All this about that

Okay, so they're 4-4 and if you told fans that before the season began, I have a feeling a lot of them would have been entirely okay with that kind of start to the season, given the new guys and the tough schedule.

Yes, there have been huge blips and some bad play but, as a football coach once said, you are what your record says you are and .500 today's not bad.

Anyway ...

THREE THINGS I LEARNED

All in all, not bad

The second quarter was not good, that is for sure.

But other than that, I thought the way they defended was as good a job of playing and coaching as they’ve put on this season.

Giving up 29 points in the entire second half, holding Chicago to 40 per cent shooting for the game and 25 per cent from three and rallying on the boards to actually out-rebound the Bulls shows it’s there. It’s just a matter of bringing it every night.

And give Jay some credit.

In the first half, they went under just about every high screen set for Derrick Rose to mixed results, at best. Rose had eight points and five assists in that half and the Bulls shot 52 per cent.

In the second half, they switched more on the screens, taking away penetration, they rotated better and more quickly out of it to get to shooters and the Bulls were horrible.

A subtle change in strategy, to be sure, but one that worked wonderfully. And tells me that they’re not afraid to change in mid-stream and can be pro-active rather than sitting back and waiting for something good to happen.

Yes, one game, to be sure and we still need 15-20 games to see what they’re all about but a pretty good night nonetheless.

-

Bad, bad decisions

By those not actually playing the game.

DeRozan has that crazy dunk on the baseline to make it 70-63 Bulls with just under six minutes left in the third quarter. Toronto’s on a run, the fans, who had been booing about three minutes earlier, are on their feet cheering, the Bulls have to call a timeout and you can sense a huge momentum shift in the game.

So, the timeout’s nuts, right? Music. June Taylor Dancers dancing, fans really getting into the game.

Um, no.

It’s canned TV highlights that drain all of the energy out of the building. Followed, of course, by a promo for some contest for some hotel chain.

Yeah, the “entertainment experience” sure is something, isn’t it?

-

The Bulls are …

I’m not sure, exactly.

They can’t shoot, they don’t have great athletes, they aren’t big, they aren’t particularly deep and they don’t have a low-post scoring presence.

But I get a sense they’re just scrappy enough to stay in enough games to be right in the thick of the race for 7th or 8th in the East when April rolls around.

Not sure why, exactly. I do think Taj Gibson’s got some game, nice mid-range jumper, seems active on the boards and a pretty good rookie.

Still, they were entirely underwhelming in the second half and Joakim Noah, who was otherwise pretty good, might have committed the single silliest foul I’ve seen this season.

Bargnani’s on a break, about to lumber down the court and Noah grabs him for a clear path foul, which gives Bargnani two free throws and the Raptors the ball.

It’s Noah’s fifth foul with 5:15 left and he has to come out of the game, Bargnani makes both to put Toronto up 91-88, Jose hits a jumper on the ensuing possession and Chicago doesn’t score a field goal the rest of the game.

-

In other news …

-

Big Man Triple Double for Bosh, who had 28 points, 11 boards and 10-10 FTs.

I tell you, the kid is playing at such a level the danger is people might start taking it for granted.

-

Spurs 92, Mavs 83

Tim Duncan, DNP (ankle)

Tony Parker, DNP (ankle)

Just sayin’

-

KC Johnson of the Chicago Tribune has this to say about that one.

-

Told you Reggie Evans was going to have an impact, even when he isn’t playing.

Evans, still out with a sprained mid-foot (and in case anyone’s wondering, there’s no timetable for a return – not that anyone would ask, of course) has become a de facto assistant coach these days.

He’s up on the bench after every possible moment, exhorting and cheering and talking. During stoppages in play and time outs, he’s a few feet on the court talking and in the huddles pulling this guy or that guy aside to give advice.

As any coach worth his Armani suit will tell you, it’s vital that the players police themselves so there’s a different voice to be heard and Evans is that voice with the Raptors.

-

The refs held their annual off-the-record pre-game session with the media last night before the game. They do it once every year to go over points of emphasis for the season and whatever rule changes there are.

As we’ve mentioned here before, a big point of emphasis this time around is making sure offensive players don’t impede defenders with moving screens on screen-roll action. Coaches were told that at their annual meeting with officials in the summer and the refs hammer that point when they meet with writers and broadcasters in each city.

Maybe all the offensive fouls we’re seeing this year – and anecdotally there seem to be more than the usual number – are just refs emphasizing points of emphasis.

Hopefully, the players get it.

-

Speaking of long games with lots of fouls, they got that one in last night in 2:16 with just 34 personals. That’s more like it.

-

Know what I wouldn’t miss if it disappeared tomorrow?

The incessant hand-slapping after every single free throw.

Make or miss, four guys leave their spots on the lane or the court, wander up to the guy shooting the foul shot and fist-bump him or slap his hand.

It’s become so routine even the players don’t seem to care.

-

You ever notice this?

Every time there’s an off-the-ball foul called – for something like grabbing a players’ jersey or some other indiscretion – as soon as the whistle blows, the offending player always is the first one to look at the ref, knowing he got caught.

And then he complains.

-

So we do these pre-game chats, right? And it’s pretty good so far, I think everyone’s having fun but at the end of each of them, I always get at least one, um, over-zealous reader complaining that his or her question didn’t get answered or picked or whatever.

Well, yesterday, we were on the air for about 42 minutes with more than 300 readers who sent in 204 questions and 44 got answered. You can do that math, there’s a good chance yours doesn’t make the cut.

Just sayin’.

-

Ah, frost on the roof and the windshields.

20 C in Los Angeles, about 27 in Phoenix yesterday.

Yeah, the trip’s looking better every hour.

-

Speaking of the trip, it's a long travel day so I'm not sure when I'll get to post the inevitable comments so if you don't see them right away, don't fret. We'll get to them when we can.

Comments

[Don W.]

Good Finish--Good Result

Where are all the Jose bashers this morning? He dominated Rose with more blow bys in one quarter than Jose would give up in three games. As usual in their matchups Rose was taken off Jose. If I remember the same thing happened with Chris Paul in the Hornets game. The coach had to have someone else guard him and even took Paul out of the game for an extended period.

Also nice to have Leo doing the telecast. He seems far more adept at analyzing what is happening than Jack Armstrong does. Jack is too interested in promoting Jack Armstrong.

[Peter]

Good Morning Doug,

I sense some optimism about this team based somewhat on the second half of the game. The only concern that I have is that, although statistically, the Raptors seemed to do well in the second half. In the end, they basically held a poor shooting, low scoring team, to poor shooting percentages, and a low score. They went about it in an interesting way, but perhaps I'm a little pessimistic this morning, because I didn't see yesterdays win as a turning point.

To me, yesterdays victory was just another game where this team showed that they are still not able to play a solid 48 minutes. The only difference is that they were facing a team on a back to back, that can't shoot, and can't score.

Just my opinion, thanks for all you do!

[Joachim T]

Doug,

I'm happy the Raptors won. But reading all the kudos for the Raptors this morning in the papers after also watching the game has me really questioning the positive spin. It looked very much like the Bulls ran out of steam rather than the Raptors playing excellent defense. The Bulls are not a great offensive team to begin with and the 2nd half seemed to me just an evening out of their actual abilities (law of averages if you will). They looked sluggish starting around the 9 minute mark of the 4th Q and really hit the wall from there (likely due to their back to back). Everyone looked tired and slow and really didn't have that extra burst of energy they did in the first half.

[Shaun]

Hey Doug,

Was at the game last night, and was really impressed with Amir Johnson. Not a great stat line, but he was hustling up and down the floor, changing shots and working hard for rebounds....am I off-base in saying he was a big contributor last night?

I know this has been commented on ad nauseum, but I was embarrassed to be a Raps fan last night, and was actually angry leaving the game when I should've been happy with a nice W. The reason being was that fans all around me were booing (along with a lot more fans at the ACC) because the Raps didn't try and get 100 points for a slice of pizza. Give me a break - it's $3 slice of bad pizza and you are booing a team that just held its opponent to 28 points in the 2nd half?? Utterly ridiculous and embarrassing. Sorry for the rant but Raps fans need to get their priorities straight.

[Andre]

Hey Doug,

Is it me, or does Rose have some TERRIBLE defense? Jose walked by him like he was a fading pylon. wow. Refs really need to respect Bosh... I'm sick of how he is treated out there. Derozen played an awesome game, I wish he played more.I still think the raptors defense is NOT working, there are to many holes in the "house" and even when they put in the "effort" Bulls were missing WIDE open shots, not contested ones. I dont know. But a win is a win. lets see them play that sort of defense in phoenix and denver ....

[Sam]

Doug, I can't agree with you more on the game day presentation. I was at the game last night and the "sponsored" event right after an exciting moment really drained the momentum from the building.
What was worse was the mixed boos that I heard as Jose dribbled out the game. We actually play some defence for a change, rebound well and win a game and people boo because they won't get a free slice? But I know I am preaching to the choir with this one...

[Marlon]

Obviously, the Bulls ran out of gas, but I'll take the win. Amir Johnson was pretty big last night, hustlin for the ball. As always, good job on the blog.

[Andrew23]

Was at the game last night, great 2nd half. I love DeRozan's talent, he gets to loose balls and he can rebound!!! Yes, he is gonna make some mistakes but everyone needs to remember that this is the first time in his life where he has been the 5th option, not an easy adjustment. We all know AB needs to improve his rebounding, he also needs to learn to set a screen. He got called again last night as did Amir. The officials r cracking down so the players much adjust. Jose is looking better and better. Taj Gibson really impressed me last night. D Rose has great talent but he needs to work on his D as do most young players, Jose went by him 3 times in the 1st quarter for easy layups. Bosh has really become a man this yr!!!

[Jacob]

The handslapping between FT's is insane. I will never understand it. They don't practice FT's by shooting one, then stepping out and fist bumping, so why does every single player do it that way in the game? Just stand there and shoot your FT's!

And Bosh is a machine this year. If the month ended today, is there anyone else who'd realistically challenge for player of the month in the EC? Yes, it's very early, but if he keeps this up, I really hope the defense progresses 'cause it's the type of a season you really wouldn't want to waste.

And you may be happy about going back West, but I'd love to see the Raps get a few more home games in so maybe they can bottle the attitude they have at home and take in on the road.

[Ted S]

Ugly win.....thank god the Bulls were uglier in the 4th. Interesting that the leadership came from Evans' voice and Derozan's inspired play on the glass. Number 10 appears to be a solid upgrade from number 33.....sure they both play with some vertical flair, bur Derozan's upside is much higher, especially being so young. I loved his effort last night. Once his jumper becomes more consistent - wow.

Doug, where do you see Derozan's ceiling is? How good could he be in time? Is there a player out there you could see him becoming?

Blogger's note: No idea, way too early

[Alex]

Couple of things that impressed me last night:
Doug's boy Amir had a sweet game, I continue to be impressed with his unselfishness and willingness to play within his limits. He's like Hump without the "I'm Kobe mentality".
I thought what was needed in the 2nd Q was a little dose of Sonny Weeeeeeems. Raptors were brutal (especially giving Deng so much room and time) but they fought through it in the 3rd.
Derozan is coming along beautifully. For a young kid he does seem to get it.
Bosh continues his play as one the top 5 or so players in the league. This may be the year he unseats Duncan as PF on the all-NBA 1st team.
Can't wait for REGGIE, he's going to have such a big impact.

Have a great trip West Doug!

[Aaron]

I didn't read much about him, but I thought Wright was a huge difference on defence for the raps last night. He is by far the best at reading screens , when to double team and is the quickest at getting out on three point shooters. His two handed block on the backboard was a huge energy boost for the team as well.

What do you think Doug?

Blogger's note: Probably his best game of the year; but it's one game, I'd like to see more

[Mike kovacs]

The pizza promotion was evil last night. After a game like that and people are booing Jose at the end because he is doing the correct thing and holding the ball. I wasn't at the game but your point about the momentum-killing promotions is correct. I did hear your favourite 'everybody clap your hands' as well. Is there an email address that we can send suggestions too?

[Darko]

Couple of days ago at the halftime Houston-Dallas, Rick Carlisle
after Raptor-like effort by the Mavs, "moved some furniture" to quote
Jason Kidd. Would love to know what got moved last night after loss
to the Spurs with Parker & Duncan DNPs.

[KatTheBadOne]

Re. the incessant free throw hand slapping: it's so true! it's so routine for them, that last night i noticed a Raptor player, who shall remain nameless, go in for the hand slap with the BULL who was at the line. He recovered before handslap ensued, backtracked to his little parking spot and smiled. Now THAT'S entertainment.

[ENCON]

Hi Doug,

I think last night's defense looked the best it has all year, rebounding still needs work though. Having been there live, do you agree?

Blogger's note: Second half, yes; but they were good in New Orleans, too

[erc]

Derozan should have earned himself a bit more playing time. He brings what they need -- rebounding, unselfishness, athleticism. Amir, same story.
Hedo and Jose looked more like themselves. Chicago did appear to run out of gas, but closing out this game was important, IF they build on it and don't start preening.
Bosh simply took the game by the throat in the second half and choked the life out of it.
We need to keep a few other players rolling. Remember just a couple short years ago when Kobe wanted out of LA -- badly. He was trying to carry the whole team and it wasn't working.
Those who attempt to trash Bosh cause he isn't Kobe or Dwayne or Chris Paul should remember that. Bosh is a terrific basketball player. Can we replace him with someone better if he leaves? Doubtful, VERY doubtful.
We need other players to step up and compete. Your best player can't be your best player EVERY night. He's good and getting better. They need to help, not hinder his efforts. No one can carry and entire team. Jordan had Pippen; Kobe has Pau and Bosh has .......?

[Anthony]

What did you think about Andrea's play yesterday, Doug? He seemed listless and out of it on defensive rotations, especially in the first half. I think he was also forcing shots during that half as well. The only time I saw any sense of urgency from him was when he started yelling at the team to get open during an inbounds pass. Last night was definitely an off game for sure.

You've made a good point about Reggie Evans, even on TV we could see him talking to his teammates in the huddle - I can't wait until he can contribute, though I'm not sure who loses minutes because of it. What do you see happening once he returns?

Blogger's note: Andrea was inconsistent with effort, like we see often; when Reggie gets back, they'll rebound better as a team

[Pat]

Hey Doug, you should make a comprehensive list of everything you don't like about NBA games, and everything you think should be removed. It would be an interesting (and very long) read! Your fan, Pat.

Blogger's note: Oooh, that'd be fun. Thanks

[Wallace]

Love the comment on the hand touching/bumping after each free throw...some players walk from centre court to do it. I agree with previous comments...just shoot the damn free throw and get on with it. I was at the game and close enough to see all the stuff Reggie was doing during the game and especially during the timeouts....that is the kind of intensity this team can really benefit from. Really looking forward to seeing him in action. Speaking of which, he has missed 10% of the season already. Is he going to be out a quarter of a year for a foot sprain? Are your sources telling you anything about the severity?

Blogger's note: Still a couple of weeks probably

[Lindsay]

Even worse than the sorry crowd fretting over crappy cardboard pizza was Leo actually asking Jose about it in the post game interview which is just appalling. Jose was clearly flustered as he tried to explain to him what playing the game with class and respect for you opponent is without calling Leo a puta madre!!!

[Andrew]

Hi Doug,

Random question, might be a bit dumb, but can you please tell me what "team rebounds" are? I just noticed them after reading the box score, and it's something I've never paid attention to. Thanks!

Blogger's note: It's in last weekend's mailbag, I'm trying to remember but it's things like missed technical free throws, shots at the end of quarters and games, balls that go out of bounds. There's more, but I forget

[anthony.mackay]

A win is win... so what the Bulls cam off a back to back, every team has to do that.
Evans and Amir Johnson have the potential to bring that JYD type energy and hustle and it can be contagious. There were 2 specific plays last night that stood out to me that are not even close to "highlight"...

Bosh get fouled and hammed going up strong, no call and the ball goes the other way. Bosh doesn't even look at the ref and SPRINTS down to get back on D... how many Franchise players would do that. Similar with Jose, he has what looks like a break-away layup when I believe Kirk ties to catch him but is out of contraol and sends Jose into the camara men... within about 2 seconds Jose is up and SPRINTING down the floor to get back on D.

Both small plays that I'm sure most missed but I believe shows progress and the team is listening when Jay speaks.... GO RAPS!!!

[Chi of Steel]

Reggie Evans must be close to be healthy, because I noticed him jumping up and down aggressively in disbelief at an unfavourable call.

[plusgroove]

The fist bumping and hand slaps between FT's are a vote of confidence. If anyone made a basketball team, the coach should have taught that. Simple as that. Good game. Even the best in the league don't have solid 48 minutes. Just take the win. Rather have them win than lose. I wish Sonny was out there more though. He's the Raptors dark horse. Trust that!