October 2009 Archives

After a nice opening night win at The United Center the Bulls arrived in Boston in the wee hours of the morning.  Rest didn't come easy for the squad as the hotel fire alarm sounded shortly before 4 am.  The keys to a quick bounce back for Chicago against their 2009 Playoff foes will include...

#1 Withstand Boston's first and third quarter pushes.  The Celtics really get out and play in the first and the third. This is a MUST for the Bulls to gain some control.

#2  Pound the backboards. Hit the offensive glass to help negate Boston running the fast break and that will help keep the Celtics in so they will have to block out. The Bulls will also have to limit second shots.

#3  Make Shots!  Boston is one of the best defensive teams in the league.  There is no way the Bulls can win this game shooting around 35%.

Make sure to tune in to WGN at 7pm to watch tonight's action.

I wasn't too surprised that the Bulls came out and beat the San Antonio Spurs in their Opening Game at the United Center.   I was pleased that they defended so well for all 4 quarters.   We saw some of that last season, but defense was not the Bulls' calling card last year.   They had some terrific defensive rotations against the Spurs.   Their commitment to defense was evident.   The  coaches have preached that commitment to defense and the players have accepted it.

On offense, you saw balanced scoring and unselfish play.  Good teams need go-to guys and that will sort itself out as the season progresses.   You will see Derrick Rose with the ball in his hands at the end of games and he will become the decision-maker.     -Neil Funk

* Including the postseason, Boston won six of its 10 meetings with Chicago in 2008-2009, including five of six at home.

* Chicago held San Antonio to 85 points in its season-opening win. The Bulls allowed 85 points or less just three times last season.

* Boston held Charlotte to 59 points on Wednesday. That is just the third time in the shot-clock era that the Celtics have held an opponent below 60 points.

* Including the postseason, Derrick Rose averaged 18.1 ppg, 5.9 apg and 4.2 to/g against the Celtics in his rookie campaign.

* Kevin Garnett averaged 15.8 ppg in his injury-plagued 2008-2009 campaign - his lowest scoring average since his rookie season (10.4 ppg).

* Including the postseason, Ray Allen shot 46.3% (37/80) against the Bulls last season.

The 2009-10 Chicago Bulls season is nearly underway. Check back soon for full Bulls Eye Blog commentary from Neil Funk and Stacey King.