<div align="center"><font size=""6""> <font color=""Gold"">Golden State Warriors</font> @ <font color=""Red"">Chicago Bulls</font></font> Where:United Center Date: Wednesday, Nov. 9, 7:30pm TV: CSN-Chicago, NBALP <font color="Red">Chicago Bulls</font> <font size=""2""> Lineup: Chris Duhon, Kirk Hinrich, Andres Nocioni, Darius Songaila, Tyson Chandler</font> <font color="Gold">Golden State Warriors</font> <font size=""2""> Lineup: Baron Davis, Jason Richardson, Mike Dunleavy, Troy Murphy, Adonal Foyle</div> </font> <font size=""7""> Match-up Break Down:</font> Point Guards: The match-up of the future verses the present takes place in tonight's point guard match. Chris Duhon one of the brightest young stars in the league has really shown a lot of his critics why he starts for the Bulls this season. Though his numbers are not eye boggling he has been doing it all assists, points, and rebounds. He had the first triple double of the 2005-06 NBA season, and has continued to show great court vision through the last two games. The Bulls have had a chance to win every game they have played thus far this season thanks to his ball handling skills. On the other side is the always dangerous Baron Davis. After playing all 82 games his first four NBA seasons he fell victim to some injuries his last few years in New Orleans. He has gotten himself back into some great shape since being traded to the Warriors, and is back in all star forum. He has had some minor injury problems this season, but nothing that has kept him out an extended period of time. Though Duhon will be a great point guard in the future I do not see how he could have the advantage in this match-up tonight. Advantage: Golden State Warrior Shooting Guards: The match-up of the night will be this shooting guard match-up. The high flying Jason Richardson has led the Warriors in scoring thus far this season he is helping make a case for himself to be on the all star team this season. He will be matched up against Kirk Hinrich who has really expanded his game this season, and become a true captain and leader for this young Bulls squad. In large part due to his performances the Bulls have had a chance to win all their games so far this season. Though, the ball has not bounced their way, thus leading to the 1-2 record they come into this game with, they have looked good so far this season. With the combo of Kirk and Ben Gordon switching in I think they will ware out Jason Richardson, and will this match-up. At the end of the day we got two players who are playing great basketball right now going up against one. Advantage: Chicago Bulls Small Forwards: Why is Luol Deng not starting at small forward for the Bulls? You guess is as good as mine, but I can tell you he will get his no matter if it’s early on or five minutes into the game. Deng is coming off the best game he has had all season scoring 19 points off the bench against the defending world champion San Antonio Spurs. Now to talk about the actual starting match-up at small forward Andres Nocioni will be paired up against Mike Dunvleavy . Andres has been holding true to his game this season once again playing tough defense, and being the toughest player on the Bulls. However, his offensive game has left something to be desired as he has only averaged five points in a starting role. Mike has had a decent season, but nothing special either after getting a five year extension on his contract. It has also been a bit more obvious due to Pietrus’ struggle in the games so far this year. I think this match-up is not really going to be that interesting in the starting lineup. Maybe when Deng gets in the game it will pick up. Advantage: Chicago Bulls Power Forwards: Songaila another Bull off season acquisitions has been playing well so far this season He much like Andres plays tough defense, and is holding his own in the starting lineup. Despite some who say they would rather see Sweetney as the starting power forward (those some include me). He will be matched up against the double double monster Troy Murphy. Murphy one on one with Songaila has a minor advantage, but once you throw Sweetney into the mix the advantage switches over to the Bulls a bit. Unless Murphy has a break out game I think the Bulls have the advantage here. As you see the Bulls bench is really the big factor playing into these match-ups. Some could even say we have more talent in our second unit then the starting one. Advantage: Chicago Bulls Centers: Chandler recorded another double double for the Bulls last season the count is now at two, but people are still holding their breaths for that offensive outburst. After scoring nine points in the first quarter against the Spurs he only had two points in the last three quarters. He will be matched up against another good defender in Folye. Who similar to Chandler lacks a particularly affective offensive game. This match-up would be a wash if both players where at the same point of their careers, but with Chandler being so much younger , and a bit more athletic I expect him to have a minor advantage. As bad as Chandler’s offensive game is Foyle’s is worse. Advantage: Chicago Bulls <font size=""7""> My Game M.V.P Prediction:</font> [IMGL]http://www.nba.com/media/bulls/deng_hp_051108.jpg[/IMGL] Once again I expect Deng to have his second break out game in a row. Just like the match-up against San Antonio he will have the easiest chance at getting points due to the players he will be matched up against. His length, and talent should allow him to take advantage of his match up. Another player who you should look out for, to have a good game once again is Ben Gordon once he comes off the bench he will probably be matched up against either Davis or who ever the Warriors choose to insert in the game. Though Davis is not a slouch he will be tired, and due to some of the injuries he has had this season he will have a hard time keeping up with Gordon. <font size=""7""> Bulls Keys To Victory:</font> <ul> [*]Get an early lead the Bulls know better than anyone how tough it is to Bull out close games two of the first three contests have gone to overtime, and one was a last second lose. The cannot afford to fall behind early this game they take up too much time trying to make a comeback and then do not have enough energy left to get a big lead. [/list] <ul> [*]Again no stupid fouls. The Bulls lost against the Nets by two points, and lost to the Spurs, because of stupid fourth quarter fouls. The Warriors have struggled from the line this season however so it might not be that big a factor in this game. [/list] <font size=""7""> Prediction: </font> The Bulls need this win tonight so I think they will play some inspired basketball. Playing in the deepest division in basketball does not help their situation either. The Warriors are a talented team with a lot of offensive weapons so the Bulls will be in a track race all game. Final score 105-100 Bulls win.
Another key to victory is rebounding imo. Despite the fact that GS sucks defenisvely, they are a pretty good rebounding team, with big guards who also do their share of the work. So this is certainly an area of concern for Skiles imo, since this has been an issue in all the games we have played so far.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Noir:</div><div class="quote_post">Another key to victory is rebounding imo. Despite the fact that GS sucks defenisvely, they are a pretty good rebounding team, with big guards who also do their share of the work. So this is certainly an area of concern for Skiles imo, since this has been an issue in all the games we have played so far.</div> Your right, rebounding was a big problem for us against the Bobcats and the Nets, but we played pretty well on the boards against the Spurs we were virtually equal they had 48 we had 46 so I was going to give them the benefit of the doubt that they would keep the good rebounding up for this game as well.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Noir:</div><div class="quote_post">Another key to victory is rebounding imo. Despite the fact that GS sucks defenisvely, they are a pretty good rebounding team, with big guards who also do their share of the work. So this is certainly an area of concern for Skiles imo, since this has been an issue in all the games we have played so far.</div> Surprisingly, thus far the Warriors' defense has been their best attribute while rebounds and free throws have not. They are holding opponents to 93 ppg while averaging 100 ppg. I believe your Bulls are holding opponents to 100 ppg while averaging 101 ppg. Look to see a lot of bench play from the Warriors tonight as the starters racked up some heavy minutes last night against the Bucks. One surprise bench player will be Chris Taft, rookie out of Pittsburgh, who has been getting minutes in lieu of injured rookie Ike Diogu. He has shown to be a disciplined defender and aggressive rebounder as well as running the floor quite well. Should be a good one...good luck to you guys.
I think this is another instance of a team's fans underestimating the Warriors. While you give Davis major props there is no way you can underestimate Jrich so much. Also, you can not take your bench players and gang up on our starters in a comparison. I think I would give Jrich the clear advantage there. At SF it should be a draw IMO because Dunleavy has not done much in the way of stats but he has hit some big shots that kept our momentum going or started it enroute to a big win. Also I believe you discount Murphy too much also against Songaila?! Murphy just came off a big 25pt game last night to push our team past the undefeated and much heralded Bucks team last night. Our bench is pretty solid also. Fisher has been doing a great job scoring the ball and also hitting some mementous shots. Pietrus is a lock down type defender who is capable of blowing up and scoring 20pts in 20 minutes. Taft has also looked good in limited minutes as a monster in the paint. I think the only thing that could hurt the Warriors tonight is being tired from playing in Milwakee last night and traveling to Chi town tonight. Last night was a big win for them. Up until last night the Warriors had really struggled to find their shot and hit free throws. Coming into the game the Bucks were playing great ball and did last night but the Warriors killed them from 3 pt range. If they show up tired and the 3 ball is not falling, it could be a long game for the Warriors. Should be good game though...
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Warriorfansnc93:</div><div class="quote_post">I think this is another instance of a team's fans underestimating the Warriors. While you give Davis major props there is no way you can underestimate Jrich so much.</div>I am not really underrated Jason Richardson that much. I know he is a great player, and he will be a tough match-up for Hinrich due to his size, and athletic ability. However, Hinrich is playing some great basketball right now, and I feel it will carry over into tonight's game. To his credit Richardson has also been playing well yesterday against the Bucks getting 14 rebounds, but the preview was made before then, and I did not want to call a match-up a wash. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> Also, you can not take your bench players and gang up on our starters in a comparison. I think I would give Jrich the clear advantage there. At SF it should be a draw IMO because Dunleavy has not done much in the way of stats but he has hit some big shots that kept our momentum going or started it enroute to a big win. Also I believe you discount Murphy too much also against Songaila?! Murphy just came off a big 25pt game last night to push our team past the undefeated and much heralded Bucks team last night. Our bench is pretty solid also. Fisher has been doing a great job scoring the ball and also hitting some mementous shots. Pietrus is a lock down type defender who is capable of blowing up and scoring 20pts in 20 minutes. Taft has also looked good in limited minutes as a monster in the paint. I think the only thing that could hurt the Warriors tonight is being tired from playing in Milwakee last night and traveling to Chi town tonight. Last night was a big win for them. Up until last night the Warriors had really struggled to find their shot and hit free throws. Coming into the game the Bucks were playing great ball and did last night but the Warriors killed them from 3 pt range. If they show up tired and the 3 ball is not falling, it could be a long game for the Warriors. Should be good game though...</div> The reason I mentioned our bench in some of those match-ups is due to the fact that our bench actually plays more minutes then the actual starter. Though it is true that in a one on one match-up Murphy has the advantage in fact I said that in the preview. However, when you throw in Sweetney who plays either more, or equal minutes at the power forward spot to Songaila, and the story changes completely. Your right though I should not gang up to players on one. Perhaps for the next game I will add bench comparisons as well. I appreciate the feedback, and agree with you it should be a good game.
Warriors up 10 at half time. I just started listening when the score was 33-24 and I am impressed with what sounds like good defensive play by the Warriors...
The Bulls are incapable of getting off to a good start in the first quarter this season. We have yet to lead a game at half time all season.
yet we come back and take it to over time or make it a one point win for either team. luckily today it was our win. we gotta get a better start off the blocks, cannot afford to play like this and attempt comebacks every game.
One thing you can say about Bull’s basketball is it is never boring. I am not going to be bias though on this one where lucky as hell to pull off this win. We got a lot of calls from the referees, and our players executed it is funny however that when we have six people in double figures we lose, and when we only have two in double figures we win. This game was the complete opposite of what I expected I thought it was going to be a track meet. Props to the Warriors on this game they put up a great fight. I would like to place a request in to the Bulls can you please give me one blow out win this season I can not take all these close games.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting I-Miss-MJ:</div><div class="quote_post">sheesh we could easily be 4 - 0 or 0 -4.</div> I said the same thing to "Ed!" on aim, but we broke even, and are 2-2. Here is the box score and game recap. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">[IMGL]http://www.nba.com/media/bulls/Tyson200.jpg[/IMGL]The Golden State Warriors' road trip ended in frustrating fashion. After Mike Sweetney made the go-ahead free throws with 6.3 seconds remaining, Jason Richardson was denied on a drive to the basket as time expired, saddling the Warriors with an 85-84 loss to the Chicago Bulls. Having won the first two games of their three-game trek and playing the second end of a back-to-back, the Warriors struggled badly with their shooting after halftime as they squandered a double-digit lead. Despite the struggles, the Warriors had a chance to win and went to the athletic Ricardson in order to get it. The two-time Slam Dunk champion drove past the bigger Luol Deng before the 7-1 Tyson Chandler came over to help and knocked the ball away while making some contact. Richardson and coach Mike Montgomery both were irate and yelled at officials as they left the court. Mike Dunleavy's 3-pointer with 11 seconds remaining had given the Warriors an 84-83 lead. Sweetney responded at the other end, drawing a foul from Troy Murphy. </div> <div align="center">Box Score l Recap</div>
I think the warriors defence suprised the bulls in this game. The bulls thought that they were gonna throw slow passes and move the ball unchallenged. BUt were suprised when their bad passes led to alot of turnovers. I dont think that any bulls fan who has seen all of our games this season wasnt on the edge of their seat the whole night. Even my girlfriend has been coaght up in all of the drama of the last 4 games. But Hinrich is becoming a Beast to say the least. GO BULLS!
