Comeback Win Marks Coming Out Party For Bulls' Budding Star Jimmy Butler

It IS just preseason in the NBA, but what Jimmy Butler did thursday night was-- Nate Robinson-esque.

The Chicago Bulls struggled to score most of the game, failing to score more than 17 points in any quarter, until things changed about midway through the 4th quarter.

That's when Head Coach Tom Thibodeau subbed in starters Jimmy Butler, Joakim Noah, and Pau Gasol.

Butler electrified the Chicago Bulls and the United Center crowd, slashing and scoring 17 points in a 5:53 span of the 4th quarter, including three free throws to tie the game at 82-82 with :14 seconds left in the game.

The Atlanta Hawks point guard Dennis Schroeder eluded Kirk Hinrich and put up an impossible shot over the outstretched arm of Joakim Noah to put the Hawks ahead 84-82 with a mere 1.5 seconds left, and it looked like the Chicago Bulls' miraculous comeback was going to fall short.

However, on the trigger by Kirk Hinrich, he was able to find Jimmy Butler behind the three-point line, and without hesitation, Butler elevated and got off the game winning shot, which swished through the net as time expired.

HERE'S VIDEO OF THE JIMMY BUTLER BUZZER-BEATER:

Butler has been the Chicago Bulls best player of the preseason, towing the OFFENSIVE load and leading the team with an 18.6 PPG average while also playing his usual lockdown defense, as well as, playing nearly 10 minutes per game less than he did in the regular season last year (when he averaged just 13.1 PPG).

With each passing game and as another article just this week points out, Jimmy Butler is making the case that he is one of the best young, 2-way wing players in the NBA and that he deserves a contract extension that reflects that valuation. Both Jimmy Butler's people and the Chicago Bulls front office have been working hard on coming to terms on a contract extension to remain with the Chicago Bulls ahead of the October 31st deadline, and for the most part, Gar Forman and John Paxson have been very good about retaining the talent that the team cultivates.

If Butler continues to be a monster performer on both ends during the regular season and playoffs as he has been over the first five games of the preseason, a raise would be justified.

Did you catch the Chicago Bulls frenetic comeback against the Atlanta Hawks last night? Does it make you excited to see what this team will do when the regular season begins? Tell us what you think in the comments below!

The Chicago Bulls Will Be On The Clock Soon Pending Rockets' Official Offer To Asik

With the New York Knicks finally making their decision not to match the Houston Rockets' offer to restricted free-agent point guard Jeremy Lin, the Chicago Bulls will soon be on the clock themselves to make a decision about restricted free-agent center Omer Asik.

The Turkish Hammer, Omer Asik, throws it down on the Nets. Will the Bulls be able to keep the back-up big man?

Asik received a 3 year, $25.2 million offer from the Houston Rockets on the initial day after teams could start talking to free agents, nearly three weeks ago, however the Rockets have yet to present an official offer to Asik to sign. Meanwhile, the Chicago Bulls, as well as Bulls fans everywhere, have been debating whether or not to match the offer.

Although the front office initially stated that they would match any offer to Asik, they have spent most of the free agency period moving to cut payroll. After the team options of Ronnie Brewer and C. J. Watson were not picked up, Kyle Korver was recently traded to the Atlanta Hawks for a $5M trade exception and a second round draft pick.

These moves were most likely made to avoid paying the luxury tax, however matching Houston's offer to Asik will definitely send the team payroll back over the luxury tax threshold. This would seem to indicate that the Bulls may choose not to match the Rockets' offer.

We will just have to wait and see.

Should the Chicago Bulls match Houston's offer to keep Omer Asik?

Welcome Back #12! Captain Kirk Agrees To Rejoin Bulls

Former Bull, Kirk Hinrich, has agreed to a 2 year deal to return to Chicago.

According to multiple sources, former Chicago Bull, Kirk Hinrich, has verbally agreed to sign a 2 year contract to return to the Chicago Bulls when the official signing period opens on July 11th. The 2 year deal is reportedly worth $6 million.

Welcome Back "Captain Kirk"!

Hinrich was drafted in the first round, #7 overall, by the Chicago Bulls in 2003 out of the University of Kansas. The draft class of 2003 also included Lebron James, Carmelo Anthony, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh.

"Captain Kirk" was with the Chicago Bulls for 7 seasons until being traded to the Washington Wizards in order to open up salary cap room during the summer of 2010, when Lebron James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh were available as free agents.

Last season, Hinrich suited up for the Atlanta Hawks, averaging 6.6 points, 2.8 assists, and 2.1 rebounds per game.


As a Chicago Bulls fan, how do you feel about the addition and return of Kirk Hinrich to the team? Let us know!

Derrick Rose Accepts The NBA MVP Award, Leads Bulls to Victory In Game 2 Over Hawks

CHICAGO, IL. Before Game 2 of the Chicago Bulls second round series with the Atlanta Hawks, Derrick Rose received the NBA's Most Valuable Player Award in front of the hometown United Center crowd.

Derrick Rose received his NBA's Most Valuable Player Award, then showed the world what it means to be a leader and MVP.

In his acceptance, he was his usual humble and gracious self, focusing the credit for his accomplishments on the city of Chicago and the Bulls fans who supported the team. However, it was really the inner drive of a man who told the press before the season even started, "Why not me?"

Derrick Rose and his teammates started their efforts as soon as Tom Thibodeau was named the new head coach of the Chicago Bulls, and they have worked harder than any team the entire season. The rewards have simply followed.

On the final day of the NBA season, the Bulls secured the best record in the league, even after they had already secured the top spot in the Eastern Conference over Boston and Miami.

Then, Coach Tom Thibodeau, after amassing a record-tying 62 wins by a rookie head coach, was named Coach of the Year.

And tonight, Derrick Rose hoisted the Maurice Podoloff trophy for being the NBA's Most Valuable Player, after shouldering the load offensively for the winningest team in the NBA this season.

However, as the youngest NBA MVP in history, Rose is under even greater pressure now in the playoffs. Having lost to Atlanta in Game 1, Game 2 at the United Center was a must win in many respects, and having collected his trophy, DRose knew that winning the game would be a burden carried upon his shoulders.

And as he has all season, he was up to the challenge. The Bulls had not lost back to back home games during the season, and their streak continued with a 13 point victory in Game 2.

Rose, on a recently reinjured sprained left ankle, put up 25 points, 6 rebounds, 10 assists, 2 blocks to lead the Bulls to the bounce-back victory in Game 2.

Joakim Noah looks to be back on track after ending the first round series against Indiana with a great effort. He came up with 7 offensive rebounds against the Hawks in Game 2 on his way to a 19 point, 14 rebound night where he consistantly outworked Atlanta's frontline. His energy and effort would go a long way towards propelling Chicago into the Eastern Conference Finals.

Here are the highlights of THE CHICAGO BULLS vs. ATLANTA HAWKS, 2011 NBA PLAYOFFS, GAME 2:



KEYS FOR CHICAGO BULLS vs. ATLANTA HAWKS, 2011 NBA PLAYOFFS, GAME 3:

Key #1	Rebounding Edge. In Chicago's Game 1 loss, Atlanta was able to match Chicago in rebounding. In Chicago's Game 2 win, Chicago outrebounded Atlanta, 58 to 39, and Joakim Noah really capitalized with 7 offensive boards and several put backs. If the Bulls can maintain the rebounding edge through good technique and effort, they will have an abundance of additional offensive possessions.
Key #2	Continue to Keep Joe Johnson and Jamal Crawford in Check. In Chicago's Game 1 loss, Joe Johnson exploded for 34 points and Jamal Crawford had 22 points off the bench when both had great shooting nights. In Game 2, Chicago limited Johnson to 16 points and Crawford was held to 11 points on 2 of 10 shooting on their way to an easy 13 point win. Although good shooters like Johnson and Crawford may catch fire again, a concerted Bulls' effort to contest shots will swing the odds in the Bulls' favor.
Key #3	Establish an Inside Presence. Although Chicago has had an edge in Points in the Paint in both games, the Bulls must continue to work to establish their inside game. In Chicago's Game 2 win, Chicago seemed to work to establish Boozer inside, however with injuries continuing to hamper his lift, he had several shots blocked. Chicago should not go away from trying to establish their presence inside.

Stay tuned to see the Chicago Bulls wrestle back a win or two in Atlanta.

Chicago Bulls vs. Atlanta Hawks Series Preview: No Other Player In The Series Is In The Same Class As Derrick Rose

CHICAGO, IL. Like it was for Jameer Nelson, this second round match-up between the Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks came as a little bit of a surprise.

They could have been teammates after last summer, but now, DRose and Joe Johnson look to close each other out of this year's playoffs.

Following Derrick Rose's brilliant 39 point performance in Orlando on April 10th where Rose prevented Jameer Nelson from getting his potentially game-tying three point shot off in time, Nelson told Rose during Rose's post game interview, "See you in the Second Round."

Nelson unfortunately forgot to RSVP in time, so it will be the Atlanta Hawks, who the Orlando Magic overlooked, that will be dancing with the Bulls in Round 2.

The Bulls should not make the mistake of overlooking the Hawks, as well.

The knock against the Hawks in the past has been their focus, their commitment, and their lack of discipline. However, they are a talented team that has played together for several playoff campaigns, and they are clearly playing hard for their first year coach, Larry Drew.

Drew has already won his first playoff series as an NBA rookie head coach, a huge upset of the Orlando Magic in the first round. It is clear that there is a culture shift in the Atlanta Hawks locker room, and following the emotional series win, expect the Hawks to be a confident bunch.

The Hawks have a lot of talent on their roster, but no one in the same class as Derrick Rose, the NBA MVP leader.

Meanwhile, the Chicago Bulls played tight in their opening round series against the Indiana Pacers. Several close games ensued against a physical Pacers team, including a loss in a game that NBA MVP leader Derrick Rose sprained his ankle and was mostly limited in his effectiveness.

Chicago broke out in Game 5 at home with a blowout victory to finally oust the Pacers. The Bulls finally played loose and free, and it may be something that the team can carry over to the next round.

After eliminating Indiana nearly a week ago, the Chicago Bulls are well rested. The effects of Derrick Rose's Game 4 ankle sprain were already minimal by Game 5, so no lingering effects are expected.

When he is healthy, Derrick Rose has been unstoppable. There is no other player in this series that can match him. Johnson has proven to be a good closer for Atlanta, but he is not in the same class as Rose and what he has done this season. If you saw what Derrick Rose did in the 3rd quarter of Game 5 against Indiana, you know everything you need to know about Derrick Rose. He is in a class by himself.

Here is how we break down the match-ups in the 2011 NBA PLAYOFFS, SECOND ROUND SERIES between THE CHICAGO BULLS vs. THE ATLANTA HAWKS

CHICAGO BULLS (62-20)	ATLANTA HAWKS (44-38)
STARTERS (Playoff Stats)	STARTERS (Playoff Stats)
PG     ROSE PPG:   27.6 RPG:   4.6 APG:   6.2 Derrick Rose has not been informed that he will be named the NBA's Most Valuable Player, however no one familiar with the NBA needs an award to know that Rose has been the best player in the world this season. Indiana did not have any player on his level, and neither does Atlanta. Advantage: Chicago	PG     HINRICH PPG:   10.2 RPG:   2.3 APG:   2.7 How much will Hinrich's "significant" right hamstring strain affect his play and availability for Atlanta? Will it even matter? Hinrich may be Atlanta's best chance of containing Rose, but no on has been able to stop Rose all year, and a less than 100% Hinrich won't stand a chance.
SG     BOGANS PPG:   5.4 RPG:   1.8 APG:   0.6 The Bulls' defensive specialist has been asked to guard some of the most talented players in the league. With Atlanta's Joe Johnson this round and the Celtics or the Heat to come in the next round, Bogans will certainly earn his paycheck if the Bulls make a deep playoff run.	SG     J. JOHNSON PPG:   18.0 RPG:   6.5 APG:   3.5 In another universe, Johnson would be DRose's running buddy and the Chicago Bulls' starting Shooting Guard, but the mammoth contract Atlanta gave to Johnson convinced him to stay in the ATL. He will duel DRose in the 4th quarter if Atlanta can keep the games close. Advantage: Atlanta
SF     DENG PPG:   18.6 RPG:   6.2 APG:   3.6 Deng has had the confidence of Coach Tom Thibodeau all season, and he was solid and steady in every big game so far. Deng will be outmatched athletically by J. Smoove, but he seems to always be able to get the job done. TIE	SF     J. SMITH PPG:   14.3 RPG:   8.2 APG:   2.3 Josh Smith is an athletic freak, a stat machine, and an amazing shot blocker. He does it all, but what has always been questioned about him and the Hawks as a team is their discipline and their heart. TIE
PF     BOOZER PPG:   10.0 RPG:   10.2 APG:   1.6 Boozer struggled to look comfortable in the Bulls first round series against the Pacers, and although the Bulls advanced easily, the Bulls need Boozer to be productive to be considered truely champion-pedigree.	PF     HORFORD PPG:   12.0 RPG:   10.2 APG:   3.7 Atlanta's only victory over the Bulls during the regular season was catalyzed by Horford's 31 points, 16 rebound performance on March 2nd. He is an explosive young player that the Bulls must game plan for. Advantage: Atlanta
C     NOAH PPG:   12.0 RPG:   10.6 APG:   1.8 Game 5 of the the Pacers series was Noah's playoff coming out party. Bulls fans saw him playing with passion, and whatever his role was in the ejection of Josh McRoberts of Indiana was masterful. Chicago will easily advance to the Eastern Conference Finals if Noah returns to his top form. Advantage: Chicago	C     COLLINS PPG:   1.3 RPG:   1.8 APG:   0.2 His ability to play Dwight Howard straight up in the first round was the key to the Hawks beating Orlando, but can Collins contain the Turkish Hammer, Omer Asik? All kidding aside, the Bulls don't have a dominating frontcourt force like Howard, yet.
BENCH The Bulls bench is one of the deepest and longest in the NBA. Gibson, Asik, Watson, and Brewer have all been extremely productive for Chicago. Kurt Thomas may be asked to start for an ailing Boozer. But the main guy off the bench in the playoffs has been Korver. He has been on automatic, shooting 58.8% from 3-point range; the Bulls will continue to feed him for clutch threes as defenses key on trying to stop Rose. Advantage: Chicago	BENCH Former Chicago Bull, Jamal Crawford, is a former 6th Man of the Year, and he was one of the most consistent players for Atlanta in their first round dispatching of Orlando. With what seems to be a rather serious injury to Kirk Hinrich, Crawford may be inserted into the starting lineup. However, the rest of the Hawks bench is inconsistant and unlikely to be a factor.
OVERALL Advantage: Chicago	OVERALL
CHICAGO BULLS Team Stats:	ATLANTA HAWKS Team Stats:
Points Per Game:     98.6 (20th in NBA)	Points Per Game:     95.0 (26th in NBA)
Rebounds Per Game:     44.2 (2nd in NBA)	Rebounds Per Game:     39.3 (28th in NBA)
Assists Per Game:     22.3 (9th in NBA)	Assists Per Game:     22.0 (12th in NBA)
Points Allowed Per Game:     91.3 (2nd in NBA)	Points Allowed Per Game:     95.8 (9th in NBA)

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Give your predictions for the Chicago Bulls vs. Atlanta Hawks Second Round Series:

Derrick Rose Scores 34 Points To Carry The Bulls At Home Against The Atlanta Hawks

CHICAGO, IL. Through halftime, it looked like it would be another nail-biter against an Atlanta Hawks team that had won the last meeting between these two team in Atlanta, but a 24 - 10 third quarter changed the complexion of the game behind 18 points from the Chicago Bulls' NBA MVP leader Derrick Rose.

Here are some game highlights:


In recent days, following the what is being called "The Crying Game", Chicago's comeback win against the Miami Heat on March 6th after which there were accounts of Heat players crying over the loss, the Bulls have gone from dark horse contender to virtual front-runner.

Derrick Rose and the Bulls, in their usual humble tone, haven't bought into the new hype. Their manner is still one of taking care of business, and with games against the Miami Heat in the rear view mirror (the Bulls swept the regular season series), the Bulls' new order of business is chasing down the Boston Celtics for the best record and home court advantage in the East.

Tonight's game against the Atlanta Hawks were another test. Against their talent and playoff experience, Derrick Rose, after getting off to a slow start, was "assertive" in the third quarter to the tune of 18 points.

DRose was unstoppable in the 3rd quarter, putting up 18 points in the period on fearless drives to the basket

Combined with a great defensive team effort, the Bulls held the Hawks to 10 points in the quarter and built a 12 point lead going into the fourth quarter. They cruised to an easy 94 - 76 victory.

In the fourth quarter garbage time, you can really see the team comradery that the Chicago Bulls have developed between their players. The starters on the bench stood and cheered the efforts of the bench players that rarely see NBA game minutes.

They celebrated three point baskets from Brian Scalabrine and free agent signing, Rasual Butler, who was making his debut in a Bulls uniform, to the delight of the United Center home crowd, which included Scottie Pippen and Horace Grant, two key contibuters to the 1991-93 Chicago Bulls NBA Championship teams who will be honored on Saturday.

Combined with a Boston loss to the Philadelphia 76ers tonight, the Chicago Bulls are now only a half game behind Boston for home court in the Eastern Conference.