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Dan Peters
Sports Editor
Oak Park
Journal
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© Suburban Journals of Chicago
photo by Mark Rotor
Bulls Beat
Wizards In Preseason Finale...Let NBA Regular Season Begin!
By
Mark Rotor
October 22nd, 2009
Bulls Down Wizards 93-70
After an extended preseason for the Chicago Bulls that began with an
early training camp to accommodate a trip to London England to play
the Utah Jazz, the Bulls finished their pre-season schedule on a high
note on Thursday with a blowout victory over the Washington Wizards
93-70.
No Rose In the Preseason Finally?
Chicago wound-up the preseason with a successful record of 6 wins and 8
losses.
However, their success has been some what overshadowed by the absence
of the NBA
"Rookie of the Year" Derrick Rose sidelined due to a right ankle
injury. Rose has
missed all but one preseason games and the Bulls were hopeful that he
would
play in the preseason finally. However, Rose shared the bench along
with the other
point-guards Kirk Hinrich and Jannero Pargo who had minor injuries.
Reserve guard
Lindsay Hunter started his first game as a Bull replacing Rose at
point.
#1
Is The Loneliness Number. Rose On Bench for Pre-Season
© Suburban Journals
of Chicago
photo by Mark Rotor
Wizards Vanish As Bulls Turn-up the Heat on Offense
Thanks to a 17-point scoring run by Chicago beginning early in the 3rd
quarter the Bulls were able to dispatch the Wizards and all-star guard
Gilbert Arenas. Scoring contributions from Tyrus Thomas 19-points,
Miller
18-points, John Salmons 14-points and Joakim Noah 13-points allowed
Chicago to
deliver a knockout punch to the Wizards 68-51 at the end of the 3rd
quarter.
Although Washington's Gilbert Arenas made his presence noticed scoring
15-points
and team mate Andray Blatche carried the team in the first half scoring
14-points
Chicago closed the door on Washington in the 4th quarter limiting their
scoring
opportunities while pulling away (25-19) to defeat the Wizards.
No Point Guard No Problem! - Point-Center Miller?
With a shortage of point guards, Brad Miller became point-center
showing his
passing prowess with 7 assist and a few to Tyrus Thomas. "Brad doesn't
mind
throwing the ball, said Thomas. "That's why I like to play with him."
Miller
commented, "Passing is something I really enjoy and tonight it was just
the way they
were playing defense and when you have guys that can go up get the pass
it makes easy." Let's hope that during the upcoming season the
opponent's defense
will continue to oblige Miller.
Rookie Taj Gibson Gives Tyrus Competition
The surprising play of rookie forward Taj Gibson gave Chicago a boost
as Gibson
scored 13-points and collected 5-rebounds. Gibson continues to earned
playing time
with his poised presence, defensive abilities and mid-range jump
shooting.
Gibson has taken full advantage of the three game absence of starter
Tyrus Thomas
due to his hip injury, gaining additional preseason playing time and a
possible
spot in the regular season rotation. He has averaged 12-points,
6-Rebounds and
is shooting 53% from the field. Pretty good stats for the 26th pick in
the
first round NBA draft!
Ty
Thomas Makes His Shots Count Scored 19-Points
© Suburban Journals
of Chicago
photo by Mark Rotor
4th Year Forward Tyrus Thomas Comes To Life
The active presence of Tyrus Thomas was appreciated by the fans as
Thomas scored 19-points, 6-rebounds and gathered 3-assists to lead
Chicago in scoring.
Thomas who returned from injured list two games prior has made the most
of his
minutes since returning from a thigh injury. Because of point-guard
shortage
Chicago was forced to use a "Big" line-up at times Thomas was asked to
play the small forward position and took advantage of his size
advantage.
"Tyrus is long, athletic and presents problems for teams", said Coach
Vinny Del Negro. "In the first half Brad (Miller) found him for some
easy lay-ups and some dunks.
Using Tyrus around the rim is where you like to use him as much as you
can"
When Thomas was asked about his own pre-season performance he responded
"In the
three games I played, I think I did well in all of them. The numbers
might have
not show it in the last game (Orlando Magic) but I think my energy and
defense
was there."
Rookie
Taj Gibson Shines In Preseason
© Suburban Journals
of Chicago
photo by Mark Rotor
The Season Opener & the Return of Derrick Rose?
The Bulls are counting on Derrick Rose this season more than ever to
help
pick-up the slack in clutch scoring created by the departure of guard
Ben Gordon who was signed by the Detroit Pistons during the off season.
Gordon averaged 20-point per game last season and was key to Chicago's
success
versus the Boston Celtics in their highly competitive and record
breaking
1st round playoffs series.
Rose is rumored to start on opening night against the San Antonio Spurs
if his ailing ankle will allow. Rose has practiced during the week and
has indicated
that will be at 80% if he plays in home opener.
Next Bulls Game:
Home Opener VS. San Antonio
Thursday at 7:00PM CT Game Time
Radio - WLS AM 890
TV - TNT Cable Network
© Suburban Journals of Chicago
photo by Mark Rotor
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