Paxson Addresses Bulls Needs
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* This will be the second of three meetings between these teams this season. The Knicks lost in Chicago, 105-100, on December 9.
* The Knicks have lost 12 of their last 16 games and will be looking to snap their current two-game losing streak.
* Chicago has won two of its last three games after winning just three of its previous 11 contests.
* Al Harrington is averaging 27.5 points in his last four home games and is averaging 24.0 points in his last two meetings with the Bulls.
* Ben Gordon is averaging 22.3 points in his last four road games after averaging 14.3 points in his previous three away from home. Gordon has scored at least 25 points in four of his last six trips to New York.
* The Knicks are an NBA-worst 0-20 when trailing after three quarters this season.
Tyrus Thomas' play over the last 3 games has raised hopes that the tremendous talent this young man has is beginning to blossom for the Bulls. He has been consistent and more active and is playing at both ends of the floor. He is learning that he doesn't have to shoot to contribute...he had 8 blocks against Minnesota and a double-double against Washington.
Tyrus gets frustrated that the NBA game isn't as easy for him as it was in college, but he understands that being aggressive at both ends of the floor opens up opportunities for him to impact the game in positive ways.
Lately, there has been some talk that Kirk Hinrich may be returning to the Bulls' line-up sooner than originally expected. I spoke with Kirk before the game against the Thunder and Kirk said that his thumb feels fine shooting from 15', but any farther than that it still bothers him some. Kirk is worried about returning too soon and re-injuring it, but Kirk is a tough guy and has worked hard to get his injury rehabbed and that's why there is talk about his early return.
It would be great for the Bulls to get him back, but it also creates that backlog in the backcourt that plagued Vinny Del Negro coming out of training camp. Kirk gives the Bulls another guard to play alongside Derrick Rose and Kirk can also spell Rose and play next to Ben Gordon and Larry Hughes. Kirk is a good defender and he gives Vinny more options in the backcourt.