Boozer Pre Game is ready with the team for a great game.
© Suburban Journals of Chicago  photo

1 Down 3 To Go…Bulls Scrap Pistons 92-68

By Mark Rotor

The Chicago Bulls held the Detroit Pistons to a new series low of 68 points as they Bulls disassembled Pistons 92-68. in front of a impressive Monday night sellout crowd at the United Center of 21,530. Chicago is now in the middle of a stretch of playing 5 games in 6 nights and tonight they began a series of 3 games in a row. Chicago hasn’t played 5 games in 6 nights since April of 1983 when Bull’s great s Bob Love and Norm Van Lier and teammates went 1-4 over during that duration.

Tonight, Detroit’s anemic offense averaging 84.3points in 8 games were only able to sustain until late in the 3^rd quarter as they creep-up on the Bulls 64-59. However, in the end Chicago strong bench play led by power forward Taj Gibson and guard John Lucas III stemmed the tied as they went on a 11-0 run to increase the lead to 16 points (75-59) early in the 4^th quarter.

Detroit Piston's Ben Gordon takes a shot.
© Suburban Journals of Chicago  photo

The Turning Point Of The Game

“In the 3^rd quarter we were making the right plays on offense and got back on defense said, Detroit’s head coach Lawrence Franks. “When your playing a team like this on their home court you have to be able to sustain intensity. We had many turnovers but you have to give them (Bulls) credit. They are a deep, talented, well coached team and they were better than us.”

On Their Game! - Carlos Boozer & Derrick Rose

An impressive game by Carlos Boozer lead all scores with 23 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assist. He scored in a variety always but primarily with his 15 foot fade away jump shot.

Boozer was very consistent in his scoring remained aggressive thought the evening. He scored 6 points in each of the 1^st two quarters for 12 points at half time and 8 points in the 3^rd quarter. He scored 3 points in the 4^th as Thibodeau rested the starters early and often.

“Carlos was great, he was able to hit all of his catch and shoot jump shots tonight,” Franks said. “He hit on his post or turn around, his pick and pops. He is a very good player and there is a reason why Chicago brought him here. He is a all-star, Olympian and is a very talented player.”

Derrick Rose was both a playmaker and a aggressive scorer early gathering 9 points in the 1^st quarter and 22 points, 8 assist and 1 rebound in only 33 minutes of service.

In the 1^st quarter Chicago came out hitting their 1^st seven baskets. Although, the Pistons’ Tayshaun Prince scored 11 points, former Bull Ben Gordon also scored 11 points and Greg Monroe lead them with 14 points, Detroit only pressed the Chicago once for the lead at the end of the 1^st quarter tied 21 all. It was a night of uncontested shots for the Bulls as they passed the ball for the open shot time after time.

“We played great! said,“ Rose. We keep the defense up and coach always talks about that. When asked about the 5 games in 6 nights Rose said, “We are 1-0 right now and all we can do is try to keep it going.”

Chicago cemented the game in the 4^th quarter with defense by the 2^nd unit “Bench Mob” taking a 24 point lead with 4 minutes remaining in the 4^th quarter.

A New Fan Favorite Scalabrine, Surpasses “The Big Mac”

One of the most popular promotions Bulls fans have received in the past, was a free McDonalds “Big Mac” sandwich when their team score 110 points or more. The fans would become extremely atheistic and cheers would became more intense with every shot attempt as the team neared the 110 point goal. But look out “Big Mac” fans, as 2^nd year Bull, Brian Scalabrine may be eclipsing the sandwich game popularity with a huge fan base of his own.

Since late in the 3^rd quarter a loud organized chant echoed inside U.C. calling for substitute forward Brian Scalabrine to enter the game. Later in the 4^th quarter the persistent crowd got it’s wish with 2:43 remaining the reserves including Scalabrine entered the game. With every touch of the ball the crowed intensified it cheers only to be disappointed when Scalabrine passed the ball to a teammate instead of shooting and scoring.

Finally with 14 seconds Scalabrine received a pass 11 feet from the basket and launched a fade away jump shot for two points scoring the final basket of the game. Bull win 92-68. The remaining fans cheered as if 6’9” reserve forward had hit the game winning shot. As Scalabrine left the floor Coach Tom Thibodeau said to him “Why did you take the shot?” to Scalabrine amazement. Thibodeau smiled appeared to say “Got you!”.

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