Fanning the Philly Flames

Those who wanted the Bulls to tank the season after Derrick Rose went down need not look further than the Philadelphia 76ers.  Although everyone and their mother knows they're actively doing what some felt the Bulls should have done, this was a reminder of what I would have been sickened to see had it happened in Chicago.  While tonight's matchup didn't go as badly for them as it could have, the 76ers still continued the longest losing streak in franchise history, which now stands at 22.  On the flip side, it benefited the Bulls to a 102-94 final.

While the Bulls never led by more than 11 and the 76ers even managed a couple of hopeful runs, the visitors just wouldn't allow that long skid to end.  What put the game away was a huge dunk by Carlos Boozer that made it 96-90.  That's when everyone in the sparsely-filled Wells Fargo Center realized their team was about to be four off the NBA record of 26 straight losses, set by the 2010-11 Cleveland Cavaliers.

Six Bulls scored in double figures, led by D.J. Augustin's 20 points off the bench.  Taj Gibson achieved a double-double of 19 points and 13 rebounds.  Boozer also had his typical double-double, which was 12 and 11.  As great as those performances were, they still paled in comparison to Joakim Noah's line of 14 points, 10 rebounds and six assists.  His usual energy was there, which surprisingly didn't demoralize the 76ers like you might have expected.

I usually talk about what the game means for the Bulls in this section, but this time, I think I should put the 76ers' struggles in context.  They won against Miami to open their season, then beat the Wizards and Bulls to start the season 3-0, but that was their high point.  Since ending a four-game winning streak on Jan. 4, the 76ers have lost 32 of 35.  Their last home victory came Jan. 15 against Charlotte.  The last Philadelphia victory overall?  A one-point win in Boston on Jan. 29.  Most of their notable players who started with them, including Evan Turner and Spencer Hawes, have been dealt and are probably glad they don't have to be part of this anymore.

I know I've talked about this to death, but it merits bringing up once more.  Is this what some of you wanted for the Bulls?  My gut tells me they wouldn't have gone on a losing streak of historic proportions, but losing so much no matter the opponent is not fun and gets old real fast.  Granted, everyone should be excited about the upcoming draft class.  That's part of the reason the 76ers have stripped themselves down.  However, I doubt anyone would be interested in getting on board a ship that continues to sink to the current depths of the Titanic.  Even though brighter days are likely ahead in the City of Brotherly Love, it stinks for those who want to watch winning basketball all the time.  I genuinely feel sorry for those Philadelphia fans who have this mindset.

These teams meet at the United Center Saturday, but not before the Bulls face the Indiana Pacers Friday.  This will likely serve as another measuring stick for how far the Bulls need to go to get back to the elite class of the East.  Tom Thibodeau will still coach his bunch to play to win.  Even if they can't, at least they'll go down swinging.