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Dan Peters
Sports Editor
Oak Park
Journal
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© Suburban Journals of Chicago
Photo by Mark Rotor
Heart Break at the UC...
Bulls Fall to Nuggets in Final Shot Controversy 90-89
By
Mark Rotor
November 10th, 2009
The "Catch-And-Shoot" Controversy - It's Good, Bulls Win Or Maybe Not!
With the score 90-89 the Denver Nuggets were leading the Chicago Bulls with
three-tenths (0.3) of second remaining on the game clock. In a "catch-and-shoot"
situation, Bull's guard Kirk Hinrich in bounded the ball to Center Brad Miller who
received ball and shoot it one motion. Miller launched a 2-pointer from inside
of the top of the circle and the buzzer sounded. Head official Mark Wunderlich
signals the basket counts and the Bulls win in a come from behind victory
or do they?
Heads Bulls Win, Tales they Loose?
After ten minutes of deliberation, the officials completed their video replay
review of Miller's shot while crowd of 21,409 stood awaiting the jury's
decision. Finally, an announcement was made over the P.A. "The Final score
Nuggets 90 and Bulls 89". Chicago looses a heart breaker suffering their first
home lost of the season in controversy call that decided the game winner and looser.
Head referee Mark Wunderlich provide a statement to the press after the game
describing the referees decision to overturn their initial ruling as a
"judgment call". By NBA rules a Catch-And-Shoot can take place with 0.3 seconds
remaining on the clock however it is up to the judgment of the referees to
determine if the shooter has released the shoot prior to the expiration of time.
Apparently, the NBA referees thought the ball was still in contact with the shooters
(Brad Miller) fingers at the time the buzzer/lights went on. The Bulls received
a tough break having worked their way back into the game late in the 4th
quarter only to be denied in the final second of the contest.
Del Negro
Discusses the "Catch-And-Shoot" Call
©
Suburban Journals
of Chicago
photo by Mark Rotor
Coach Del Negro's - Spin On Controversial Shot
“It’s such a split second thing 0.3 seconds.” Said coach Vinny Del Negro.
"I thought it was good (Miller shot) initially but I haven’t seen the reply.
It's ill relevant, the refs have to make the call and I will have a chance to
look at it (video) later on.” "Once they (officials) made their decision they
were gone.”
The NBA "Catch-And-Shoot" Rule
"To my understanding, 3-tenths of a second is enough. You can catch it but you
have to get the shot off quickly."
Miller's Shot
“It may have been on his (Miller’s) finger tips but we will still have to look
at the replay. It tough for the guys we've had close games, they will have to
bounce back against Toronto tomorrow.”
Getting The Call Right
“It tough, those things happen so fast 0.3 seconds. You need the clock and the
TV replay to take a look at and you want to get the call right. I’ll have to
see the replay but they make the call and you hope the call is right.”
What A Way To End The Game!
“Tough call, not the kind of call you want to make at the end of games but
I didn’t see the replay” "It’s a tough one to swallow but it’s just part of
the game."
Derrick Rose 22 pts to Lead Bulls, 10 pts in 4th Quarter
©
Suburban Journals
of Chicago
photo by Mark Rotor
Chicago's 4th Quarter Comeback
Down by 7-points (81-74) with less than seven minutes remaining in the 4th
quarter, Derrick Rose took control of the game as he scored ten of his
22-points in the quarter to pushing the Nuggets to the brink. Rose demonstrated his
improved jump-shot hitting 10-17 (59%) from the field in his best game since his
return to the lineup.
Rose's teammates contributed to Chicago's Valiant effort with Joakim Noah
grabbing another double-double 12-point/21-rebounds, John Salmons 11-points and
Taj Gibson 10-points/6-rebounds.
Rose's heroics continued as he grabbing a loose ball with less than a minute and
scored on a layup to tie the game at 87-87 all. However, the Nugget's Carrillo
Anthony answered with a jump shot from the baseline to regain lead with 13 seconds
remaining (89-87). Once again, Rose countered with 10.1 seconds left, driving the lane and
was grabbed by Chancy Billups. Rose made both free throws to tie the game
at 89 all. But Denver's Billups broke the tie once and for all as he was fouled
driving the lane. He made one of two free throws scoring the deciding point
to win 90-89.
With all of the focus on the controversial shot by Miller, Rose's outstanding
game of 22-points and 4-assist seemed to be over shadowed. His improved outside
shooting and aggressive play attacking the hoop was reminiscent of Rose's play
in his 2008-2009 Rookie of the Year season.
Denver's Leading Scorer Carmelo Anthony Held to 20-pts by Deng
©
Suburban Journals
of Chicago
photo by Mark Rotor
Luol Deng & Bulls "D" Holds Down Carmelo & Company
It may have been a consolation prize but Chicago's defense held the prolific Carmelo
Anthony below his scoring average of 31-points down to mere mortal 20-points.
Deng and Chicago's defense held Anthony to 8 of 22 (36%) shooting for
the game. The Nugget's Kenyon Martin scored 15-points however; the Bulls were able
to keep Denver 20-points under their team scoring average.
"Defensively we did good.", said Bulls co-captain Luol Deng. "This is a very good
offensive team (Nuggets) and they are one of the top teams in the west. I feel
we did a good job as a team to try to keep him (Anthony)away from the jump shot
and make him drive. As a team the guys had my back when we forced him to drive.
It was a really good team effort on the week side defensively." Deng's offense
wasn't shabby either, scoring 21-points, 6-rebounds and five assist.
So far this season, Chicago's defense has held all but the Boston Celtics to
less than 100 points. Last season, opponents averaged 102.5-points and this
season opposition has average only 88-points after seven games played.
Major strides have been made to improve Chicago's team "D" with a commitment
beginning in the pre-season. The drafting of rookie Taj Gibson has provided
a player with good defensive fundamentals and a shot blocker. Also the return
of Luol Deng a long, athletic, and persist defender has also made an impact.
In addition, with Ben Gordon's departure John Salmons who is known for his solid
defense has been an upgrade helping to make Chicago's defense an asset rather
than a liability. Next up is the Toronto Raptors.
Next Bulls Game:
Bulls at Toronto
Tuesday November 11th at 6:00PM CT Game Time
Radio - ESPN AM 1000
TV - Comcast Sportsnet Chicago
© Suburban Journals of Chicago
photo by Mark Rotor
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