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Dan Peters
Sports Editor
Oak Park
Journal
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© Suburban Journals of Chicago
File Photo by Mark Rotor
Bulls
Kick-Off Season Building On Last Seasons Success… Beating Spurs 92-85
By
Dan Peters & Mark Rotor
October 29th, 2009
Tim Duncan & San Antonio Spurs Ride Into the United Center
It wasn’t an easy task for Chicago on Thursday night as they faced an
improved San Antonio Spurs team who added scoring star Richard
Jefferson
in the off season to their already potent line-up of Tim Duncan, Tony
Parker
and Manu Ginobill.
Traditionally, the Bulls have not fared well versus the Spurs, at least
on the road
in San Antonio where the record is 8-26 since the 1998-99 Season.
However, more
recently Chicago's been defending their home court more competitively
17-19 and took advantage of a tired Spurs team defeating one of the top
teams in the
Western Conference 93-70.
It took a team effort with an accent on the word "effort" as the Bulls
out hustled the
Spurs winning the battle on the offensive boards 10 to 1 in the 1st
half. The
outstanding play of Luol Deng, Derrick Rose, Tyrus Thomas, Joakim Noah
and
Kirk Hinrich all scoring in double-digits carried Chicago pass the
Spurs by 2-points
at end of the half and by 10-points at the end of the 3rd quarter
(74-64).
Uncharacteristically, San Antonio was unable to match Chicago's
intensity
beginning from the tip-off. All star center Tim Duncan was the only
Spur with any
energy scoring 12-points at half time and 16-points in the 2nd half. He
end the
evening with a game high of 28-points. "Tim was incredible," Coach
Popovich said.
"He doesn't care what the situation is, he just wants to play and
compete.
I'm sure he was disappointed in the outcome." With the exception of
Manu Ginobill
who scored 12-points no other Spur would score in double figures.
Unfortunately for he Spurs, they came off a back-to-back game situation
beating
the New Orleans Hornets on opening night in San Antonio only to play
Chicago the
following evening. Chicago coasted to a 92-85 win as the Spurs went
through the
motions in the 4th quarter. “They were more aggressive getting the
loose balls,
board and the whole deal,” Said Spurs coach Gregg Popovich.
Luol
Deng Stretches His Legs Out Before Game
© Suburban Journals
of Chicago
File photo by Mark Rotor
The Return of Rose & Luol Deng … They Are Back!
Playing one of the top four teams in the NBA (Spurs)it was essential
that they
had all of their weapons available and Chicago did with the return to
the
line-up of Derrick Rose & Luol Deng who helped propelled Chicago to
a victory
with their outstanding play.
Rose Can't Wait For Season To Begin
The Bulls played seven games without Rose in the preseason and played
well but with him back, the Bulls proved to be a much more formidable
opponent
with the #1 in the lineup.
After a lengthy time on the bench, Derrick was ready “Toward the end I
was
getting a little fatigued, but I wish we could play now,” Rose said.
“I’m very anxious to play. For me the game ended too quickly.”
Was the ankle an issue? “Not at all,” said Rose, who played 33 minutes
scoring 13-points and 7-assist. Not a bad night for his first game
back.
“Derrick is one of my favorite players,” said Chicago’s Luol Deng.
“Not just athletically, but he really reads the game well, finding guys
and
everything. The team fits him real well. It starts with him, and he’s
just doing a
good job of finding everybody and penetrating.”
"This game means a lot to our confidence," said Rose we can beat
anybody, we have
heart and were young."
Thomas Makes His Presence Known -13 Points, 10 Rebounds
© Suburban Journals
of Chicago
File Photo by Mark Rotor
Luol Deng the Missing Piece of the Bulls Puzzle?
Time will tell if Chicago will be able to compensate for the loss of
Ben Gordon's
scoring but now have something that they didn't have in the playoffs,
Luol Deng.
Deng who was sidelined with stress fracture to his leg missing 22 games
and
the playoffs made his presences felt tonight scoring 17 points and nine
rebounds
while staying active on defense. Deng said, “I’m happy. But it was only
game.”
“We play well together,” said Luol Deng. "We share the ball real well.
I think we’re going to see this a lot, where a lot of guys are in
double figures.
We know it’s a big game, but have got to keep building. But I feel
we’re
mature this year where we can stay consistent.”
Joakim
Noah's Hustle Pay-Off - 10 Points, 10 Rebounds
© Suburban Journals
of Chicago
File Photo by Mark Rotor
Bulls Notes:
Tyrus Thomas played 13 minutes in the first half without a score
however he
remained active on both side of the floor to score his 13-points in the
second half.
Teammate Joakim Noah added 10-points and 10-rebounds as the Bulls keep
the advantages on the glass 52-44. Chicago also maintained the
advantage with
second-chance points 22-13.
Kirk Hinrich who was officially named a co-captain by the players last
week
scored 14-points including a key 3-pointer at the end of the 2nd
quarter to give Chicago the lead 47-46, a lead that the Bulls would not
relinquish.
After a victory over a good team like Spurs, Chicago will play their
playoff
nemesis the Boston Celtics on Friday in a rematch that will include All
Star
Kevin Garnet returning from a season ending Knee surgery. "We look at
them
(San Antonio) as one of the best teams in the league," said Hinrich.
"It was good chance for us to show were we are at, were pretty happy
with it.
"Once again, Chicago will have their opportunity to measure-up to one
of the top
teams in the NBA on back-to-back nights. However, the Bulls should be
careful of
what they wish for, the Celtics are considered one top two teams in the
east.
Next Bulls Home Game:
Bulls VS. San Antonio
Tuesday November 3rd at 7:00PM CT Game Time
Radio - ESPN AM 1000
TV - Comcast Sportnet Chicago
© Suburban Journals of Chicago
File Photo by Mark Rotor
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