Bulls Grind Out Tough Win vs Hornets
By Lamar Battle
The Bulls and Hornets meet the night after a heartbreaking loss in double overtime loss to the Dallas Mavericks. Immediate concerns for this game are how will the Bulls respond physically following a grueling contest which followed a long road trip.
Worst fear, more injuries particularly because coach Thibodeau said he would start his regulars. Joakim Noah sprains his ankle early but remains in the game. It seems the Bulls will need key contributions from the bench tonight.
The game starts slowly with the Hornets staying close but Mike Dunleavy hit a couple of threes to keep the Bulls close. I suspect Hinrich will play big due in part to his most unfortunate error the night before when he fouled a three point shooter with time running out and the Bulls up three points.
What should be an easy game could be problematic given it’s position in the schedule but this is the sort of game that the Bulls will normally gut out..we will see. Bulls reserves enter, will Tony Snell show up and or break out tonight ? Aaron Brooks comes out with two driving layups to set the table and the Hornets call timeout after a Brooks pass to Noah for a Layup. At some point we have to start wondering if Noah really does house two hearts in his chest.
More than anything one of coach Thibodeau’s greatest traits is his understanding of mental toughness. He exhorts his players to push through pain and fatigue knowing the benefits late in the season. He’s done it before with Doc Rivers and the 2005 Celtics
Bulls up 35-30 after a Noah hits a 16 footer. Time out with the Bulls up 37-32 and no Jimmy Butler sightings as of yet. I suspect he will pick it up although if he did not it would be understandable after guarding half the Mavericks team the night before.
2:12 left in the half with Charlotte up 40-39. The Bulls are playing a slow deliberate pace and are obviously waiting for the second half to pick things up. Having Pau Gasol gives the Bulls a chance for the first time in seven years to control pace. Bulls up 45-40 at the half after a brief tutorial by Gasol at the expense of Big Al Jefferson.
Second half starts and Bulls pull out to 51 -40 lead. Ball movement looks good as Joakim and Pau alternate high post positioning with good passing and a greater understanding of how not to get in each others way. Three fouls on Mike Dunleavy who is slowly developing a reputation as a tough guy. Three point play by Derrick and the lead is 56-43 Bulls.
Gerald Henderson Breaks free for a driving lay-up a slight cause for concern for a player who usually plays well against the Bulls. Look alive Jimmy. Lance Stevenson still napping let’s see if he continues. Three missed jump shots by Dunleavy and Gasol leave the door open for a Hornets mini run and they cut the lead to 59-57 Time out Bulls. Hornets are an undisciplined defensive team at this point perhaps more ball body movement would wear them down ?
Four passes around the horn and a Noah 15 footer gives the Bulls a 61-55 lead. Site seen; MJ seated court-side looking concerned. Baseline reverse dunk by Butler puts Bulls up 69-64. A Kemba Walker cross over causes Nikola Mirotic to fall ( Could that mean two Bulls will debut 0n Shatqtin a fool?) 2 min left in qtr and coach Clifford has gone small to pick up the pace..good move?
Kemba Walker treating Hinrich as if he were a piece of yarn toyed with by a cat. End of 3rd qtr Bulls up one point. Hornets making a move with youth and athleticism and are now confident that they might steal one. Thibodeau holding trump cards on the bench Rose and Gasol…we shall see ? 7:45 left bulls up 82-78. Time out Hornets after a three by Aaron Brooks. 6 min left Bulls up 85-80. Eleven boards so far for Mirotic..good sign.
Rose and Pau enter, Corner 3 pointer from Mirotic and a N..i..k..o..la call from color man extraordinaire Stacy King. Kemba finds Big Al for a lay up..missed rotation by Jimmy also followed by an offensive foul..Bulls up seven 4:00 left. Kemba stripped Derrick Bulls got it back and Kirk hit a big three. Big Al mis-used Noah for a three point play. Score 95-89 Bulls.
Another three by Hinrich, redemption? Five point game 48 seconds Kemba Walker playing his plumb heart out but looks like he will come up short. Time out Hornets 25 seconds and Bulls up seven.
Impressive win by a dead tired Bulls team who controlled the pace and ultimately the game.
Sweet dreams Charlotte- beep-beep.