Wizards Fall To Bulls
DC in big trouble with defensive rebounding


- -Chicago 99 - - - - - - - Washington 91
[ Box Score ]
Chicago, IL – The Bulls and the Wizards gave us many exciting match ups last season. Tonight the Bulls, who were knocked out by the Wizards in last year's playoffs, hosted Washington. DC eliminated Chicago in 6 games in 2005 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals. The emotional Windy City was looking for a revenge.
The beginning of the game was very tense, the atmosphere was electric. Both of the teams tried to take advantage but couldn't manage to. Washington experienced the same problems as against the Knicks few days ago: The couldn't get their defensive rebounds. As Chicago's Eddy Curry lived on second chance shots (10pts, 5reb) in the first period Washington was led by Caron Butler's 6 points. Brendan Haywood grabbed 5 of Wizards' 7 rebounds in the quarter. Washington lost it 23-20.
While Jamison, Arenas and Peeler were taking care of business in offense the team still struggled in rebounding. Chicagos big men were cleaning the boards while guard Kirk Hinrich was their main scoring option. Wizards pulled back and tied the game to 46 with an three by Anthony Peeler just 3 seconds before halftime. Bulls couldn't score on the next play and we went to the break at 46-46.
While Eddy Curry with 12 points and 8 rebounds led Chicago, Washington's Brendan Haywood had collected 5 points, 6 rebounds, an assist and a steal. The Wizards were hopeless on the glass, the lost rebounding 16-26.
The third quarter brought the 6-time NBA Champions what they had been looking for. Washington choked on offense and shot under 30% from the field. Eric Piatkowski scored 8 as Antawn Jamison led the Wizards with just 2 field goals. They lost the period 25-11 and trailed 71-57 after three quarters of play.
Washington started a furious comeback attempt early in the fourth. They kept nailing them down shot after shot but they couldn't get closer than 6 points. Jamison and Arenas had 9 points each but that wasn't enough. Chicago still dominated on the glass and got away with the 99-91 victory. Eddy Curry was the player of the game with 22 points and 15 rebounds. Haywood who managed to grab 8 offensive boards finished with 12 points and 12 rebounds. Jamison had 21 points and led his team in scoring.
“A disappointing loss,” said Eddie Jordan. “We didn't have a chance down low. I think the Bulls had as much offensive boards as we had defensive. Maybe I'll have to consult with the GM to get more force to the post. One thing is for sure: we are going to concentrate all of our trainings on rebounding.”
GAME NOTES:
- DC was outrebounded 55-31.
- Bulls had 21 offensive rebounds.
- Wizards were held to just 11 points in the third.
- Bulls' bench outscored Wizards' 39-19.
Ingame Photos

The Bulls dominated the offensive rebounds and earned many easy points down low.

Gilbert Arenas' efforts in the fourth weren't enough to win the game for Washington.

Antawn Jamison led his team in scoring with 21 points.