Game 5 Bulls (1-3) v Nets (3-1)
Video Recap:
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=-TSkw0k0U5I
Bulls 108 - Nets 83
The Bulls finally recorded their first home win as Teddy Teiten scored 40 points and grabbed 8 rebounds to lead them. The Bulls locked down the Nets inside, led by Teiten's 5 blocks, as they held the Nets to only 38 second half points to build an 8 point lead to 25.
Tyrus Thomas scored 14 with 10 rebounds, and Andres Nocioni sparked the bench with 14 points. Da Coach made a switch in the starting lineup, adding Duhon for better defense with Gordon on the bench to provide some offense. Gordon didn't score much, but he dished out five assists. The Bulls' bench outscored the Nets' bench 34-19.
Vince Carter led the Nets with 23 points while Jason Kidd was held to only 3 assists thanks to the Bulls stifling defense.
"Every time I passed the ball," said Kidd, "the Bulls swarmed and forced us back outside. Then they challenged our shooters. It was ugly."
Despite only 8 rebounds from Teiten, Bulls coach Da Coach was much happier with his star center's effort. "Only 8? It seemed like a lot more. It's not how many, it's when you get them" he said. "5 blocks seemed like a lot more too because he forced so many guys to change their shots. Did you ever see so many balls hit the bottom of the rim? That was terrific."
Loul Deng started but sat most of the game with a strained right shoulder. He's expected to continue practicing and to be at 100% by the time the Bulls face the Warriors.
The Bulls move to 2-3 on the season and 1-3 at home while the Nets fall to 3-2.
For stats and highlights see the video recap at:
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=-TSkw0k0U5I
Next up for the Bulls is the final home game of this home stand, against the 0-3 Golden State Warriors led by Baron Davis with 13.3 PPG and 6 APG. Teiten squares off with 6'11" Andris Biedrins who averages 11.7 PPG, 9.3 RPG and 2 blocks per game. It might be a field day.
The Bulls take to the road for a game against Boston on December 10 before returning home on Dec 12 for the big match up with the Lakers featuring Kobe Bryant and 7'8" rookie Dojo Imawu. After the Lakers it's back on the road to face currently 10-0 Phoenix and the tough Detroit Pistons.
The Bulls find themselves last in the Central Division, and the only team in the Central below .500. Cleveland leads at 7-4 with Detroit at 3-2, Indiana at 4-3, Milwaukee at 3-3, then the Bulls at 2-3.
Early MVP hopefulls are led by Lebron James.
1. James (Cavs) - 28.9 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 7.1 APG and 2 steals per game.
2. Dojo Imawu (Lakers) - 24.2 PPG, 12.7 RPG, 6.9 APG, 2.4 BPG, 2 SPG
3. Kobe Bryant (Lakers) - 24.5 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 6.2 APG
4. Kevin Durant (Seattle) - 18.7 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 5.6 APG, 1.55 SPG
5. Shaq O'Neal (Heat) - 20.9 PPG, 10.7 RPG, 2.22 BPG