Chicago Bulls Dominate Christmas Day Match-Up With Lakers On Christmas Day

CHICAGO, IL.  It was one of the primetime match-ups of the NBA Christmas Day calendar as Pau Gasol's new Chicago Bulls team took on his former squad, the Los Angeles Lakers.

And while the Lakers were able to pull off a huge upset, beating the NBA-leading Golden State Warriors in their previous game (also without Kobe Bryant), the Bryant-less Lakers were no match for a Chicago Bulls team that has been rolling, adding yet another victory to their current 5-game winning streak.

This was an especially emotional game for the Pau Gasol, the former Los Angeles Lakers star who signed a free agent deal with the Chicago Bulls during this past summer.

Despite being a major catalyst for two Los Angeles Lakers NBA Championships, the Lakers' coaching and front office decisions took for granted the gifted 7-footer, forcing Gasol to look for another situation that would put him on a Championship contender. Fortunately, Gasol was looking for a major market franchise, and so he signed with Chicago, and he has been rejuvenated.

Early in the contest, Gasol and the Chicago Bulls were able to jump out in front of the lethargic Lakers, despite being at home for the Christmas Day match-up, where the Bulls have only managed a 7-5 record on the season. However, the Bulls were able to get the lead and cruised to an 11 point halftime lead.

The Lakers started the 3rd quarter with an 11-2 run that narrowed the Chicago Bulls' lead to 2 points, tighten the game up. The Los Angeles Lakers battled, but the Bulls were able to take an 83-77 lead into the 4th quarter.

However, Gasol drove for a layup to key a 10-2 run that bumped Chicago's lead back up to 12 early in the 4th quarter, and the Chicago Bulls' defense flexed its muscles to hold the Lakers to only 15 points in the fourth.

The 30-15 fourth quarter disparity helped the Bulls to win the game handily, 113-93, in front of a festive United Center crowd.

Gasol's 23 points and 13 rebounds lead three Chicago Bulls' with 20 points. Jimmy Butler posted another 20 point game, finishing with 21 points to go along with 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 blocks.

Derrick Rose put up his 3rd consecutive 20 point game, his longest such streak since January 2012; it is a sign of DRose's return to good health and finding his game and growing into his role with this current Chicago Bulls team.

The Chicago Bulls have only had their entire team healthy for the last three games, and it has been a great opportunity to see what this Chicago Bulls team will be capable of when the playoffs roll around.

In that short time we have been able to see Derrick Rose, Jimmy Butler, Mike Dunleavy Jr., Pau Gasol, and Joakim Noah grow into the starting unit that we expected. We've also seen Jimmy Butler grow into a player that exceeds our greatest hopes, a player worthy of a starting All-Star spot. [#VoteYourBulls by following the link HERE!]

We Hope that everyone had a very Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday season! Please SHARE our links for the All-Star Voting so that we can get Jimmy Butler and the boys onto the 2015 NBA All-Star Team! Thanks for all your support, BullsNation!

Could The East's Comeback Win in the 2014 NBA All-Star Game Bring #MELOtoCHI?

The 2014 NBA All-Star Game will go down as the highest scoring All-Star Game in history, but will it be remembered in Chicago as the catalyst for bringing Carmelo Anthony to the Bulls?

During the offensive explosion that was the All-Star Game, the final outcome was determined by the East's 4th quarter defense that kept the West from scoring in the final 1:59 of the game, spearheaded by Chicago Bulls' Center, Joakim Noah.

Melo made an All-Star Game record eight 3-pointers and poured in a total of 30 points.

Joakim Noah relished the win, after playing the entire 4th quarter, when effort and will determined the outcome.

Carmelo Anthony probably savored this win a bit also, since there have not been many victories in New York this season. But did it mean more than just a win?

Could the 2014 NBA All-Star Game be the catalyst for a Melo-Noah team-up in Chicago?

Melo will be a free agent after this season, and he has already stated two important facts that will make Chicago his best and most probable destination this off-season:

1.  Max money is not the most important thing to Melo this time around.

2.  Winning is the most important thing to Melo this time around.

Here's what Carmelo Anthony had to say about his upcoming free agency:

"As far as the money, it don't really matter to me. If I go somewhere else I get paid, if I stay in New York I get paid," Anthony said. "So as far as the money goes, that's not my concern. My concern is being able to compete on a high level, at a championship level coming at this last stretch of my career."

No other destination would give Melo the chance to compete for championships as Chicago, and no other destination would complement Melo's skill set so well.

Without Melo (or recently traded Luol Deng or the injured Derrick Rose), the Chicago Bulls are currently the #4 seed in the Eastern Conference, while Carmelo's Knicks are #11 out of 15 teams.

The Bulls are a team built on phenomenal coaching, defense, rebounding, and a culture and commitment to winning. Their deficiency is scoring, which is Carmelo's (the 2013 NBA Scoring Champ) strength.
Next season, after getting DRose back, drafting two first-rounders in the 2014 NBA Draft, amnestying Carlos Boozer's contract to make room under the salary cap, importing Spanish League MVP Nikola Mirotic, and possibly signing Carmelo Anthony, the Chicago Bulls will have a younger team that can match talent with Miami, but has the will and heart to compete harder than the Heat.

Could this be the new look of the Chicago Bulls in 2014-2015?

After growing up competing against Lebron and seeing Lebron take less than max money to team with Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh in Miami and win championships, Melo has to be considering a move to a different franchise, one with a culture and commitment to winning.

After seeing Joakim Noah's hustle and passion first-hand leading to a victory for the East in the NBA All-Star game, could he be thinking about a move to Chicago?

If he is, let's show him our support! Visit our #MELOtoCHI campaign page and show your support however you can by ordering a t-shirt or updating or commenting about us on Facebook below!

Joakim Noah Critic Eats His Words About Noah... Literally

Chicago Tribune columnist Rick Morrissey wrote an opinionated article following the 2007 NBA Draft cleverly titled "You Must Be Joakim".

After mentioning that his only hope for the 2007 NBA Draft was that the Bulls would use their #9 Overall Pick on ABJ (Anyone But Joakim), he questioned Noah's  being a proven winner. Rather harsh criticism of the now twice NBA All-Star.

Anyway, in that article, one will find the following promise:

(Please clip and save this column. If I'm wrong three years down the line about Noah, I'll douse it with salsa and eat it. If I'm right I'll let you know ... but then, you know that about me.)

Rick Morrissey demonstrates a great deal of journalistic integrity by following through with his promise in front of Joakim Noah in the following video:


Joakim Noah critic eats his words ... literally from The Basketball Jones on Vimeo.

You almost never see that from a sportswriter; they never admit that they are wrong! What do you think of Rick Morrissey "manning up" to his words? Tell us in the comments below!

Chicago Bulls, Deng Unable To Come To Terms On Extension

The Chicago Bulls and Luol Deng were not able to come to terms on an extension to Deng's contract which is set to end following the 2013-14 NBA season. This means that, after what will be 10 seasons with the Chicago Bulls, Deng will become an unrestricted free agent next summer.

According to his agent, Deng will test the free agency market in the summer of 2014.

While rumors of talks between the two sides were reported weeks ago, that Deng and the Bulls were not able to agree on terms is not surprising.

The Chicago Bulls have been on the wrong side of the salary cap as of last year and are set to have to pay a salary cap penalty this season, as well. Bulls management have stated that they are trying to maintain salary cap flexibility, and rumors have the Chicago Bulls working to clear enough cap space to sign a major free agent next summer.

The 28 year old Deng will make $14.3M this season, and the contract he signs this summer will most likely be his last lucrative, long-term deal. Deng was selected to his second All-Star Game last season.

How do you feel about Deng becoming a free agent after this season? What is your favorite Luol Deng Chicago Bulls moment? Please tell us in the comments below!

With NBA All-Star Game Fast Approaching, #theReturn of Derrick Rose Is Upon Us

The NBA's annual All-Star Weekend is a mere 3 days away now, and it holds some special significance to Chicago Bulls fans, this season in particular.

In leading the Chicago Bulls to a surprising first half of the NBA season, Noah and Deng have earned reserve spots in the 2013 NBA All-Star Game.

The reason is much more than the fact that two Bulls were named to the Eastern Conference All-Star team: Center Joakim Noah and Forward Luol Deng. Joakim Noah was selected to his first All-Star Game for averaging a double double in points (11.9 ppg) and rebounds (11.2 rpg, 5th in the NBA), as well as, leading the Chicago Bulls in steals (1.3 spg) and blocks (2.0 bpg). Luol Deng leads the Bulls in points (17.0 ppg) while putting in a team-high 39.7 minutes per game for the Eastern Conference's current #4 seed. 

And the reason is much more than that the Chicago Bulls have exceeded expectations in the first three months of the NBA season. and remain entrenched among the top 4 teams in the Eastern Conference. Head Coach Tom Thibodeau has Chicago winning (30-21 on the season) despite injuries (all starters have missed games with injury) and 7 new players on the Bulls' 15 man roster; with every opportunity to simply tread water, the culture of winning keeps Thibs crew scrapping for every loose ball and winning every close game.

Even with all that to be excited about, Chicago Bulls fans are most excited this All-Star Weekend what this time was meant to mark. Bulls fans have been told that the 2013 NBA All-Star Game will be the earliest time to expect #theReturn. #theReturn of drive. #theReturn of push. #theReturn of focus. #theReturn of hope. #theReturn of belief.

For weeks heading into the All-Star Break, Chicago has been hanging on every rumor of #theReturn of Derrick Rose.

Yes, with the 2013 NBA All-Star Break fast approaching, Chicago Bulls fans have been anticipating #theReturn of Derrick Rose.

While reports today have Rose still "far away" from returning, the mid-NBA season pause is a natural time for fans to reflect on their favorite team and their team's chances in the post-season; and Chicago Bulls fans have got to like the view.

The injuries to several starters have revealed that the new additions to the Chicago Bulls bench are quite possibly better than last seasons' incredible Bench Mob; Nate Robinson and Marco Belinelli provide consistent offensive production off the bench, and Kirk Hinrich is rejuvinated in his second stint with Chicago, running the point in Rose's absence.

The continuing hard work and development of young players under Thibodeau has also been something to watch for. Taj Gibson is a starter coming off the bench at power forward, and second-year swingman, Jimmy Butler, has become a solid and dependable contributor with potential to be more.

In addition, Chicago has already faced their arch-nemesis and the defending NBA Champs, Miami Heat, (without Rose) once this season in South Beach, leading by nearly 30 points most of the game and finally winning a 96-89 decision. The Bulls will test their depth against the Heat three more times this season, beginning with a February 21st match-up a week after All-Star Weekend.

With the looming return of their star and the growth and cohesion of a team under masterful Coach Thibodeau, Chicago fans are looking at All-Star Weekend like the start to a deep Chicago Bulls playoff run, with DRose back at the helm.

How deep do you think the Chicago Bulls will go this post-season when Derrick Rose returns at full strength? Let us know what you think in the comments below!

Noah, Bulls Dominate Fourth Quarter to Score Season Series Win over 76ers

Philadelphia, PA. A night after a strong effort by Carlos Boozer (24 points, 13 rebounds) was wasted in a five-point loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, the Chicago Bulls were able to put together a team effort in dispatching the Philadelphia 76ers for the second time in two tries this season.

After being dominated in last year's first round playoff series to the 76ers following the devastating injury to MVP point guard Derrick Rose, the Chicago Bulls have been able to handle the 76ers fairly easily in their two meeting so far this season.

Two new members of the Chicago Bulls made big contributions to Wednesday night's victory; Marco Bellineli had 16 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals for the Bulls, and Nate Robinson put in 14 points and 4 assists starting at point guard for Kirk Hinrich, who hurt his left knee the night before against the Clippers and is listed day-to-day.

Joakim Noah had an All-Star statline vs 76ers
(21 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 blocks, 1 steal).

However, the bulk of the load was shouldered by the Chicago Bulls' leading All-Star vote-getters, Luol Deng and Joakim Noah.

Luol Deng had a double-double, going for 19 points, 12 rebounds.

Joakim Noah had an All-Star statline Wednesday night against the 76ers, putting up 21 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 blocks, 1 steal and leading the Chicago Bulls to their 4th straight road win.

"We've been fighting all year, but we've let a lot of games slip," Noah said. "But there's a lot of basketball left and we have to keep playing like this. Back-to-back can be tough if you let it. We fought hard and we had everyone here contribute. That's what you need and I thought we were resilient. We went to the basket hard and we went to the glass hard."

Noah knows about effort and going to the glass hard; last week, the potential All-Star center scored 30 points and grabbed 23 rebounds against the Detroit Pistons. In the absence of MVP Derrick Rose, Noah has stepped up to become a dependable cornerstone and on court leader for the Bulls, and Noah stands a strong chance of being voted as the starting center for the Eastern Conference NBA All-Star Team.

The Bulls' victory clinches a season series win for Chicago; the Bulls and 76ers will meet one more time this season (2/28/13). 

Have you voted for Joakim Noah, Luol Deng, and Your Bulls to the 2013 NBA All-Star Game? Why do you think Joakim Noah deserves to be an All-Star? Comment Below!
 

With NBA Draft Approaching, Time Running Out For Chicago Bulls Reload

NEWARK, NJ. The 2012 NBA Draft will take place this Thursday night, and will begin with the New Orleans Hornets selecting Anthony Davis with the first overall pick.

After that, there is little certainty about where players will go, just as there is little certainty about what the Chicago Bulls plans are regarding Draft night.

One rumor has the Chicago Bulls sending Luol Deng to Sacramento for Tyreke Evans and the #5 Overall Pick in the 2012 NBA Draft.

Trade rumors have been going back and forth, reaching a fever pitch. Luol Deng and/or Joakim Noah have been linked to deals with the Sacramento Kings, the Los Angeles Lakers, the Houston Rockets, and most recently, the Golden State Warriors.

The Chicago Bulls have been rumored to be looking to acquire a lottery pick along with either an established player or, possibly, a trade exception.

Even Luol Deng has commented that he is unsure about whether he will be traded in one of the many trade scenarios to surface.

Despite Deng being selected for his first All-Star game this last season, the Chicago Bulls have maxed out their salary cap and may be penalized under luxury tax rules starting next season, and while Chicago Bulls ownership is willing to pay the luxury tax for a championship team, Derrick Rose's season ending injury and subsequent rehab seems to promise that the Bulls will not be at the same championship level that they had been playing at for at least several months into the 2012-13 NBA season.

Amidst the numerous trade rumors, the Chicago Bulls' front office has been quiet. However, the Chicago Bulls front office under John Paxson has made a draft night deal in 6 of 8 NBA Drafts, so it might be more surprising if the Bulls do not pull off a deal.

With the Chicago Bulls' future hanging in the balance until Draft Night, fans can only hang on for the ride and think, "In GarPax We Trust".

Rose and the Bulls Demolish Celtics To Take Commanding 4 Game Lead For #1 Seed In Eastern Conference

CHICAGO, IL. It was another important game on the calendar for the Bulls, and although there were other ways of still getting the #1 seed in the East, the Bulls knew that this was also an important game to make a statement to the entire league.

After a dominating performance in front of their home fans, the Chicago Bulls definitely made their statement: "We are for real."

The Chicago Bulls are the most dominant team in the league since the All-Star Break.

Doc Rivers downplayed the meaning of the game before tip-off, acknowledging that it probably meant more to the Bulls than it did to his team, but that was clearly a ruse. Boston came into the game trailing Chicago in the race for the top seed by 3 games. A win would have cut the lead to only two games with 4 games left.

Boston seemed very interested in getting the win, coming out of the gate with energy for the opening two and a half minutes, causing the Bulls to take a 20 sec timeout early on.

However, by the end of the first quarter, the Bulls had seized control of the game for a 26 - 18 lead. Rose had 10 points for the Bulls in the opening quarter.

Boston kept close to Chicago until the 3rd quarter, when they were able to break through for a 49 - 48 lead on a Rondo lay-up. However, the Bulls defense clamped down on the Celtics and held them scoreless for the next 4:32, and over that time, the Bulls had rebuilt the lead back up to 9 points and never looked back. They went on to win by a final of 97 - 81.

It was the first meeting between the two teams since the trade that sent Kendrick Perkins to Oklahoma City for Jeff Green and Nenad Krstic. Critics of the trade said that the Celtics had given away a great deal of rebounding and inside toughness. The stats on the night seem to support this with the Bulls outrebounding Boston 44 to 35 and the Bulls dominating inside scoring to the tune of 44 points to Boston's 22 inside points.

With the victory, the Chicago Bulls extended their lead on Boston and Miami for the #1 seed in the Eastern Conference to 4 games. Their magic number for locking up the top spot is 1 game, and they can seal the deal with a win tomorrow night against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Derrick Rose likewise made his own statement with another dominating performance against Rajon Rondo and the Boston Celtics: "When it's a big game, I dominate. I AM the NBA MVP."

DRose dominated the PG matchup going 30 pts, 8 ast, 5 reb vs Rondo 7 pts, 6 ast, 5 reb. 

Derrick Rose dominated another top point guard in the league, and his efficient 9 for 16 shooting on the way to 30 points, 8 assists, 5 rebounds, was the result of blowing by Rondo and attacking the basket.

In addition, Rose once again had another great game for the Bulls in another important game. When the spotlight shines, Rose has been the star that has been the brightest. Rose led the team with an incredibly efficient game, and the complete domination of the Boston Celtics showed on the faces of Garnett, Pierce, and Big Baby. Garnett admitted to the "ass-whoopin" they had just received.

To all the sports writers and basketball statistics gurus out there who can't seem to wrap their head around it, there is only one statistic that matters in the MVP race, and that is WINS.

The Bulls have the most WINS since the All-Star Break. They have the most WINS in a stacked Eastern Conference. And Rose is the only 2011 All-Star on his team.

And the fact that Miami has two "MVP candidates" and three 2011 All-Stars AND less wins than the Bulls means that each of their "MVPs" is less than half as important as Rose is to the Chicago Bulls.

And if you really think that Lebron James should win the MVP because he can stuff the stat box against the Cavs and the Timberwolves even though, when the chips are down, he can't lead his team to a WIN when the ball is in his hands, then I don't know what to tell you.

I just know that I wouldn't really need a player like that very much, and I think that the Chicago Bulls would agree with me.

Here are some highlights from BOSTON CELTICS at CHICAGO BULLS:

Statement Game: DRose Is MVP, After Dropping Career High 42 Points In Win Over NBA Leading San Antonio Spurs

CHICAGO, IL. How many Bull-ievers were there outside of the Chicago-area after Derrick Rose stated that he wanted to be the NBA MVP at the beginning of this season? Not really sure, but I am certain that that number has increased as the NBA season reached the All Star Break.

In fact, after the Bulls final game before the All Star Break, the "secret" is out.

After Derrick Rose hung a career high 42 points along with 5 rebounds and 8 assists on the best team in the NBA heading into All-Star Weekend, the San Antonio Spurs, Rose now has a lot of Bull-ievers.

DRose was unstoppable, even for the NBA leading San Antonio Spurs.

Derrick Rose has the Bulls arriving at the All-Star break with the third best record (38 - 16) in the Eastern Conference, only 2.5 games back of both Boston and Miami.

DRose has managed to position the team despite having his team at full strength for much of the season; a broken hand kept free-agent acquisition Carlos Boozer out to begin the season, and shortly after Boozer's return, Joakim Noah was put on IR to surgically treat a ligament in his hand.

It will be scary to see what Rose and the Bulls can do at full strength.
Whereas Miami is sending their 3 stars and Boston is sending 4 stars to the All-Star Game, Rose was selected as an All-Star starter, but will not be joined by any of his teammates this year.

Rose's selection as a starter was an obvious one. Going into All-Star Weekend, Rose has averaged 24.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game, all new career highs.

Rose has had to be "The Man" on this team every night for the Bulls to keep pace with Boston and Miami, and for that, he is the NBA's Most Valuable Player.

However, it is still amazing to see what Derrick Rose does when faced with a challenge like the San Antonio Spurs. The greater the challenge, it seems that the greater the will and effort that Rose brings to the contest. And the results speak for themselves.

Hang on for the stretch run!
Following All-Star Weekend, the Bulls will have one tune up game against the Toronto Raptors before they are tested, when the Miami Heat pay a visit to the United Center on 2/24/2011.