I haven't been able to watch much of the Bulls the last two nights as I have begun my job as an agate editor at the Chicago Tribune. I have however heard of enough to make at least a pretty good analysis of their victories against Atlanta and Detroit.
First, the Bulls should have lost Tuesday's game. That poor shooting they had in the second quarter set a league record for the lowest field goal percentage in a quarter by a winning team. Regardless of how unremarkable their performance as a whole was, games like this are what separate the great teams from the good teams. By going on that run in the fourth quarter, the Bulls only strengthened their case as one of the elite squads in the NBA. They're going to contend for a championship this year. No question about it. Of course, the question remains on whether they can overcome similar deficits against the Miami Heat. Again, the answer to that will have to wait for another day.
The Detroit game saw Taj Gibson and every Bulls starter sans Deng score in double figures. Rip Hamilton showed over 9,000 fans at the Palace (yes, you read that right) that he still has it. His smart shots and passes are clear indicators that he's a valuable addition to this team. Those 14 points and five assists don't lie. There was the scary moment in the fourth quarter when Derrick Rose went down on his elbow, but he quickly got back out there and with a couple plays, showed he was all right. Carlos Boozer continues to prove that this is a better year for him. I'm starting to think he has more confidence in himself.
After having today off, the Bulls head to Orlando to take on the Magic. I wonder if any of the players will make a quick stop at Disney World sometime today. Probably not, but you never know when a highly paid NBA player is unable to resist a trip to the Most Magical Place on Earth. Besides, you're never too old for Mickey. Right?
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