Chicago Bulls Recap: Bulls Beatdown Knicks Big Time

Oct 29, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) drives under the basket against the New York Knicks during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

Well Pippen Peoples, it was going great when the Knicks were up 8-2. Then Taj Gibson came into the game and basically, committed assault and battery on the New York franchise.

Taj Gibson, I want you to know I’m calling Jason Smith’s mama and telling on you.

Maybe I overestimated the fact that the New York Knicks have a pulse or a clue of the triangle offense.

The Chicago Bulls went into Madison Square Garden and took it over like Nino Brown took over The Carter in New Jack City. The Bulls absolutely annihilated the New York Knicks 104-80 in the regular season opener for both teams. Believe me, it wasn’t even that close as the Bulls led as much as 35 points in this game. This loss marked the second worst loss in a season opener in New York franchise history. It might have been the second worst defeat but it had to  be the worst opening night performance in New York Knicks history. UGH!

Derrick Rose scored 13 points and five assists in only 21 minutes in the start of his return 2.0 era. Trust me, the Bulls did not need a big game from him as he got just what the doctor ordered getting a ton of rest because of  the blowout. Pau Gasol finished with 21 points and 11 rebounds in his Chicago Bulls debut while shooting 7-11 from the field. Doug McDermott had a very successful debut finishing with 12 points. The night was basically summed up by Gasol on what Derrick Rose has going forward this season per ESPN…

"“I think it’s a lot of pressure off his shoulders because we have, I think, a variety of weapons, so he doesn’t have that pressure on himself to able to score and force things,” Gasol said."

Well it won’t be easy, but let’s go to the three lessons I learned in the game. Emotional walls Ronald, emotional walls.

Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

1) Taj Gibson is a grown man for real. Taj Gibson led the Chicago Bulls in scoring with 22 points while grabbing eight rebounds. But it was much more than that. When Gibson entered the game in the second quarter, the Bulls were up 24-20. After he finished doing work in the second quarter, the game was over. Man, he smacked Jason Smith of the New York Knicks all around the floor. He was a MAN! Taj Gibson scored in the post, hit jumpers and dunked all over the Knicks especially Smith. There was no answer for him as he opened up opportunities for Gasol on the offensive boards. These two big men combined to convert 17-23 shots. For one night, the frontcourt controversy of who should start or finish was not an issue. Taj Gibson is going to get his minutes period. Stop the trade rumors, Taj Gibson is getting to the untouchable stage. He was the reason, the Knicks gave up.

Oct 29, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Aaron Brooks (0) drives to the basket against New York Knicks guard Pablo Prigioni (9) during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

2) Maybe the bench is not as bad as I thought. The aforementioned Gibson has been well documented, but he had a ton of help. The Chicago Bulls bench scored a ridiculous 55 points against the Knicks. It goes a lot deeper than that Pippen Peoples, the bench grabbed 23 rebounds and dished out ten assists. Let me tell you how dominant the second unit was. Mike Dunleavy scored as much as I did last night and Joakim Noah had three points. It didn’t matter. The bench scored 30 points on 13-of-17 shots in the first half. The depth of this team was so evident, Noah and Dunleavy who had off nights could step aside and allow other players to come in and perform. Look at some of the players who contributed.

Aaron Brooks

In 24 minutes, Aaron Brooks scored 13 points, grabbed two rebounds and more importantly dished out six assists. During the preseason, Brooks struggled getting the Bulls to execute the offense. This was not a problem against the Knicks. Brooks shot 4-of-5 from the field with a three pointer and hit all of his free throws. The second unit guards could do nothing with Brooks and what Gibson accomplished in the second quarter on the inside, Brooks took care of the perimeter with his speed breaking down what little defense the Knicks had.

Nikola Mirotic

He was a part of that second quarter explosion that left the New York Knicks stretched out. Mirotic dropped a three point shot while grabbing seven rebounds. More importantly, he played defense without fouling. He scored five points in 15 minutes.

Doug McDermott

Man! Doug McDermott can dunk! McDermott played a very efficient game scoring 12 points in 24 miuntes. He shot 5-of-9 from the field which included two three point shots. He also grabbed five rebounds, dished out two assists and had a steal. But back to my earlier point, MAN! DOUG McDERMOTT CAN DUNK!

Tony Snell

Look Tony Snell made one shot. But that dude got Blake Griffin high and “Mosgov”ed a New York Knicks defender. I’m not mentioning names because you have to actually play defense to get mentioned in a Chicago Bulls recap.

Oct 29, 2014; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) drives to the basket defended by Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (13) during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

3) The New York Knicks laid down and got their lunch money took from them. When I said that the New York Knicks would win this game, it was on the assumption that Carmelo Anthony would show up. He looked listless, lazy and half way to Cleveland. Carmelo scored 14 points which ranked as his third fewest opening season total in his career. Was he embarrassed? Let’s see per ESPN…

"“Embarrassed? No, I am not embarrassed,” Anthony said. “We will get better. I believe that. I know that and we will have another shot at it tomorrow night.”"

Man you crash dummy! Your team  just got bodied on national television at home in a regular season opener by the team you used to squeeze a few more million dollars out of the Knicks into your contract.

Not only that, the back up plan for the Chicago Bulls, Pau Gasol teams up with Taj Gibson to send your frontline teammates to Harlem to make money selling incense. Better have their money!

The fact that you just got $124 million dollars and in the first game that matters, you look like a rich man’s Boris Diaw, believe me you should be embarrassed.

Emotional walls, Ronald, emotional walls.

To the Pippen Peoples, congratulations on your victory over my Knicks. The Chicago Bulls were better and it showed. It will be fun watching this team develop over the season. As you know, Pippen Ain’t Easy will be right there every step of the way, providing full coverage of all things Chicago Bulls. Pippen Ain’t Easy is your best choice for all Chicago Bulls news, previews and reviews.

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