http://sportstwo.com/NBA/Game/Preview/2007...BA--SANANTONIO0 Preview: Spurs look to stay hot at home against new-look Bulls Chicago (9-16) at San Antonio (19-7) 8:30 pm EST SAN ANTONIO (Ticker) - The San Antonio Spurs have been nearly unbeatable at home, winning 14 of their first 15 games at the AT&T Center. On Wednesday, the Spurs host a Chicago Bulls team playing in its first game since Monday's firing of coach Scott Skiles. Defending NBA champion San Antonio has actually struggled lately, winning just two of its last six games after a 17-3 start. The Spurs' 99-90 home victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday snapped a two-game losing streak as Tim Duncan had 34 points and a season-high 18 rebounds. Tony Parker had 18 points in his first game back since missing four with a sprained left ankle, but top San Antonio reserve Manu Ginobili left in the first quarter with a sprained left index finger. Despite high expectations, Chicago has one of the worst records in the Eastern Conference, leading to Skiles demise. The Bulls have lost three of their last four games and were booed frequently during their most recent home game. Assistant Pete Myers will take the helm on an interim basis. Chicago hasn't won a season series against the Spurs since the 1997-98 campaign.
They said the players found out about Skiles being fired before practice through an email that Scott Skiles sent to them. See, he does communicate good. Tyson just didn't check his email.
If Pax has decided on Boylan already (seems so), then he's going to be the next coach, at least until the end of the season. Tonight we get to see Tyrus Thomas try to stop Tim Duncan. Should be interesting.
I think it might be good for Hinrich to try some shots inside the 3pt line. THey're considerably easier and it'd be a good way to find his stroke.
Joe Smith is having a great game so far. He's strong on the boards, and he's making his outside shots. Spurs aren't running away and hiding on the Bulls yet.
Bulls minus Hinrich shooting 55%. Hinrich is 0-3. It's like a totally different player is out there wearing his uniform. He wasn't this bad in his career, ever, except for a stretch last season in Dec/Jan.
It's been a long time since I rooted for the Bulls to lose. Tonight is the night. If they've been half assing it just because they were pissed at Skiles, they all have lost a lot of favor in my book.
I'll admit I wanted the Bulls to lose two years ago when they were like 13 under .500 late in the season. They'd have done a lot better than Thabo in the draft if they had lost.
Spurs timeout. Somewhat surprising the game is close/tied at this point. However, with the Bulls' starting guards on the bench with foul trouble, the Spurs will get to go at Duhon and Griffin in the back court and should have a pretty nice advantage.
Wallace getting all the PT he can handle tonight. Duncan's obviously winning the match up. As I write this, Noah in for Wallace. 22-20 bulls. We may end up ahead after Q1
Based on the gamecast, Myers has thrown out Griff, Wallace and Duhon at the same time. Lovely. One wonders if he's not giving the finger to someone.
Hinrich 0-2, 1 rebound, 3 assists, 1 stl, 2PF Gordon 1-1, 1 reb, 2 PF, 2 points Smith 3-4, 3 reb, 1 ast, 1 pf, 7 points Wallace 0-3, 2 reb, 2 ast Deng 3-5, 2 reb, 6 points Nocioni 0-3, 2 blocks Noah 2 blocks
