Minnesota Timberwolves at Chicago Bulls, 01/03/2009
times read: 1780
| Final |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
OT |
Total |
| Timberwolves |
18 |
27 |
27 |
30 |
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102 |
| Bulls |
17 |
21 |
27 |
27 |
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92 |
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Game Preview:
Minnesota (7-25) at Chicago (14-19) 8:30 p.m. EST
CHICAGO (Ticker) -- Undaunted by a 13-game losing streak, the
Minnesota Timberwolves may have found a winning groove.
The Timberwolves will...
Game Recap:
MINNESOTA 102, CHICAGO 92
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CHICAGO (Ticker) -- A couple of weeks ago, the Minnesota
Timberwolves couldn't buy a win. Then again, that was way back
in 2008.
The new year has begun in much ...
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Date Posted: 1/3/2009 10:28:00 PM
By: Joel Brigham
Vinny Del Negro's substitution patterns are starting to be a little bit confusing. Tyrus Thomas, who had a huge game with 15 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 blocks, didn't play for almost the entire fourth quarter, while Larry Hughes and Andres Nocioni put in some rather unproductive minutes in his stead. Coach Del Negro said it had to do with matchups and that those other guys lineup against the Minnesota frontline at the time, but I just don't see it. A kid who's putting up that good of numbers needs to play the fourth quarter.
The Timberwolves, on the other hand, now officially have their first winning streak of the season. Kevin McHale's starting to smile, and his team is starting to win (this was their third victory in four games).
Coach McHale did make an interesting point about the Chicago's struggles of late, saying, "One thing the Bulls are going to find out is that they need a guy who can amp things down." Considering they're currently without their three captains (Drew Gooden, Kirk Hinrich, and Luol Deng), it makes sense that they're a team lacking leadership at the moment.
In any event, it was nice to see Derrick Rose get his confidence back in the second half, but this team needs to get healthy and start winning some games. They've got a fantastic homestand right now to gather up some wins, but they've lost their last two at the United Center. Hopefully that turns around soon.
Date Posted: 1/3/2009 6:52:00 PM
By: Joel Brigham
After two blowout losses, the Chicago Bulls locker room was absolutely dead. Only Larry Hughes spent any extended time answering questions, but that's expected considering how poorly the team has played lately. Guys don't want to answer tough questions, so they stay hidden. I'll ask them the tough ones after the game, when they can't hide from me.
Here's something interesting—Coach Vinny Del Negro has a new "grading system" for effort, which he wrote up on the board before tonight's game. Players were each given a number grade for how much effort they put into the last game against Cleveland, and that, according to Del Negro, is to help bring attention to what certain guys can work on, to make them aware of what he expects from them. Personally, I'd just have a conversation with a guy if he wasn't giving 100%, but I'm also not being paid to head coach an NBA team.
Not much from the Minnesota side, either, except I had a nice chat with former Tolono, Illinois standout Brian Cardinal. I know he gets a lot of crap for having such a huge contract, but he's really a nice guy and something of a hero in the central part of the state.
Derrick Rose, after his rough stretch of two games, should have something of an easy time getting back on track tonight considering Minnesota has such a weak transition defense, but with the way he's been playing there's no telling what we'll see tonight. Just a few days after winning the Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month award, Rose has come off as tired and frustrated. Let's hope he gets back on his game tonight.
More after the game!
Date Posted: 1/3/2009 11:09:00 AM
By: Joel Brigham
There's no question that the Chicago Bulls have been struggling, losing in blowout fashion the last two games to Orlando and Cleveland. But what's really intriguing is the decreased minutes and decreased output from Derrick Rose. In those two games he's averaging just 24.5 minutes, 6.5 points, and 1 assist--all very much below his seasona averages. Is it any wonder, then, that the Bulls are playing so horribly as a team?
They'll get their chance to redeem themselves tonight at home against the Minnesota Timberwolves, who actually have been playing better of late. Having won two of their last three, they come into Chicago hoping to start their first win streak of the season. A team that has lost 8 and 13 games in a row at different points of the season, Minny could use a morale boost, especially for hot-seated coach Kevin McHale.
Post any questions you may have if you've got them, and I'll address what I can during pregame this evening. Next post will be up around 7:00pm Central time, with tipoff at 7:40. See you all then!
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Comments (4 posted)
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posted by Dan, 1/3/2009 4:32:22 PM
This team just need a really good defensive center to be up there in the conversation with top teams in the east. Who do you think they should go after? JO? Kaman?
posted by Joel Brigham, 1/3/2009 5:39:11 PM
Kaman would be a great fit I think, but L.A. still doesn't seem ready to shop him. As for Jermaine O'Neal, I'd stay as far away from him as possible. He'd require a ton of money be sent back to Toronto in return, he's clearly seen his better days. Just wouldn't be worth it for the Bulls.
posted by roger, 1/4/2009 1:18:57 AM
Tyrus thomas huge game! gimmie a break and his team lost? come on now, for that you should of put David lee 26pts 11rbs in his teams lost and some idiots think he is bad for/cant thrive in D'antonis system. bring in some knicks stories and demoroelizing marbury stories doesnt count.
posted by CentrILMark, 1/4/2009 11:46:24 AM
"Tyrus, Tyrus Tyrus" the "Monster" is averaging 7.9 ppg, and shooting .407 % from the field. Whatever the motivation is for hyping Thomas, I'm sure in the end he will improve to be an ok player, but his immaturity and affected manner aren't going anywhere anytime soon which will keep him having limited effect when it comes to winning, especially against good teams. I do agree Thomas deserves more minutes with his better production of late, but Del Negro's substitution patterns are about as illogical as his team defesnive strategies which are awful. A good defensive coach can effect change almost immediately, and Del Negro's horrid Bull's team defense makes me believe he was a bigtime mistake. Paxson and Vinny both need to go, Now. Bring in a GM who's been a scout or assistant GM with New Orleans, Portland, or San Antonio with proven records of quality personnel procurement.
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