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

As always, thanks for the comments guys.

Hey Andrew, are you going to update your season with the trades in the real NBA?

Webber + Barnes + Bradley to 76ers
Thomas + Williamson + Skinner to Kings
Welsch to Cavs

...and any other deals that come up???

I thought about it, but I've decided I'll just let the CPU make whatever deals it wants to make. I've already made my own transactions that are completely fictional and am looking to make a few more (more on that later), so I won't bother editing the save to move players around to reflect the real NBA.

Another update...gotta love weekends.

December 15th, 2004
Memphis 102, Chicago 87
[ Boxscore ]

This was just a terrible game - the Grizzlies outplayed us from the start of the second quarter onwards. I lost count, but I'm sure they outscored us about 20-8 through the first eight or nine minutes. Deng and Gordon had their moments, but none of their points meant much as the deficit remained too large to overcome throughout the second half. Kirk simply wasn't productive, failing to register a single assist. It's a good thing Mike Miller was cold, else the beating would have been even worse.

After this game, I decided to make a couple of changes to the lineup:

C: Antonio Davis
F: Keon Clark
F: Luol Deng
G: Ben Gordon
G: Kirk Hinrich

December 16th, 2004
Milwaukee 112, Chicago 108
[ Boxscore ]

The new lineup did little to improve our fortunes, though I can't fault AD and Keon, both of whom were on the floor and playing well in the final quarter. Another lacklustre game for the two Cs, who really didn't play well enough to deserve more time than the combined 39 minutes they played. Our defense was awful, just terrible - Michael Redd followed up his 22 first half points with 19 in the third quarter.

That's when I decided to take out Deng, Gordon and Hinrich, teaming AD and Keon up with Nocioni, Piatkowski and Duhon. Throughout the fourth quarter, we continued to chip away at the lead and managed to outscore the Bucks an incredible 46-23, narrowing the gap to 2 with about 30 seconds left. Had we pulled off the victory, Chris Duhon would have been the hero. I'm even considering starting him ahead of Hinrich.

However, my plan to get the ball inside to Davis for the game-tying basket failed, as Davis blew the layup. We had a second chance, but again AD came up short. All we could was foul and hope that we'd get another chance at evening the score. We didn't. Van Horn made both free throws, Duhon missed a three and Mike James simply dribbled out the clock.

Still, we nearly overcame a 27 point deficit, on the strength of our reserves. I'm not sure if I'll make any adjustments for the next game, but I'm really considering benching Hinrich or looking at making some trades. These are two games that we really could have won.

December 18th, 2004
Indiana 105, Chicago 103
[ No Boxscores - forgot to save them ]

This loss was another disappointing collapse in the final seconds. We were pretty shaky in the first half but really started to play well in the second, executing better on offense and doing a decent job at the defensive end. Jackson and Tinsley hit a few big threes that hurt us down the stretch, but in the final three minutes we took the lead 92-91. Even though the Pacers scored the next time down the floor, we responded and capitalised on a couple of Pacer misses to take a 99-95 lead.

Indiana wasn't done though. Jackson hit a long two to bring the Pacers within two, then Gordon, who had hit a three just a few moments ago to take back the lead, missed an open three that led to an Indiana fast break. With around 10 seconds left, the score was tied at 103, Indiana's ball. We were able to force them to waste the clock, but Croshere got off a short jumper that went in with 1.1 seconds left.

We called a timeout, and I decided to get Gordon the ball for a final shot at the top of the key. Unfortunately, Deng's pass was errant and Gordon didn't get a good catch, time expiring before he could get the shot off.

Shaking things up...or trying to

The Bulls release F Tommy Smith.

In the past week, I've tried to sign Shandon Anderson but we don't have the cap space to give him the deal he's after. His agent politely informed us that we "weren't even close" with the offer we made. A blockbuster trade might not be a viable option as this juncture, and Anderson would provide us with a big swingman off the bench that can shoot and play defense.

But our hands are tied with the cap room. So, I got in touch with the Charlotte Bobcats. I offered Othella Harrington and Jannero Pargo for Theron Smith, Jamal Sampson and their first round pick - a long shot, I know, but they have cap room. They balked at the idea of giving up their first round pick, as I expected. But I'd like to work out a deal to offload some of our talented but seldom used guys for the cap room to sign Anderson and possibly another player.

We've also been working out with Ben Gordon and Andres Nocioni lately. I've noticed some improvement in Gordon's offensive game, while Chapu has really improved his ballhandling.

I'm still waiting to hear back from some of my scouts regarding this year's prospects. We've been scouting the guys who will likely be available from the 15th pick onwards, but with the current slide that may be optimistic. I might start having to pay attention to some of the guys projected for the lottery. I did plan to do so anyway, as I wouldn't be against trying to pry away a pick from a lottery-bound team before the deadline.


Current Record: 12-10
Next Game: Portland Trailblazers (14-9) @ Chicago

December 20th, 2004
Chicago 115, Portland 110
[ Boxscore ]

Starting Lineup:

C: Curry
F: Chandler
F: Deng
G: Gordon
G: Hinrich

I decided to start Curry and Chandler, and it paid off. The two Cs turned out a couple of their best performances, once again securing their place in the starting five.

It wasn't an easy victory though. After going up 33-26 in the first, we seemed to take Portland too lightly at the beginning of the second. A couple of runs and we're back on our heels; they outscored us 34-22 and held the lead at halftime.

The third quarter was a back and forth battle, with Hinrich leading the charge with three after three. I sat Gordon most of the quarter after he picked up his third foul early, to ensure that he'd be available in the fourth should we need all the help we could get.

We certainly did. We began the quarter with a one point lead, but the Blazers weren't about to give up. It even looked as though we might drop another one, but Hinrich and Gordon hit a couple of threes and Chandler and Curry made the most of some well-timed passes from Captain Kirk, sealing a narrow victory.

All in all, it was the best game we've played for some time. Deng struggled from the field, but still managed 8 points and also contributed a couple of assists and 7 rebounds. Pike also hit three threes off the bench while Duhon had 4 assists. They don't always get a lot of minutes, but they're usually solid, especially Duhon who rarely makes a mistake but often gets a respectable amount of assists.

Next up are the defending champion Detroit Pistons.

I'm also using the Bulls as my dynasty for NBA Live 2005... first I sim the first season (this season 2004-2005), the team finished a dismal 26th overall... but there's one consolation though I got the third pick overall, which is the created player for myself... yah I put myself on the game and play with the Bulls... I was drafted 3rd overall for the 2005-2006 season... but don't get me wrong... I'm just a simple player there (no dunks... no 99 stuffs on the ratings, just starting from scratch). Right now on my second season, my Bulls standing is 5-3... Eddy Curry is a force to wreckon with inside the paint (he's like Shaq!). Tyson Chandler learned to rebound a lot more... Kirk Hinrich and Ben Gordon delivers in the clutch... Luol Deng is a defensive specialist (he's averaging 2.8 steals a game for me... my sixth man, Eddie Robinson plays like the new Scottie Pippen for the Bulls (He can score, he can defend as well)... and me, I'm the go to man... I'm averaging 23.4 points per game...

Hi, your dynasty makes for very good reading and you seem to be more clued up on live.

I'm not sure if you can help but i'm looking for a formula for calculating player ratings. I've just bought live and want to create an accurately rated Chris Duhon, do you have an accurate cap or know how/where I can get one?

Thanks

If you're using the PC version, you could give my roster update a try. If you're using a console version, you might want to check out my text roster update.

Or if you have a Sharkport, you might want to give this version of my roster, converted by y2dan, a try. It's also available in an uninjured version.

Dynasty Update...

Nothing for the moment, haven't played any games recently, but I'm sure I will. I'd say I'll post a word or two when I do.

Thanks, I'll try tonight and see if I can view the text version as I'm a ps2 user.

Good luck against the pistons andrew!

December 22nd, 2004
Chicago 95, Detroit 91
[ Boxscore ]

This was actually a pretty forgettable game, with Gordon and Hinrich eventually emerging as the go to guys after the scoring remained fairly evenly distributed throughout the first two and a half quarters. I took the lead in the first quarter but Detroit was never far behind. Detroit actually put the game out of reach for themselves by fouling too early.

It was a pretty disorganised effort, and not one of the best defensive efforts against the backcourt of Hamilton and Billups. I'd really like to acquire a bigger swingman to bring off the bench, someone who can bring a little more to the table than Pike.

Current Record: 14-10
Next Opponent: Milwaukee Bucks

Bonus Coverage: December 25th, 2004
Miami 112, Los Angeles Lakers 70
[ Boxscore ]

Shaquille O'Neal received a warm welcome from the crowd at Staples Center during the player introductions. Then he proceeded to burn up his former team.

In 36 minutes, Shaq scored 21 points to go along with 13 rebounds and 6 assists as the Miami Heat trounced the Los Angeles Lakers 112-70. Kobe Bryant, who teamed up with O'Neal on three championships from 2000 to 2002, was held to just 9 points on 3/18 shooting, and was ice cold from downtown failing to make any of his six attempts.

The Heat held a 61-40 lead at halftime and never looked back. Sophomore sensation Dwyane Wade had 20 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists while keeping Chucky Atkins in check. Lamar Odom and Caron Butler both scored in double figures, with Odom scoring a team high 13 points against his former club, the first meeting since this summer's blockbuster deal.

Transactions, December 25th

Chicago places F Othella Harrington and G Jannero Pargo on the injured list, and activates G/F Adrian Griffin and G Frank Williams.

December 26th, 2004
Chicago 109, Milwaukee 83
[ Boxscore ]

After a somewhat sluggish performance against Detroit for a scrappy win, it was nice to see better execution and well-deserved victory over the Bucks. Milwaukee had the upper hand in the first quarter thanks to Michael Redd, but Adrian Griffin (seeing his first action of the season) led a defensive stand in the second quarter that allowed us to keep the Bucks at bay while running off 31 points.

The third quarter was mostly basket for basket. Redd was proving troublesome, so I decided that getting him in foul trouble was about the only way to slow him down. The plan to get the ball to Gordon and draw some fouls worked, as Gordon caught him a couple of times with quick pump fakes and Chris Duhon drew a charge that sent Redd to the bench with his fourth foul late in the quarter.

The fourth quarter was the explosion. Redd returned halfway through to finish with 27 points but by then we'd extended the lead to 20. Chris Duhon and Eric Piatkowski shared the honour of remarkable performance in limited minutes this game; Duhon had 8 points (3/3 FG) and 5 assists in 12 minutes, playing in short stints throughout. Pike played only 6 minutes but hit three three-pointers in the final minute, finishing with 11 points. An all around good game with most of the roster contributing in some way.

Current Record: 15-10
Next Opponent: New Jersey Nets

Transactions, December 27th

The Chicago Bulls trade F Othella Harrington to the Charlotte Bobcats in exchange for G/F Steve Smith

Chicago places G/F Eric Piatkowski on the injured list and activates G/F Steve Smith.

At first glance, the trade leaves us a little guard-heavy but I'll likely make another deal or some cuts before the end of the year. Griffin will spend more time at small forward while Smith gives us another shooter off the bench, and most importantly some height in the backcourt.

It also frees up another $2 million or so in cap space, which might be enough to bring in one of the better free agents for the rest of the season.

December 28th, 2004
Chicago 100, New Jersey 93 OT
[ Boxscore ]

Ben Gordon scored 12 of his 23 points in overtime as the Bulls defeated New Jersey to end 2004 with four straight victories and a record of 16-10. The Bulls do not play again until New Year's Day, when they face the Orlando Magic.

Chicago appeared to have the game under control at halftime; having built an eight point lead, it seemed as though they would continue to keep the Nets at bay in the second half. But a couple of New Jersey fast breaks to begin the third quarter caught the Bulls by surprise. Though they remained solid defensively, the Bulls went cold from the field, shooting just 23% in the quarter. New Jersey held a 54-52 lead heading into the final period, having outscored Chicago 24-12.

The Bulls rallied in the fourth quarter and the two teams traded baskets in the final six minutes. With less than a minute left, it seemed Chicago would prevail, but Jason Kidd hit a long three to tie the game at 80. Eddy Curry made a dunk to give the Bulls an 82-80 lead, but Aaron Williams hit a short jumper with 0.4 seconds left to tie it up again. Ben Gordon had a chance to win the game with a three, but his shot bounced hard off the back of the rim.

Though he had missed the potential game winner, Chicago did not give up on Gordon, feeding him the ball early in the extra session. He responded by scoring the Bulls' first eight points in overtime, as they pulled out of the Nets' reach. The Nets would cut the deficit to 4, 92-88 with just over two minutes left but Kirk Hinrich hit a three to seal the game.

Current Record: 16-10
Next Opponent: Orlando Magic

January 1st, 2005
Orlando 96, Chicago 90
[ Boxscore ]

Despite Ben Gordon's best efforts, the Orlando Magic prevented the Chicago Bulls from beginning the new year with a bang, defeating them 96-90. The backcourt tandem of Steve Francis and Cuttino Mobley, acquired this past offseason in exchange for All-Star swingman Tracy McGrady, torched the Bulls for a combined 52 points, many of which came at the expense of Chicago's big men.

The Magic also received a lift from Grant Hill, who has missed most of the last four years due to ankle injuries and did not play at all this season. The six-time All-Star added 15 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists in 39 minutes of court time, and still appears healthy after undergoing the fourth surgery on his ankle in 2003.

Steve Smith was the only Bull apart from Gordon and Hinrich to score in double figures. Acquired in a trade for Othella Harrington in December, Smith scored 11 points in 8 minutes of play but did not register a single assist or rebound. Tyson Chandler and Eddy Curry combined for 14 points on 6/19 shooting.

Current Record: 16-11
Next Opponent: Detroit Pistons

Nice Bonus Coverage! I love it man... and it looks like u got quite a few games played in the last few days...

Excellent Andrew as always !!

January 3rd, 2005
Chicago 102, Detroit 89
[ Boxscore ]

Detroit put up a fight for the first 12 minutes, then faded in the second which allowed for a comfortable lead, one that remained fairly constant throughout the game. The contest belonged to Ben Gordon, whose 25 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists earned him player of the game honours.

Rip Hamilton once again proved somewhat difficult to contain scoring 32 points, though once again we managed to hold him below 50% from the field and didn't send him to the line much. The difference was Chauncey Billups. A few games back he scored 26 against us but this time only managed 19. Dyess and Big Ben were a little less impressive defensively and on the boards this time around.

Current Record: 17-11
Next Opponent: New Orleans Hornets (17-12)

January 5th, 2005
New Orleans 114, Chicago 97
[ Boxscore ]

Pretty much everything that can go wrong went wrong in this one. I'm surprised we didn't lose anyone to injury. That's about the only positive to come out of this one, aside from Luol Deng's second half. Deng's been pretty quiet lately, but he led a late charge that ultimately fell short.

The Hornets backcourt burned us for 62 points, raining long jumpers throughout the second half. When they weren't lighting us up from the perimeter, they were making our interior defense look foolish slashing to the basket and escaping untouched. Mashburn hit three three-pointers and PJ Brown dominated at both ends with 17 points and 20 boards. Gordon had a decent outing with 24 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists, but it wasn't nearly enough.

The frustrating thing is, we still managed to score in the third and fourth quarters, though mostly in spurts that cut into the deficit. New Orleans started the game very strong but a 9-0 run allowed us to take the lead before losing it again just before the first quarter ended. The second quarter killed us, that's when we gave up eight points and trailed by nine by the half. Here's hoping we can play much better against the Jazz.

Record: 17-12
Next Opponent: Utah Jazz

January 7th, 2005
Utah 106, Chicago 100
[ Boxscore ]

When we trailed 34-23 after the first quarter, I wasn't about to panic. Very few games are genuinely over in the first 12 minutes. Indeed, we were only down by four at the half and even tied the game late in the second. But we kept making the same mistakes in the second half, falling behind by double digits before cutting into the deficit with a run that was too little, too late.

The interesting statistic is the number of turnovers. Turnovers were killing us, yet no one committed more than two and the Jazz actually turned the ball over 20 times to our 11. However, Utah did a great job capitalising on our turnovers. I'm not sure how many points they scored off turnovers, but I'm sure it must have been at least 20. Three pointers also hurt us. They only hit nine, but they seemed to come in waves, which I think pressured us into hurried plays at the other end, most of which broke down.

In some of the losses this season I've pulled the starters to give the bench some minutes in garbage time, but I was eager to see if we could pull of some heroics in the final three minutes so I left them in.

Kirk hit a three after a timeout to make it 102-96 with about 1:30 left. After a foul allowed Utah to make it 104-96 with under a minute left, Gordon made a layup and Hinrich stole the ball from Bell after the inbound pass and made a layup of his own, bringing the score to 104-100. We put Carlos Arroyo on the line with 11 seconds left, and he missed both. Curry grabbed the rebound and we quickly called for time.

I decided to go with the play that had been successful in close games this season; get the ball to Curry down low for a dunk or layup. Deng inbounded the ball to Hinrich who fired the quick entry pass to Curry underneath the basket. But Boozer got in the way and Curry's shot was altered. Boozer (who had 11 of his 21 points in the fourth) came up with the rebound and we had no choice but to foul. He made both and the game was over, 106-100.

Current Record: 17-13 (L2)
Next Opponent: Boston Celtics

These last two games have not been impressive outings. Losing to a team after a back and forth battle is one thing, but losing to a team with a losing record having chased them most of the way...at least New Orleans are a winning team (That's in my Dynasty, not real life ). Perhaps some lineup changes are in order.

Hi, what difficulty do you play on? I'm finding this game so hard on the 2nd hardest level with this seasons Bulls.

I can't quite work out why, I do play on lock for the SG but the last live I had (2003 for psx1) I played 20 regular season games and the playoffs and went 34-1 winning the championship on the hardest level.

Right now I'm still on All-Star, though I'll probably be moving to Superstar soon.

Move tro superstar andrew... its much funner!

wow all-star...its amazing how sometime i think superstar is easy great write-ups and i like the way you format your boxscore. i was hoping for you post a pic every now and then because i never noticed you posting pics in your dynasties.

I'll try to post some pics if anything interesting happens. Thanks for the comments guys.

January 8th, 2005
Chicago 100, Boston 94
[ Boxscore ]

The final score should have been a little more one sided, but Boston outscored us 32-22 in the fourth quarter to even things up a little by the final buzzer. Through the second and third quarters however, we held a commanding lead; a nice change from the dogfights and catching up we've been doing the last couple of games.

The bench had a fine game tonight. Three reserves scored in double figures, led by Chapu with 12 on 5/6 shooting. With Deng struggling from the field (he was 0/5 tonight), I think I'll give Chapu the start for the next couple of games. Perhaps Deng will play a little better as part of the second unit.

Gordon continued his fine play, though he cooled off a little in the second half. He's also grabbing a few boards and picking up some assists these days. He's not the same kind of first option as a Kobe Bryant or a Tracy McGrady, but he's responded well to having the ball in his hands a lot more often and the opportunity to take more shots.

Pierce and Davis hurt us the most, though we kept both at a decent percentage. We even held Pierce to 7 points in the first half and clamped down on him in the final couple of minutes. Getting him into foul trouble helped as he only played 32 minutes. I'm sure he could have scored 30 or more had he played around 38.

GP's still out with injury so that made things a little easier, but Marcus Banks had a fine outing. The Celtics made an excellent move when they managed to revise the trade with Los Angeles.

I'm hoping this will be the start of another winning streak. We're fairly comfortable in the standings right now but we can't afford to get too complacent. We've got a kind schedule this month with plenty of home games but February and March will bring some tough games on the road. I want us to remain firmly in the top eight by the end of the month, just in case we struggle.

Next Opponent: Golden State Warriors
Record: 18-13

January 10th, 2005
Chicago 82, Golden State 77
[ [url=http://www.nba-live.com/andrew/100105.txt]Boxscore[/url ]

Eddy Curry scored 8 of his 14 points in the fourth quarter as Chicago avoided an upset loss to the strugging Golden State Warriors.

The Bulls jumped out to an early 8-2 lead and led 22-19 by the end of the first, but fell behind in the second. The Warriors continued their impressive play in the third quarter, at times leading by as many as ten points. Jason Richardson did most of the damage scoring 27 points, 14 in the second half. He did not have much help from his teammates, who combined for only 20 field goals and 10 free throws. Dale Davis was the only other Warrior to score in double figures, scoring a surprising 11 points in only 7 minutes.

Luol Deng, who did not start for the first time in his rookie campaign, scored all six of his points in the fourth quarter but missed a layup late in the game with the Bulls holding a slim 78-77 lead. Fortunately for Chicago they were able to shut down the Warriors' offense while at the other end Curry added another basket and Hinrich was sent to the line where he made two free throws to seal the victory.


Current Record: 19-13
Next Opponent: Philadelphia 76ers

I've decided to start Deng against the Sixers. I'm hoping he can just shoot his way out of the slump.

January 12th, 2005
Philadelphia 117, Chicago 114
[ [url=http://www.nba-live.com/andrew/120105.txt]Boxscore[/url ]

Aaron McKie hurt Chicago with three pointers all game long, but he saved his most emphatic trey for last. With 3.7 seconds left McKie nailed a three over the outstretched hands of Ben Gordon to put the Sixers up 117-114, giving them their second straight win over Chicago this season.

It was just over a month ago today that Philadelphia defeated Chicago in controversial fashion in a 112-107 overtime victory. Kenny Thomas tipped in a shot that sent the game to an extra period, though replays seemed to confirm his shot came after the buzzer despite the ruling of the referees.

But there was no controversy tonight as the Sixers exploded out of the gate, gaining an early lead and ending the first quarter with a 7 point advantage. They would hold a double digit lead through most of the second half, but Chicago began a run in the fourth quarter that saw the game tied with just under two minutes remaining.

However, Chicago would lose Tyson Chandler who fouled out with just under a minute remaining. After Luol Deng tied the game at 114 with a dunk, Philadelphia was forced to rush the ball upcourt having exhausted all of their timeouts. Aaron McKie ran down the clock before hitting his sixth three pointers to put Philadelphia out in front again.

The Bulls called a timeout and set up a final play, but Ben Gordon lost his footing after a pump fake and passed to Curry, who hoisted a desperation three that caught the edge of the rim but rolled off and out.

Current Record: 19-14
Next Opponent: New York Knicks

January 15th, 2005
Chicago 107, New York 96
[ [url=http://www.nba-live.com/andrew/150105.txt]Boxscore[/url ]

Jamal Crawford scored 19 points and handed out a team high 7 assists in his return to Chicago, but his former team wasn't waiting with a warm reception.

While Crawford shook hands with his former teammates before the tipoff and was cheered by the United Center crowd, his replacement at shooting guard rookie Ben Gordon wasn't about to roll out the red carpet. Gordon scored 20 of his 25 points in the first half including 12 in the second quarter, as Chicago opened up a 20 point lead after the first two quarters.

The Knicks outscored the Bulls in the second half but the deficit was too much to overcome. Gordon cooled off and was scoreless in the third quarter, but his team kept rolling and led by as many as 24 during the final minutes of the third. New York managed to bring the game close as the Bulls's starters sat for most of the fourth, but were not able to come any closer than 9 points.

The two teams face each other again on Monday in New York.

Current Record: 20-14
Next Opponent: New York Knicks

Nice work.. u do have heaps of time on ur hands andrew dont ya?

I've got some extra time at the moment, yeah...so I'm making the most of it.

Thats good to hear man.... dont waste ur time on dope!

No fear mate, I'm not into that stuff. Beer's another story, but I don't abuse it.