Keeping the Thunder at Bay

Yes, it's the preseason.  Yes, Kevin Durant didn't dress for tonight's game.  Still, it was difficult not to enjoy the Bulls defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder 94-89 at the United Center.  In the latest of showcasing what to expect for the majority of the season, the Bulls showed what they're made of until Derrick Rose's return comes to.  Heck, any victory over the reigning Western Conference champions is a confidence booster.

No one played better than Carlos Boozer.  In addition to creating a few highlights, he let everybody know he was on the court.  Best illustrating that is his double-double of 24 points and 12 rebounds.  He seemed to work best with fellow Dukie Luol Deng, who poured in 21 points.  The two looked like they had as much chemistry as Larry Bird and Kevin McHale, which makes me excited about what they could accomplish together when the real games begin.  Many may wonder why the two haven't be able to compliment each other more in their first two seasons as teammates, but I don't believe in lingering on what might have been.

Focus on what's to come instead, which could be one of the most complete frontcourts in the East.  Supporting that is tonight's double-double by Joakim Noah.  He had 15 points and 10 rebounds.  Noah may not be an All-Star, but his quiet contributions compared to better players on the team speak volumes to his value.  Add the enthusiasm needed to lead the club and you've got a center anybody in this league wants.

Rip Hamilton scored 13 points and the whole starting five might have reached double digits had Kirk Hinrich not left in the second quarter with a groin injury.  He played well, so it was a bummer that he couldn't build on that any further.  But Nate Robinson looked like the veteran he is.  Tonight officially proved to me that he can be trusted in situations when Hinrich may not be able to go.  He drove through the lanes, handled the ball well and directed the offense as if he'd been under Tom Thibodeau for awhile.  He and Hinrich are establishing themselves as a point guard duo who will do enough to keep this club afloat before Rose returns for the late run at the playoffs.

The exhibition schedule is nearly complete.  All that's left is a game at Notre Dame against the Indiana Pacers.  It's the last chance for Marko Jaric and Ryan Allen to make an impression on the staff assuming they make it to Friday.  If the team's play in neutral, this will be their last game before they gotta shift it to drive.  Of course, we all want the real season to begin.  Most fans don't even have fun until that occurs.