Noah missed his second game after Vinny over used him against the Blazers. My thoughts on how that game may cost them a playoff spot. Luol Deng missed the game due to soreness in his knee that actually has been bothering for the last couple weeks. Brad Miller continues to start in place of Joakim while James Johnson, yes the same James Johnson who couldn't see the court about a month ago, got the start for Deng.
Then just to add to the injury woes Derrick Rose banged knees with Mike Bibby early on in the first quarter and ended up in the locker room. Luckily he did return half way through the second quarter and looked fine throughout the rest of the game scoring 24 points and dishing out 3 assists.
Taj Gibson also racked up another double-double, 11 points & 13 boards, and may give Noah a run for the most on the team if he misses extended time.
To make up for the lose of Deng, Del Negro employed his new favorite lineup, Rose, Hinrich and Murray which I have to admit it better then Skiles old three guard lineup of Duhon, Hinrich and Gordon. Murray saw around 30 minutes of action continuing his solid play since coming over in the Tyrus Thomas trade. Hakim Warrick also played well scoring 10 points and grabbing 7 rebounds.
The Bulls were able to pull within six point early in the 4th but then after a timeout the Hawks just started crashing the boards and proved too much for the shorthanded Bulls as they lost 112-88 for their second straight lose and three out of the last five.
Acie Law was able to see some action against one of his former teams replacing Rose late in the fourth. While Joe Alexander saw his first game action since joining the team in mop up duty. Even with Deng and Noah out and Rose missing about a quarter of the game Vinny stayed with a very short rotation only play 8 players until the game was out of reach.
We also got to see a three guard lineup of Law, Pargo and Murray. If that doesn't give you nightmares as a Bulls fan I don't know what does.
Does anyone know what happened to Devin Brown? He was seen as a replacement for Salmons when they traded Aaron Gray for him but even in a game like this he was unable to see any time not even garbage time at the end.
The Bulls got probably their final look at what I feel should be their #1 free agent target this summer in Joe Johnson. JJ had an off night only scoring 14 points on 5-15 shooting but grabbed 9 rebounds and dished out 3 assists for a very balanced attack. The Hawks had 5 players in double digits lead by former Bull Jamal Crawford with 21.
Next Game.....Derrick Rose and the Bulls welcome Mark Cuban and his her look Dallas Mavericks to town on Thursday. The Mavs have looked great since making the trade to bring over Caron Butler and Haywood. Game tips-off at 7PM and can be found on Comcast.
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