/6 shooting and added four rebounds. Nocioni commented after the game "Obviously we wanted to make an impression and get the win, but I know how tough these guys are from playing with them." He added "I was disappointed when I was traded but it's business and you come to understand that."

Chicago will now travel to Phoenix, where they face the Suns on Sunday night.

Notes: Both teams wore jerseys from the mid 1990s, in honour of the Bulls and Jazz teams that met twice in the NBA Finals...Utah held a 48-40 advantage on the boards including a 24-18 edge at the offensive end...Kirk Hinrich finished just two rebounds shy of a 5-5-5-5-5 performance...Deron Williams attempted a career high 14 three pointers but made just three...Utah were 7/7 from the free throw line. Chicago were 11/16...this game marked only the second time the Bulls have gone into overtime so far this season and their first overtime win of the season. They had previously lost an overtime game to the New Jersey Nets 122-117.

Current Record: 32-5
Next Game: @ Phoenix Suns; 25-15 (January 21st)

That was definitely one of the more exciting games I've played, it's a shame I couldn't win it with Gordon in regulation but at least I came out on top. Although I'm happy with my current roster, I have to admit if Granger was knocking down threes and Nocioni and Wilcox were that consistent, I might not have been quite so eager to trade them. Still, it's given me a rotation that I'm more comfortable with and it's certainly been successful so I'm not exactly regretting the deal.