Im calling it now, the Bulls will finally get back to postseason hoops. Something not seen in the United Center since the Jordan days. Only 1.5 games out of the 8th spot in the East, and they have a very, very easy schedule to finish up January. They possibly could be at .500 entering February. Bulls front office has finally learned how to draft, and have gotten great contributions from 4 rookies this year(Deng, Gordon, Duhon and Nocioni). They are becoming a solid young team and are establishing a nice foundation for years of success. Not to mention they will have plenty of salary cap room after the season to fill holes. Looks like the Bulls are finally back!
Bulls with another victory tonight. That along with the 76ers loss pulls the game within a mere 1/2 game of a playoff spot. They are 10-3 in thier last 13 games. Of their 10 games left in the month, only one is against a team above .500. They have a terribly tough February, but I think they can gain enough momentum the rest of this month to carry them through. The main reason for their recent play has been a newfound success on the defensive side of the ball. Skiles has preached defense since he arrived and it seems the players are finally starting to buy into it. Bulls now are #1 in the NBA in opponents FG%. That alone should keep them in most games.
Bulls have a few solid road wins in last month and a half (Detroit, Memphis, Utah) and they also won at New Orleans (a bad team). Their defense improved more than anything else. They allowed less than 100 in 19 straight games, after allwong at least 94 in first 11 games. They won 7 of last 9 vs the West. I think they will collapse down the stretch, like Cleveland last year, but next year they will be a playoff team.
Bulls roll the 76ers 110-78 tonight to move into sole possession of the 8th spot in the Eastern Conference. I know you guys dont want updates after every game, as you can read box scores and standings as well, but this one was just too good to pass up. Ill revisit this at the end of the season, when hopefully the Bulls are preparing for the 1st round matchup.
