Chicago Bulls 2004/2005 (Road to the 2005 Playoffs)

[Andrew]

Thanks Mafia, though the second half didn't start out so well, as you'll soon find out...

February 22nd, 2005
Miami 119, Chicago 95
[ Boxscore ]

Chicago's 16 game winning streak came to an end thanks to an impressive outing by Dwyane Wade, who led his team to a blowout victory over the Central Division leading Bulls. Wade scored 28 points and added 4 rebounds and 3 assists as Miami steamrolled over a Bulls team that has kept winning despite obvious fatigue.

Though the Bulls looked good in the first quarter, they slowed down in the second allowing the Heat to take the lead. The third quarter saw a complete collapse on defense by the Bulls, who had no answer for Shaq inside and could do little to prevent Wade doing what he wanted, whether it was slashing to the basket or knocking down 18 footers.

Damon Jones once again scorched the Bulls off the bench, this time erupting for 25 points in just 15 minutes. Chicago seemed a step behind on defense on every play during the third, a trend that continued into the fourth quarter as the Heat continued to run up a commanding lead.

Tyson Chandler returned the lineup for the first time since January but did not start, as Andres Nocioni once again got the nod. Chandler had 14 points, 13 rebounds and 2 blocks in his first game back from a badly sprained thumb. Shandon Anderson, recently signed to backup Luol Deng at small forward, left the game with a knee injury during the third quarter and did not return.


Current Record: 35-15
Next Opponent: Cleveland Cavaliers (23-28)

Injury Report

Chicago F/G Shandon Anderson is expected to miss three weeks with a hyper-extended knee suffered during the February 22nd Chicago vs Miami game.

February 23rd, 2005
Cleveland 104, Chicago 95
[ Boxscore ]

Another embarrassing effort in the third quarter cost Chicago a victory against a determined LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. LeBron scored 38 points as Cleveland downed Chicago 104-95.

For the second straight game, the Bulls appeared lost on defense especially in the third quarter, where the Cavs outscored them 24-14. They were also sluggish on offense, shooting just 41% from the field and a dismal 24% from downtown (8/33). They also committed 20 turnovers and 19 fouls.

Ilgauskas made full use of his height advantage over the Bulls' frontcourt, scoring 17 points, snaring 13 rebounds and blocking 4 shots. The point guard duo of Eric Snow and Jeff McInnis combined for 26 points and 5 assists while rookie Luke Jackson contribued 9 points in 19 minutes.

Eric Piatkowski made his first start for the Bulls this season and scored 19, but shot poorly in the second half. Ben Gordon and Kirk Hinrich also scored in double figures with 16 and 15 points respectively, but missed on a combined 22 attempts.

Current Record: 35-16
Next Opponent: Washington Wizards (17-36)

[Fresh8]

Unlucky that you lost to two decent East clubs!

[Andrew]

I know. But I decided to play at least one more game this evening (since I'm still waiting to hear back from my mates as to whether they want to go into town tonight), and had better luck.

February 25th, 2005
Chicago 98, Washington 96
[ Boxscore ]

Ben Gordon continues to make a strong case for Rookie of the Year as his game high 33 points and last second basket avoided overtime and a possible third straight loss as Chicago defeated Washington 98-96 at the United Center.

The third overall pick's dunk with 0.8 seconds left capped a 13 point fourth quarter which the Bulls began trailing by one and allowing Washington to lead by as many 7. Gordon appeared to have given Chicago the lead for good with two baskets late in the quarter, but Larry Hughes' three pointer cut the deficit to 83-82.

The Wizards would again take the lead, but the Bulls remained unrattled and evened the score at 94. Eddy Curry scored after a Bulls timeout to put Chicago ahead by two. The Wizards, having exhausted all of their timeouts, rushed the ball up the floor and found Brendan Haywood for a short jumper that tied the game with 1.7 seconds left.

After Chicago called their final timeout, Luol Deng inbounded the ball to Ben Gordon deep in the post. Gordon quickly spun baseline and elevated for a dunk that left Washington with less than a second left and no choice but to throw up a prayer from their own backcourt.

Though it seemed Chicago would fall victim to the same problems they had in their last two games after a sluggish first half, they outscored Washington 28-22 in the third quarter. Chicago also did a much better job of taking care of the ball, committing only 11 turnovers.

Washington got 13 points and 7 rebounds from Kwame Brown, the first overall selection of the 2001 NBA Draft who has been heavily criticised since entering the league. Jarvis Hayes was also a solid contributor off the bench for the Wizards with 13 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists. Gilbert Arenas top scored for Washington with 17, but was held to 7/20 shooting and had only 2 assists.


Current Record: 36-16
Next Opponent: Charlotte Bobcats

[Fresh8]

Nice work Andrew! Really love the way Gordon is playing!

[Andrew]

Yeah, making him the #1 option has really paid off. I'm hoping he'll get Rookie of the Month for the second straight time.

[-BHZMAFIA-]

Well despite losing your first two games in the 2nd half of the season, at least you beat the Wizards. BG had a big night with 33 points.

[Andrew]

I've got a feeling the game continues to get harder when you have a long winning streak. I noticed it when I had a 20+ game winning streak in a Kings Franchise back in NBA Live 2002. The CPU seems to get even tougher and you have to play a lot harder.

[John WB]

That's probably just the pressure getting to you.

[Andrew]

Could be psychological or even just me getting complacent, but it's possible given that the game does have elements such as the "comeback code" to keep things challenging.

[AlwaysWhat,NeverWhy]

Naaaahh, in thi sgame if you really want to win, then not even th esliders can keep you at bay. I'm guessing it's just your subconscious mind craving for realism, Andrew

[Seraph]

impressive game by Ben Gordon, too bad Nocioni couldnt help at all

[Andrew]

Naaaahh, in thi sgame if you really want to win, then not even th esliders can keep you at bay. I'm guessing it's just your subconscious mind craving for realism, Andrew

If it is in my mind, it's probably complacency or just sheer laziness.

impressive game by Ben Gordon, too bad Nocioni couldnt help at all

Yeah, he didn't seem to be doing as much has he has been with the CPU in charge, and since he was playing more small forward I couldn't use him as effectively as he had been during Chandler's absence. I'm moving him back to the bench, but he'll still get a fair few minutes, probably playing more power forward.

[The X]

hmm....I think Gordon thought he was Jordan against the Wiz....please pass Nocioni the ball

[Andrew]

I do need to get him the ball more often to be effective. But with Chandler back, his minutes are down and he's playing small forward more often, so I don't think he'll put up quite the same numbers. But he's been playing too well for me to be buried on the bench, so he'll still be seeing significant PT.

[Andrew]

February 26th 2005
Chicago 94, Charlotte 81
[ Boxscore ]

Kirk Hinrich struggled but Ben Gordon's 25 points led Chicago to a 94-81 victory over the expansion Bobcats.

Gordon scored 17 of his 25 in the first half as Chicago found themselves in a dogfight with the determined Bobcats. Gerald Wallace and Jason Kapono did most of the damage in the first two quarters, with Kapono's long three to beat the shot clock giving Charlotte a 30-27 lead midway through the second. Chicago appeared to have regained the advantage by halftime but gave up the lead in the third quarter before finally taking the lead for good by the end of the period.

Chris Duhon stepped in to pick up the slack at point guard, scoring 10 points and dishing out a team high 6 assists as well as grabbing 2 rebounds. Starting point guard Kirk Hinrich scored just 2 points, missing all 8 of his field goal attempts while handing out just 3 assists.

Emeka Okafor registered 12 points and 15 rebounds while former Bull Othella Harrington had 8 points and 6 rebounds in his second game against his former club. Wallace top scored for the Bobcats with 17, Kapono added 11 and Eddie House contributed 16 points and 3 assists off the bench.

February Award Winners
East Player of the Month: Shaquille O'Neal
West Player of the Month: Kevin Garnett
East Rookie of the Month: Emeka Okafor
West Rookie of the Month: Devin Harris

In other news

I've been scouting a lot recently, giving myself a lot of options in the upcoming draft (which unfortunately is supposed to be very weak). I'll probably include some scouting reports in future updates, I've been tracking the top picks too so I'll be able to write a thing or two about them as well.

[AlwaysWhat,NeverWhy]

In other news

I've been scouting a lot recently, giving myself a lot of options in the upcoming draft (which unfortunately is supposed to be very weak). I'll probably include some scouting reports in future updates, I've been tracking the top picks too so I'll be able to write a thing or two about them as well.

Are you going to use real rookies or the game's generated ones?

[Andrew]

I'll probably end up using the generated ones.

[Blazer Freak]

I'm really liking this dynasty Andrew. Keep it up.

[Anthony15]

I like the dynasty and the way you write recaps, try to put the some pics in here(such as the box score from the game as a pic)

[Blazer Freak]

I like the dynasty and the way you write recaps, try to put the some pics in here(such as the box score from the game as a pic)

I agree with this. Great dynasty, it would be awesome if we got a pic or two a game. even the boxscore would be fine.

[John WB]

He posts the boxscore as a text file.

I don't mind that, but some pics would spicen this dynasty up a lot. Anyway, nice recaps.

[Andrew]

Thanks guys. I have included some screens in the past (mostly for All-Star Weekend), I'll try to include some more - especially come playoff time.

[The X]

they might just be an expansion team, but a win is a win....moving towards playoffs nicely

[AlwaysWhat,NeverWhy]

I'll probably end up using the generated ones.

A bunch of us are working on a way to put the real rookies in with minimal effort on the installer's part. Should be ready in a week or so... so maybe it's worth it. Maybe you could help with some ratings, as well...

[Andrew]

That would be cool. I might be able to lend a hand with ratings; would probably save me some time when I'm working on the post-draft roster this coming offseason. Not sure if I'd use it in this Dynasty though as I've been scouting the fictional players for a while. But I've still got a fair way to go until the offseason so we'll see.