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

[Houndy]

Go for 80 with Gordon

[Andrew]

Part of me wants to keep MJ's team record of 69 points intact, though I guess I'm already likely to beat 72-10. Still, 80's a tall order.


April 2nd, 2007
Houston (102) at Chicago (116)
Strong fourth quarter propels Chicago to victory over Rockets
[ Boxscore ]


March's Players of the Month square off

It was touted as a meeting between the two reigning Players of the Month in Ben Gordon and Tracy McGrady, but tonight's game didn't exactly live up to its billing as a marquee matchup. Gordon and McGrady were both hampered by foul trouble in the first half and played only 27 minutes, though Gordon still scored 33 points to go along with 10 assists, six steals and four rebounds as the Bulls prevailed 116-102.

Neither team seemed particularly interested in playing much defense aside from swooping into the passing lanes to pick off careless passes, resulting in both teams shooting above 50% from the field for the game. They also combined for 50 turnovers and appeared content to try and outgun each other fof 48 minutes.

With Gordon and McGrady on the bench for most of the first half, it would be Kirk Hinrich and Luol Deng who would carry the scoring load for Chicago while Bob Sura and Luther Head picked up the slack for Houston. Deng would finish with 24 points on 12/16 shooting with Hinrich adding 18 points and nine assists. Head top scored for the Rockets with 18 points while Sura scored all 12 of his points in the first half.

Gordon returned with a vengeance in the third quarter, scoring 17 points to an eleven point lead heading in the fourth quarter. The Rockets made a fierce push to begin the final quarter however, capitalising on the Bulls' starters catching their breath on the bench and eventually tied the game at 92. Chicago brought their starters back into the game with just over seven minutes remaining in the game, triggering a 24-10 run to put the game away.

McGrady finished with 15 points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals for the Rockets. Rafer Alston, starting at point guard, had 16 points and eight assists. Yao Ming, who missed the teams' first matchup this season due to injury, had 15 points and 13 rebounds in 30 minutes.

Notes: Houston dominated the boards, doubling Chicago's rebound total 46-23. They also tripled the Bulls' offensive rebound total 21-7...the Bulls had 29 assists on 50 made field goals. The Rockets assisted on 21 of their 43 baskets...the win was Chicago's 42nd consecutive victory, as they continue to build upon their all-time record winning streak.

Current Record: 65-5
Next Game: vs Detroit Pistons; 43-25 (April 4th)

April 4th, 2007
Detroit (83) at Chicago (103)
Bulls shut down Pistons in fourth, win by 20
[ Boxscore ]


Gordon beats the shot clock with a leaner in the first half

With the Playoffs looming, the Chicago Bulls continue to roll. Despite resting their starters for most of the fourth quarter, they held the visiting Detroit Pistons to just 12 points in the final twelve minutes as they defeated their longtime Division rivals 103-83.

Though the game remained close for most of the first half, the Bulls maintained control behind the stellar play of Ben Gordon. Gordon, the Player of the Month in the Eastern Conference in February and March, scored 20 of his game high 37 points in the first half on a blistering 10/15 shooting. He also tallied five assists and five steals by halftime, before picking up eight assists and another steal in the second half. He also grabbed six rebounds.

The Bulls broke the game open in the third quarter, extending their lead into double digits to set up their strong fourth quarter finish. Carlos Boozer had 16 points and seven rebounds for the Bulls while Tyson Chandler scored 12 and grabbed nine boards. Luol Deng finished with 14 points while Kirk Hinrich had ten assists to go along with eight points and five steals.

Tayshaun Prince, the league's leader in blocks, top scored for the Pistons with 20 points along with six rebounds. Richard Hamilton scored 15 points, Antonio McDyess had a solid game with 13 points and eight rebounds and Rasheed Wallace had 12 points and six rebounds despite playing only 24 minutes due to foul trouble. Chauncey Billups had a game high 14 assists but struggled from the field, scoring just two points on 1 for 9 shooting.

Notes: The Bulls bounced back from a poor rebounding game against the Houston Rockets to outrebound the Pistons 43-34, holding a 20-15 advantage at the offensive end...Chicago handed out 37 assists in the game compared to 21 by Detroit...eight players scored in double digits in the game...the Pistons are currently second in the Central Division, 22 games behind the Bulls...the Pistons had 26 turnovers compared to just 14 by the Bulls.

Current Record: 66-5
Next Game: vs Milwaukee Bucks; 23-48 (April 8th)

[Axel The Great]

At this point, this win-streak is unbeatable. It will keep up until the NBA is no more.

Pretty odd that you beat my Rockets despite the fact that they doubled and tripled your rebounding efforts. Atrocious game in terms of turnovers though.

[rise]

Part of me wants to keep MJ's team record of 69 points intact, though I guess I'm already likely to beat 72-10. Still, 80's a tall order.

Wait, his record is 69? If you're gonna go for 80, might as well make it 82 to pass Kobe Bryant or 101 to pass Chamberlain.

[Andrew]

Pretty odd that you beat my Rockets despite the fact that they doubled and tripled your rebounding efforts. Atrocious game in terms of turnovers though.

It was a weird win, you normally wouldn't expect to win a game getting beaten on the boards so badly. Fortunately I was able to outgun them when it mattered and make it up with steals. It was a pretty sloppy game.

Wait, his record is 69? If you're gonna go for 80, might as well make it 82 to pass Kobe Bryant or 101 to pass Chamberlain.

Oh, I'd definitely try to beat the 81, no question.

[Fresh8]

I will subconsciously be controlling the cpu and stop Gordon from beating Kobe.

[Andrew]

You'll probably succeed, too. Gordon should be shooting a lot better from downtown but three point shooting has always been a weakness of mine in Live.

[Houndy]

Jordan's record won't stay for long

[rise]

If you get 82 with Ben Gordon, then I'll try to score 83 with Jared Dudley in my Domination franchise. First, I need to break the 50 barrier.

[kibaxx7]

I love how Bob Sura, Stromile Swift still have an impact

[rise]

Stro's on the Boston Celtics in my Domination franchise in 2012. As an 8th man!

[Andrew]

83 points on 12 minute quarters in NBA Live 2003 shouldn't be that difficult.

[Martti.]

Sucks to see Korver in a slump the past games, but Gordon has carried you as usual.

[Andrew]

Yeah, aside from the heroics against the Nets and another game where he scored 21 off the bench, he hasn't been much of a factor lately. Hopefully he can get things going again soon.

[Andrew]

April 8th, 2007
Milwaukee (88) at Chicago (106)
Bulls cruise to easy win over Bucks
[ Boxscore ]


Kyle Korver was 6/15 overall in the game, but made 4/7 from downtown

It was an ugly fourth quarter for the Bulls as their bench struggled to score in extended garbage time, but it ultimately didn't matter as their strong play through the first three quarters set up another blowout victory. Ben Gordon scored 25 points to go along with 11 assists, four rebounds and two steals as the Bulls won their 44th consecutive game.

The Bulls got a lift early from Luol Deng, who scored nine of their first 11 points. Deng would not score again in the game but grabbed five rebounds and handed out four assists. Gordon had 13 in the first quarter as the Bulls opened up a 20 point lead, holding a 37-17 advantage heading into the second. Kyle Korver, on a slump as of late, scored 14 points in the second and was 4/6 from downtown as the Bulls extended their lead to 25 by halftime, 63-38.

Chicago then shot 15/23 from the field in the third as they continued to build upon their lead, finishing the quarter with a 30 point lead. With their starters sitting out the entire fourth quarter, the Bulls shot just 5/22 from the field but the Bucks would not seriously challenge the lead, ultimately succumbing 106-88.

Michael Redd led all scorers with 27 points, connecting on 11 of his 16 field goal attempts including all three of his three pointers. Andrew Bogut scored 17 points and snared eight rebounds while T.J. Ford had a team high eight assists to go along with 18 points. Korver finished with 18 points of his own for the Bulls who also got 16 points and eight rebounds from Carlos Boozer. Tyson Chandler added 14 points and eight rebounds.

Notes: Due to a scheduling quirk, the Bucks will face the Bulls again in Chicago on the 11th...the teams combined to shoot 15/20 from the free throw line...the Bucks had more turnovers (25) than asssits (24). Chicago had 30 assists and just 12 turnovers.

Current Record: 67-5
Next Game: vs Milwaukee Bucks; 23-49 (April 11th)

April 11th, 2007
Milwaukee (76) at Chicago (136)
Bulls deliver impressive encore, thrash Bucks by 60
[ Boxscore ]


Ben Gordon and the Bulls were a step ahead of the Bucks once again

You can forgive the Milwaukee Bucks for experiencing a sense of déjà vu, though tonight is a night they would likely rather forget. For the second time in less than a week, the Chicago Bulls handily defeated their Central Division rivals, winning their latest encounter by an incredibly 60 points.

The first half was eerily similar to their previous encounter, with the Bulls jumping out to an early lead and finishing the first quarter up 37-18, just one point shy of their 37-17 first quarter three nights ago. In the second quarter they scored 26 points while holding the Bucks to just 17, taking a 63-35 lead into halftime that was reminiscent of their 63-38 lead in the previous meeting.

This time however, the Bulls turned in an even more impressive performance in the third quarter. Shooting a white hot 19/22 from the field in the third quarter, the Bulls outscored the Bucks 41-16 compared to the 31-26 effort that set up their previous victory. Ben Gordon scored 20 of his game high 31 points in the third, as he helped the Bulls take a 53 point lead heading into the fourth quarter. Gordon shot 14/17 from the field in the game and also had 15 assists and seven steals.

The fourth quarter proved to be a very different affair from three nights ago as the Bulls had little trouble scoring, even with their starters calling it a night. Kyle Korver led all bench scorers with 14 points and veteran Shawn Kemp, whose role has been reduced this season, added a double double with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Chicago's lead would not fall below 50 in the quarter, extending the lead to 60 on Kemp's layup in the final minute.

Michael Redd top scored for the Bucks with 22 points, shooting 10/18 from the field. T.J. Ford had a much quieter night this time around with just 2 points on 1/6 shooting. He also handed out a team high nine assists but committed 11 turnovers. Jamaal Magloire had a much better game with 13 points while Andrew Bogut scored 10 for the Bucks.

Tyson Chandler and Carlos Boozer each contributed 16 points and eight rebounds in the victory, while Kirk Hinrich joined Gordon with a double-double, registering 11 points and 11 assists. Luol Deng also scored 13 for Chicago while handing out five assists.

Notes: Chicago assisted on 45 of their 62 field goals, while committing only 15 turnovers. Milwaukee had 17 assists on 33 field goals and 32 turnovers...Chicago attempted just four free throws in the game, making all of them. Milwaukee were 9/10 from the free throw line...all twelve Bulls players saw court time and scored in the game. Reece Gaines was the only Buck not to enter the game, all eleven Bucks players that entered the game scored at least two points...the teams will meet one more time this season on April 28th in Milwaukee.

Current Record: 68-5
Next Game: @ Boston Celtics; 46-28 (April 14th)

[kibaxx7]

I said 75-7, no way, it's 77-5, you won't lose anymore.

[Andrew]

I'm tossing up whether to rest my starters or not, to avoid injury. I'd rather not, I'd rather compete to the last day of the regular season and just try to reduce their minutes as much as possible. Games like the last couple definitely help out with that cause.

[rise]

If that isn't beating the living shit out of a team, I don't know what is. Great win!

[Axel The Great]

Shawn Kemp sighting!

Must be satisfying to crush a division rival like that, you were pretty close to breaking the record of a 68-point margin blowout. Don't think you'll lose any more games from here on out.

[Andrew]

Now there's something to aim for, though that would take quite a defensive effort. Might've got there if I'd been able to hold them below 20 in the fourth. Thanks for checking in!

[Fresh8]

Play your normal rotation up to last 2-3 games of regular season and rest your starters

[Andrew]

I'd rather compete to the final day, just like the Bulls of old (and hopefully, this year's Bulls too). I'll probably look to play the starters around 25-28 minutes in the last few games if possible, though I do want to try and get Gordon one more Player of the Month selection and hopefully lock up the MVP award.

[Phil89]

I've been thinking about this issue in my game too. It would be nice to give the reserve players extended minutes and rest the starters for the playoffs.
But Durant still has a good shot at the scoring title and winning consecutive MVP awards. So I'll probably play my main guys.

I like how Gordon is leading in scoring, assists and steals. Does he also drive the team bus?

[Andrew]

Nah, but he is also now the career leader in quadruple doubles.

[Andrew]

April 14th, 2007
Chicago (112) at Boston (95)
Bulls defeat Celtics, eye win number 70
[ Boxscore ]


Luol Deng sends back a layup by Kendrick Perkins

The Chicago Bulls overcome a sluggish first half to defeat the Boston Celtics 112-95. Ben Gordon led all scorers with 30 points and added 11 assists, five rebounds and two steals as the Chicago Bulls moved one step closer to winning 70 games for the second time in club history. Paul Pierce led the Celtics with 22 points while also tallying nine rebounds and three assists.

Boston led through most of the first half in a game that was riddled with fouls and turnovers. Carlos Boozer scored 18 of his 22 points in the first half for Chicago but the Bulls seemed distracted and trailed by as many as eight in the second quarter.

As they've done so many times though, the Bulls bounced back in the second half as they outscored the Celtics 65-42 over the final two quarters. Gordon scored 13 in the third quarter to spark the Bulls run, allowing them to take the lead for good at 73-71 late in the period.

Kyle Korver and Nick Collison scored 12 points apiece off the bench for Chicago. Raef LaFrentz had 10 points and 10 rebounds for the Celtics while Ricky Davis scored 19. Al Jefferson had 14 points and seven rebounds despite early foul trouble.

The Bulls will have an opportunity to break the 70 win mark at home tomorrow night against the Atlanta Hawks.

Notes: Chicago committed 29 turnovers in the game while Boston turned the ball over 27 times...the Celtics outrebounded the Bulls 43-33, including a 20-12 advantage at the offensive end...Chicago tallied 14 steals in the game while the Celtics had 10...the teams combined for 42 free throw attempts, with each team making 16. 38 fouls were called in the game.

Current Record: 69-5
Next Game: vs Atlanta Hawks; 36-41 (April 15th)

April 15th, 2007
Atlanta (87) at Chicago (124)
Bulls win 70th game in style behind Gordon's 52 points
[ Boxscore ]


Gordon scores two of his game high 52 points

The Chicago Bulls certainly made sure that win number 70 was a memorable one.

Ben Gordon, the two time reigning Player of the Month in the East and Most Valuable Player in last year's NBA Finals is gearing up for another championship run. Gordon scored 52 points to go along with 18 assists, eight rebounds and five steals as the Bulls thumped the Atlanta Hawks 124-87 to win their 47th game in a row and top the 70 win mark for the second time in team history.

Gordon's barrage began in the first quarter where he scored 21 point on 10/15 shooting as the Hawks offered little resistance at the defensive end. He also tallied four rebounds and three assists in the first quarter and despite scoring only four points in the second quarter, managed to grab another rebound and hand out four more assists. His efforts allowed the Bulls to take a firm grasp of the game as they led 59-43 at halftime.

Atlanta began the third quarter on a 15-6 run to cut into the lead and get Chicago back on their heels, while momentarily quietening a raucous United Center crowd. After the Hawks cut the lead to five at 67-62, the Bulls opened up a 9-0 run and recaptured their earlier momentum, finishing the third quarter with a 15 point lead. Carlos Boozer scored 11 of his 21 points in the third and was a perfect 5/5 from the field.

The fourth quarter was all Chicago as they outscored Atlanta 40-18 behind 19 points from Ben Gordon, who was a perfect 8/8 in the quarter and broke the 50 point mark with a three pointer, receiving an enthusiastic standing ovation upon being subbed out for the remainder of the game.

"We have trouble believing it ourselves," Gordon said of the team's 70 wins and 47 game winning streak. "It's not something we set out to do when the season began but we do go out there every night and try to win every game. For the last 47 games, it's worked out pretty well."

Rookie DeMarcus Arnold top scored for the Hawks with 22 points, making 4 of 7 three pointers. Marvin Williams scored 12 points off the bench, Zaza Pachulia had 18 points and eight rebounds and Al Harrington contributed a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds. Raymond Felton had a team high 12 assists but went 0 for 8 from the field, scoring all four of his points at the free throw line and committing eight turnovers.

For the Bulls, Boozer had seven rebounds to go along with his 21 points. Tyson Chandler also had seven rebounds while contributing 12 points. Kyle Korver, Nick Collison and Monta Ellis each scored eight points off the bench for the Bulls.

Notes: Chicago wore their black pinstriped alternate jerseys from their historic 1995/1996 campaign, where they went 72-10 in the regular season before capturing the club's fourth championship...the Bulls dominated the boards 41-27, including a decisive 17-9 advantage on the offensive glass...the game was the first of a five game homestand for the Bulls. They will conclude the season with three games on the road.

Current Record: 70-5
Next Game: vs Los Angeles Lakers; 26-49 (April 17th)