AT THE HORN: Bulls @ Washington (1/30/12)

Final Score: Bulls 98 Wizards 88

Recap:

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap?gid=2012013027

" Two Spark Plugs"

AFTER THOUGHTS:

"Yeah, I Noah how to get double-doubles"...

For the 5th straight game, Joakim Noah (14 points, 13 rebounds and 7 assists on 5/6 FG Shooting) recorded a double-double.  In fact, he came awfully close to getting a triple-double.  His energy and effort levels have gone to an All-Star level, as of late.  With 1 day left in the All-Star voting, his recent streak of double-doubles should garner him some more fan votes. 

Can't get rest, cus they keep "turning over"... 

After finishing the 1st Half with 4 nice assists, while committing just 6 turnovers over the first 24 minutes of the game, which gave the Bulls an 11 point lead heading into the lockerroom, they got very sloppy with the basketball and turned it over 13 more times in the 2nd Half.  So, as the Bulls' lead, which grew to 22 points, began to shrink, thanks to TO's, the Starters couldn't get rest.

* With 19 TO's, be happy that WAS can't shoot.

Found some good "hot sauce" in D.C....

In the starting lineup due to the continuous injuries that the Bulls can't seem to get over, Kyle Korver (17 points on 5/12 3pt Shooting) seized the opportunity, at least in the 1st Half, as he was able to knock down 4 3 pt shots and score 14 points before Halftime.  His scoring is always a welcomed spark for this Bulls' offense.  His production did slow down in the 2nd Half (3 pts).

That's "D" as in "Determined" to make ammends...

After feeling like he let his team and city down against the Miami Heat, DRose (35 points and 8 assists on 10/20 FG Shooting) was determined to make ammends and take his frustrations out on the Washington Wizards.  Well, to no one's surprise, he did just that.  He played aggressive basketball throughout, as he made 14/15 FTA's and came up with a season high in points.

MOVING FORWARD:

The Bulls got an expected win vs. WAS, even w/ injuries.

PHI is a much tougher opponent, than WAS.  They lead the Atlantic Division and have the best "point differential" in the NBA. 

After losing to IND and MIA, the Bulls need a statement win.  They'll have their chance to get it tomorrow in "The City of Brotherly Love".

Go Bulls!!!

INSIDE THE LANE: Bulls @ Washington (1/30/12)

Preview:


http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/preview?gid=2012013027


The Bulls are in D.C. for their rematch w/ Nick Young & WAS.

BULLS-EYE:

5 things to keep an eye on...

1.) Will DRose take his MIA anger out on WAS?

2.) Is Rip Hamilton going to play w/ a sore groin?

3.) How will CBooz play after his NO SHOW in MIA?

4.) Can Noah get his 5th straight double-double?

5.) Are the Wizards going to have a fire sale soon?

EARLY THOUGHTS:

The Bulls need to avoid a letdown after losing in MIA.

They should be motivated to get back on the winning track.  That said, they can't take the Wizards lightly, because they have the talent to pull an upset.  They showed that by beating the OKC Thunder at home earlier this season.

DRose and his fellow teammates need to up their Assist count, while keeping the turnovers to a minimum.  At the same time, having given up 95 points or more to 4 straight opponents, they need to tighten up their defense. 

Go Bulls!!!