Chicago Bulls 105 vs. New York Knicks 100
December 9th, 2008 by Andrew WamboldtThe Chicago Bulls defeated the New York Knicks 105 to 100 at the United Center tonight. This was Vinny Del Negro’s first game against his former co-worker, Mike D’Antoni.
The game was close most of the way, with the Knicks leading the Bulls late in the fourth. With the game tied 97 to 97 Larry Hughes sank a three point shot to give the Bulls a 100 to 97 lead. Larry Hughes than got a key offensive rebound the next time down the court. The Bulls called a timeout, and Hughes got it to Gooden who was fouled. Gooden sank 2 free throws to give the Bulls a 5 point lead and clinch the game.
The two former Cavaliers were instrumental in this win. Larry Hughes had 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 steals, but reverted to some of his old poor shot selection habits. Hughes was key down the stretch of the game, grabbing big rebounds and hitting big shots. Drew Gooden finished with 22 points and 16 rebounds, chewing up New York’s weak interior defense.
Former Bull Chris Duhon was great tonight, scoring 15 points and 14 assists. Duhon had 9 rebounds and was a rebound short of the triple double. Duhon managed the Knicks offense well and penetrated at will. Duhon also frustrated Gordon when Duhon guarded him.
Ben Gordon had a cold shooting tonight. Gordon finished with 17 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals, but shot 6 of 18. It is an obligation to say this. Ben Gordon has been great with his midrange game this year. He has been good driving the ball, he has passed well, and played great defense. But Ben Gordon is missing too many of his three point shots. Ben Gordon absolutely needs to get his act together from behind the three point line. Ben Gordon is playing really good right now, but his three point shot is what makes him a very deadly player.
Derrick Rose just had a solid game tonight, scoring 15 points and 7 assists. His defense on Duhon wasn’t particularly good for most of the game, but he stepped it up in the fourth quarter, forcing Duhon to miss on some layup attempts.
Luol Deng had another solid game, finishing with 16 points and 8 rebounds. It is nice to see Deng being productive when on the court.
Quentin Richardson had 22 points for the Knicks. Joakim Noah finished the game with 4 blocks.
Tyrus Thomas received a DNP - Coach’s Decision.
Al Harrington was the Knick’s best player tonight, finishing with 28 points. The Bulls interior defense was as usual, non-existent. What was really frustrating was seeing D’Antoni force the Bulls to switch at will. Al Harrington was able to frequently take advantage of Ben Gordon and Derrick Rose in the low post.
The vice president elect, Joe Biden, was in attendance for the game. He watched the game with David Axelrod and Steve Schanwald, who delivered the Bulls the number one pick in the 2008 NBA Draft Lottery.
Late in the game, Stacey King accused Neil Funk of not being able to properly see and accused Funk of seeing things. This is consistent with a complaint from Bulls fans that Neil Funk constantly calls the game wrong, mistaking players for other players.
With the win, the Bulls improve their record to 10-11. The Bulls are currently occupying the 8th seed in the East and are 1 1/2 games behind Detroit for the 7th seed.
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Tags: Al Harrington, Ben Gordon, Chicago Bulls, Chris Duhon, David Axelrod, DNP - Coach's Decision, Drew Gooden, Joakim Noah, Joe Biden, Larry Hughes, Mike D'Antoni, Neil Funk, New York Knicks, Quentin Richardson, Stacey King, Steve Schanwald, Tyrus Player, United Center, vice president, Vinny Del Negro
