The Chicago Bulls won their second straight game at home tonight against one of the better teams in the league, the Oklahoma City Thunder. This was an important game, and a timely one as well, catching the Thunder on the second night of back to back games. The Bulls definitely took advantage, especially on defense, forcing the Thunder to shoot just 35% from the field. The Thunder are one of the better offensive teams in the league, and the Bulls held them to just 90 points for the game.
Carlos Boozer had his second strong performance in a row after struggling in his first two games against Orlando and Boston. Boozer scored 29 points and chipped in 11 rebounds, his first double-double as a member of the Bulls. He has increased his scoring every game so far, which was important tonight because Derrick Rose had an off night shooting the ball. Rose was just 3-13 from the field, and one of those was a lucky half-court shot at the end of the third quarter. Rose did other things very well though, adding 9 assists and 5-6 rebounds in the game. He also had several key defensive plays, including a charge. Luol Deng had an excellent game as well, with 19 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. Korver and Brewer each had nice games off the bench. Korver hit two huge three pointers in the second quarter that gave the Bulls a little separation. Joakim Noah did a nice job when he was in the game, but he was in foul trouble tonight, and ended up fouling out in the final minute of the game. The line on Noah was 6 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 assists. It was great to see the Bulls win a game when two of their top players didn't have great offensive nights. It is also good to know that they have other players who can step up when Rose and Noah aren't scoring as they normally do.
I can't believe how awful the Bulls' free throw shooting is. I don't know what they finished from the line tonight, but at one point they were 3-10 from the line. 30% from the line is ridiculous for any team, especially a professional team. Eventually they are going to be in some close games where a couple of free throws missed could cost them the game. They need to be better than that at the free throw line.
There is a pretty nice stretch of games coming up for the Bulls in the next few weeks. They do play the Lakers at home this Friday, which is always a tough match up, but before then they play against a struggling Cleveland team, and after the Lakers on Friday, 12 of their next 14 games are against teams with losing records. Hopefully the Bulls can get a pretty good win streak going against some of those weaker teams in the league, gain confidence, and start putting up some wins against the elite teams. Good win tonight, and hopefully they keep it rolling. Go Bulls!
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