11-5-05: Chicago Bulls @ New Jersey Nets Game Preview

<div align="center"><font size=""6""> <font color=""Red"">Chicago Bulls</font> @ <font color=""DarkBlue"">New Jersey Nets</font></font>


Where:Continental Airlines Arena
Date: Saturday, Nov. 5, 6:30pm
TV: NBALP, WGN

<font color="Red">Chicago Bulls</font>


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Lineup: Chris Duhon, Kirk Hinrich, Andres Nocioni, Darius Songaila, Tyson Chandler</font>
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* Lineup will change if Kirk is not able to play.
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<font color="DarkBlue">New Jersey Nets</font>


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Lineup: Jason Kidd, Vince Carter, Richard Jefferson, Jason Collins, Nenad Krstic</div>
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<font size=""7""> Match-up Break Down:</font>

Point Guards:

This game will feature two great point guard talents the wily old school veteran Jason Kidd, against the always underrated, fundamentally sound Chris Duhon. Jason Kidd has run the Nets offense pretty well thus far this season though he is not the MVP he was in season pasts he is still arguably the best point guard in the league if you take the definition of a point guard literally. Meanwhile, on the Bulls Duhon is coming off a career game he had his first career triple double, as well as the first of the 2005-06 campaign, Duhons confidence is soaring right now.

However, I still see Jason Kidd as having the upper hand in this match-up because of his experience. Kidd will provide the Nets with a lot of excitement this game if they get out on a fast break. With Richard Jefferson and Vince Carter on the wings the Bulls will have to play some great transition defense to stop that transition game.
Advantage: New Jersey Nets

Shooting Guards:

We have the high flying 66 guard Vince Carter matched up against Ben Gordon the reigning sixth man of the year. Sounds like a good match-up on paper, but Ben Gordon, should Kirk not play, will be out of his element in the starting lineup. He has a career average of single digits scoring in regular season starts. Not to mention the size differential if this was still the Vince Carter who was playing in Toronto in his later days there then I would give the advantage to Ben Gordon, but Vince has rekindled his career, and is averaging 25 points thus far this season. He is also getting to the line.
Ben Gordon performed well in the season opener scoring 14 points. I hope when inserted to the starting role this season he will be able to perform better with a season of maturity under his belt. He has shown that he improved his endurance during the summer. Yet his efficiency on the offensive end of the court was no where to be found during his starting stint in the preseason. The Bulls will need to provide some help to guard Carter due to the three inch size difference. I do not think being posted up will be the biggest problem, because although shorter Gordon is probably just as if not stronger than Carter. The problem will be Carter might just rise up over Gordon on jumpers, and get a shot up at will.
Advantage: New Jersey Nets

Small Forwards:

The Richard Jefferson match-up will not be an one on one event. The Bulls did a good job in the opener of splitting minutes pretty equally among Thomas, Deng, and Nocioni. Deng and Thomas even played more minutes than Nocioni despite not starting. I do not know is Skiles is experimenting with his lineups still, or wants his best defenders out there to start the game, but I think Nocioni will match-up pretty well with Richard Jefferson. Although, Jefferson is a good scorer Nocioni is arguably the best defender on the Bulls squad and frustrated the likes of Wade, Finley, etc when matched up against them last season.

Jefferson is also a very good passer I think that will be the main weapon he might use to burn the Bulls this game. He is also capable of putting the ball of the floor and creating some penetration. I think that although the Bulls will hold Jefferson in check this game I still have to say that the advantage in this area goes to the Nets and Richard Jefferson.
Advantage: New Jersey Nets

Power Forwards:

Songaila one of the hero's for the Bulls opening night will likely start this game again for the Bulls as he has impressed Skiles with his play. However, we all know Sweetney will get his even if he is not starting both of these players scored double digit points in the opener, and proved to be a deadly duo. Malik Allen got little playing time during the opener he might see a bit more playing time this game; however, if he does he will split minutes at power forward and center giving the Bulls even more depth.

On the other side for the Nets you have a Jason Collins the Nets starting center a couple years ago Collins is one of those hard workers, but no superstar. He will do the little things to help the team win, but not a player you want on your fantasy team. I think he is a tough player, but the duo of Songaila and Sweetney pounding inside with Sweetney, going outside with Songaila, will ware him down and cause the Bulls to have the advantage in this match-up.
Advantage: Chicago Bulls

Centers:

The Bulls Tyson Chandler had a very good opening night performance recording a double double with 11 points and 11 rebounds. Though his offensive game could still use refining he proved to once again be a beast on the boards. Chandler will be matched-up against Krstic who to his credit performed extremely well on opening night for the Nets as well. He is another good young talent who has flourished quickly. At the same time, I cannot help think he will be overwhelmed by Chandlers defense in this game. By shutting him down on the offensive end he will be taking him out of the game. Which prevents things from opening for the Nets guards.
Advantage:Chicago Bulls

<font size=""7""> My Game M.V.P Prediction:</font>

[IMGL]http://www.nba.com/media/bulls/chandler_hp_051103.jpg[/IMGL] Tyson Candler will be the Bulls most valuable player in this game I think. If he continues to put up numbers like he did in the home opener, on the boards and defensive end then he will be a big factor this game for the Bulls. The Nets although viewed as an athletic perimeter team have some players who tend to help the team out a lot in the low post. They get themselves some points, which opens things up for everyone else (Kidd, Carter, Jefferson) to penetrate or get an open jumper. If Chandler can shut them down in the low post then the guards to concentrate on guarding there man rather than worrying about helping out on double teams in the low post.

I also think Chandler will score some more points on offense this game probably around 15-18 I think because he was matched up with a pretty good defender in Emeka Okafor during the opener, and still managed 11 points not to take anything away from Nenad, but just a feeling I have.

<font size=""7""> Bulls Keys To Victory:</font>

- Perimeter defense will be huge this game the Nets three biggest offensive weapons all have floor vision so applying pressure to them will be essential to force turnovers and prevent easy buckets. I would not be surprised to see the combo of Deng and Nocioni getting most of the minutes for the Bulls this game due to their versatility on the defensive end. Having Gordon on Carter for an extended period of time would cause a huge match-up problem.

- Do not fall behind early these are not the Bobcats though the Nets allowed the Bucks to come back after being up comfortably in their opener that is not a regular occurring event. A good start is key for a Chicago Bulls victory. Ben Gordon will need to step up his offensive game in the 1st quarter to compensate for Hinrich being out if he truly does not play.

- Limit turnovers, the Bulls had 14 turnovers when they where behind against the Bobcats in the 1st quarter. The reason they came back was due to limiting their turnovers in the second half only having four total, and also forcing the Bobcats to turn it over by forcing them into 13 second half turnovers. They need to do that against the Nets now a task easier said then done.

<font size=""7""> Prediction:
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Well the Nets are front runners for the Atlantic division title, and it is true they have a very talented team. At the same time: however, I feel like the Bulls depth will win them this game Basden will see some playing time I believe due to how well he would match-up with his defensive abilities and his size. The Bulls have a player for every situation, and a multitude of different lineups that can work and be effective. So I have to say that I believe the Bulls will win this game my prediction is 98-92 Bulls pulling away in the fourth quarter during the last two minutes.

 

The Bulls are going to have a tough game this time out. Ben Gordon is going to get burned by Vince Carter, so will any other player they put at shooting guard. Carter is just so explosive and can go off at any second. Beyond that, he's got about 4 inches or so on Gordon. I think starting Deng in the backcourt instead of Gordon (assuming Kirk can't play), would be a better idea. He's got a bunch of length and he might be quick enough to stay with Carter. Plus, with that huge wingspan of his, along with his height, he can give Carter some problems when he goes for a jumper. Personally, I'd have Deng or Noc in at all times, just to keep Carter or Jefferson from having a huge game. If they can contain at least one of those two and keep Kidd and the other one in check, they could win this game. If not, it could be a long night for the Bulls. No prediction from me on this one.

 

going from memory it just seems as if the Nets have our number recently.

 

This will be a tuff game for the bulls. Not because of the mismatches (because we have those every night) its the fact that NJ lost their last game, and i dont think they are gonna take losing to chicago as an option.
The bulls allways find ways to win and our depth will win this game for us.

89-85 Bulls win!

Go Bulls!!!

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting michiganave17:</div><div class="quote_post"> its the fact that NJ lost their last game, and i dont think they are gonna take losing to chicago as an option.
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They beat the Raptors tonight so they will be coming into the game with some confidence. At the same time they don’t have the same amount of pressure on themselves to win.

 

Chicago's got a good squad and I think running two PG's at a time is really beneficial to this team, Duhon and Kirk are real good together and I think with time the same thing will apply for Ben and either/or of the forementioned Kirk and Duhon.

Chandler has to be more of an offensive presence this game he's gonna have Krstic gaurding him who as well is rail thin and Chandler is much more athletic so he should take it to him but if he doesnt I dont see the bulls coming out on top.

 

whats the word on Kirk and his ankle?

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting I-Miss-MJ:</div><div class="quote_post">whats the word on Kirk and his ankle?</div>
<ul>
[*]Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich (sprained left ankle) is listed as day-to-day for Saturday's road game versus the New Jersey Nets.
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[*]"It's not as serious as we thought," Hinrich told members of the media on Thursday. "I've had bad sprains in my left ankle before, and it's definitely not one of my worst ones. I'm going to try to practice [Friday], at least do some stuff and see how it feels and hopefully play on Saturday.''
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<ul>
[*]Hinrich started in the Bulls' opener on Wednesday versus the Bobcats, but left the court with 2:48 remaining in the third quarter.
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[*]After the game, Head Athletic Trainer Fred Tedeschi called the injury a mild to moderate sprain of his left ankle.
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Can't wait till the game to start. I think it will be a really tough game though. Our line-up is pretty small. Does anyone know why Deng didn't start?

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">READY TO GO: Hinrich, who suffered a sprained left ankle against Charlotte, practiced Friday and is expected to play tonight.

''I was able to go out and get a little confidence in it, so that helps,'' he said. ''Your first day back, you don't know how much you can trust it and how strong it is, but I got to move on it and I was really encouraged.

''It's sore and it's going to be for a while. We'll just keep treating it and, hopefully, it'll get better quick.''

MUSICAL CHAIRS: Skiles still is deciding how he will use the NBA's new inactive list. Unlike in years past when a player had to stay on the injured list for a minimum of five games, teams can deactivate different players each game.

Jannero Pargo and rookie Eddie Basden were inactive for the opener, but Basden -- who was signed because he's a big guard and a strong defender -- likely will be active tonight.</div>
<div align="center">Source</div>

Good to hear that Kirk will play we need all the help we can get also I cannot wait to see what Basden is capable of. He has been talked highley of when it comes to defense, winning defensive player of the year while playing at Charlotte so he should do well.

 

What a first half Ben Gordon, and our bench came up huge. In the first half of basketball our bench scored 35 points, 25 of those coming from Gordon and Sweetney. One thing the Bulls are struggling with is fouls. They committed over 15 fouls in the first half of basketball, and allowed the Nets to make their living off the line. The Nets went 15-20 from the line while the Bulls only attempted seven. Vince Carter has been dominating our defenders thus far as expected due to the match-up problem. I am surprised that Eddie Basden has yet to see any playing time. An article was released earlier today that he would see playing time tonight due to his strength and size.

In the second half I will look for the Bulls to cut down on there turnovers and stop committing so many stupid penalties at one point they have three offensive fouls/turnovers in a row Harrington had a charge, then he walked, then the Bulls turned it over. Tyson Chandler is not taking advantage of the match-up like I thought he would; however, he did send a Jason Kidd shot flying out of bounds.

The transition defense has left something to be desired as well. The Nets have several fast break opportunities. The last four minutes of the first half the Nets out scored the Bulls 14-6. Ben Gordon has also shown he can do more then score he setup Luol Deng with a really nice pass early in the second quarter, and led to a slam dunk in the paint. Another low point the Bulls lost the first half battle of the boards by ten rebounds (28 to 18). Second half just started lets go Bulls!

 

Whats the score? I'm to busy to check watching the UM game. How is the big three playing hopefully NJ comes out on top.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting playmaker15:</div><div class="quote_post">Whats the score? I'm to busy to check watching the UM game. How is the big three playing hopefully NJ comes out on top.</div>
RJ is close to a triple double, Vince Carter is dominating, and Jason Kidd is Jason Kidd what can you say? The Bulls are not out of it yet though down 76-75 thanks to the effort from Ben Gordon, and the bench. They (the bench) have clearly out played our starters in this game. Fouls are killing the Bulls as well as transition defense, or better yet lack there of.

 

Bulls up by 3 for most of the last minute and then up by 1, Gordon misses a 2nd free throw, making the lead 2, Jefferson hits a lay-up and Chandler gets the shooting foul and Jefferson hits the free throw giving them the 1 point lead and eventually the win.

Bulls had this game and let it slip away (and Chandler needs some offense)

 

Does anyone notice that on Nba.com it's shows 101-100 and that the Bulls won.

http://www.nba.com/games/20051105/CHINJN/boxscore.html

 

really? yahoo has 100 - 99 to the Nets.

lol, i'll go check ESPN

edit - ESPN has 100 - 99 as well.

 

Yea i know, I watched the game and the Nets won but apprently Nba.com got somethin else.


BTW, I noticed Tyson Chnadler and Allen Iverson have the same tatoo. It shows a kind of cross and with letters it says "Only the strong Survive". I know Iverson has it but i just noticed Chandler does too.

 

who took the last shot for the Bulls? (if there was a last shot)

 

It was Andres Nocioni but it was blocked by Carter.

 

<font size=""7""><div align="center">Game Recap</div></font>

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Richard Jefferson came up huge when his team needed him most.

Jefferson had 28 points and 13 rebounds and Vince Carter scored 28 points as the New Jersey Nets squeezed out a 100-99 victory over the Chicago Bulls.

After Ben Gordon split a pair of free throws to give Chicago a 99-97 lead with 7.2 seconds remaining, Jason Kidd found Jefferson breaking to the basket for a layup with 1.5 seconds to go. Jefferson was fouled by Tyson Chandler and made the go-ahead free throw.

Chicago had one last chance, but Carter came up with big block on Andres Nocioni as time expired.

Kidd had 10 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists for his 68th career triple-double for New Jersey, which beat Chicago for the eighth straight time.

Kirk Hinrich scored 26 points and Sixth Man Award winner Ben Gordon added 23 off the bench for Chicago.

The Bulls' bench outscored the Nets' reserves, 35-7, in the first half, which ended in a 46-46 tie.</div>

<div align="center">Recap l Box Score
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Damn, all you can say really the Bulls gave the Nets four three point play opportunities in the fourth quarter, and let this game slip away. Tyson Chandlers aggressiveness cost us the game on the last bucket by Richard Jefferson if you are up by two, and a guy is taking it in for a lay-up you got to make sure if you foul him he does not make the shot. I was disappointed, as hell in Chandler tonight really did not play up to his potential. He had some good defensive plays, forcing the charge, which got Nenad out of the game, as well as sending a Kidd lay-up flying out of bounds in the first half. However, his offensive game left you throwing your hands up in the air asking why? Sweetney was dominant in the post tonight. Skiles starts Songaila and Nocioni because of their scrappiness, hustle, and defense it is clear however which players affect the game more at the end of the day.

The Bulls needed this win considering the tough opponent we have coming up next they need no introduction, but I will give you anyway the defending National Basketball League Champion San Antonio Spurs. This will be the first team we face with the same amount or arguably better depth then we have on our bench. Kirk Hinrich tonight really proved why he is a captain in the clutch he delivered scoring two really big baskets in a row despite what the final score says those two buckets really did tell a lot about Kirk Hinrich the leader, captain, and the competitive spirit he has.

The Bulls where dominated on the boards by the Nets losing the battle by a margin of 13 rebounds (50-27). The Nets big three had 36 of those rebounds it is pretty obvious that the size difference in the backcourt played a huge factor. That last 28 seconds of play really told the entire story of the game Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson are a deadly duo Jefferson hit the shot to take the lead Carter blocked the shot to clinch the game for the Nets. We need to get some better inbound plays the last couple of years I can remember specifically moments where we lost the game because we where not able to get the ball to the guy we wanted to get it to. Last season with Linton Johnson trying to inbound the ball and this season not being able to get the ball to anyone besides Andres.

The brightest spot of the game for the Bulls was our bench. We showed we have enough depth to compete with anyone Sweetney and Gordon combined for over 35 points off the bench. Harrington also came in and banged around in the low post giving us quality minutes. Deng did what Deng do getting 13 points off the bench. I was disappointed not to see Eddie Basden in the game he really should have seen sometime tonight. His defense might have been some help in slowing down Carter and/or RJ.

The Bulls struggled early, because they where trying to get the ball into Chandler in the post, and he was not able to create anything. Unlike what Curry did when the Bulls went to him early in the games. Both big men we used at power forward have their issues. Chandler can not draw double teams due to limited post moves, and Harrington does not pass the ball to the open man when he does draw double teams so what the hell is the point.