Tonight's Game: Orlando Magic at Chicago Bulls
by Evan Dunlap on Feb 24, 2009 8:12 PM EST
in 2008/2009 Previews
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PrintOrlando Magic at Chicago Bulls, Feb 24, 2009 8:00 PM EST
| 2008/2009 NBA Regular Season | ||
|---|---|---|
 |
@ |  |
| 41-14 | 25-31 | |
| February 24th, 2009 | ||
| United Center | ||
| 8:00 PM | ||
| FSN Florida HD | ||
| Probable starters: | ||
| Rafer Alston | PG | Derrick Rose |
| Courtney Lee | SG | Ben Gordon |
| Hedo Turkoglu | SF | Luol Deng |
| Rashard Lewis | PF | Tyrus Thomas |
| Dwight Howard | C | Joakim Noah |
| Previous Meetings: | ||
| November 3rd: Magic 96, Bulls 93 | ||
| December 31st: Magic 113, Bulls 94 | ||
The Chicago Bulls team the Orlando Magic will face tonight is likely better than the iteration they played earlier this season. At the trading deadline, GM John Paxson was able to swing a deal for center Brad Miller and swingman John Salmons. He was under pressure to do something after reportedly passing on Kevin Garnett and Pau Gasol in consecutive years.
So while Miller gives the Bulls a credible inside presence and Salmons is an improvement over Andres Nocioni, whom they jettisoned in the trade, there's still a glaring weakness in the Bulls organization. That's the head coach. Vinny Del Negro was awesome, relatively speaking, in NBA Live 97 for Sega Genesis, but he does not appear to be head coaching material, especially not for a relatively young team that needs some discipline. And no, fining players for eating in the locker room does not count as "discipline." Additionally, the crack team at The Blowtorch found Del Negro's playbook. It leaves a lot to be desired.
The Bulls, for all their faults, are one of the league's better teams in effective field goal percentage defense. It comes at a cost, though. Perhaps due to their frenzied close-outs, they commit a ton of fouls. Playing Joakim Noah and Aaron Gray heavy minutes at center can do that to a team. They also don't rebound well. If the Magic have an off shooting night, the game could be close. On balance, though, the Magic shouldn't have much trouble dispatching the Bulls. Rashard Lewis and Dwight Howard are just too much. Then again, Derrick Rose is pretty darn quick, Ben Gordon can get buckets in a hurry, and Luol Deng always gives Hedo Turkoglu fits.
Tip's at 8. Go Magic.
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I love the Vinny Del Negro NBA Live 97 reference
I just wished Tom Chambers would go into coaching. In Sega Genesis’ Bulls vs. Lakers game, Chambers was unstoppable with his signature double pump slam dunk from the top corner of the free throw line.
Even though the Hippopotamus lacks a stinger for a tail, a truly wise man would rather be sat on by a bee. ~ Banacek
Hilarious preview Ben.
You get kudos from me for the NBA Live 97 reference. Well done.
As for the game, Magic should come through the Windy City and leave with a victory. Basketball-Reference gives Orlando a 67% chance of winning the game tonight. Good odds, if you ask me.
I’ll be at the game, rooting the troops on!
Former Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website
I bomb atomically/Socrates' philosophies and hypothesis can't define how I be droppin these/mockeries, lyrically perform armed robbery - Inspectah Deck
True, but I think those odds fell dramatically once Nelson's injury hit.
That’s a tough call.
Former Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website
I bomb atomically/Socrates' philosophies and hypothesis can't define how I be droppin these/mockeries, lyrically perform armed robbery - Inspectah Deck
Bulls Lineup
Is very respectable. I hope Derrick Rose ablility to drive doesn’t get Raf in early foul trouble. I say let him shoot.
"No matter where you go, you are what you are playa"-Jay Z
I love D. Rose's game .. dude is a beast. He's going to be a special player.
Former Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website
I bomb atomically/Socrates' philosophies and hypothesis can't define how I be droppin these/mockeries, lyrically perform armed robbery - Inspectah Deck
Magic are 2 point favorites tonight
The Bulls will be much more competitive than when they last played the Magic on New Year’s Eve, when the Bulls’ fans booed the team off the court at halftime and after the game was over.
The Bulls have lost several games this year in the closing seconds. That’s an indictment on the coaching staff right there.
The Bulls have their best roster of the year right now, after the trades made by Paxson last week, especially with the addition of Salmons and Miller. We’ll see if Vinny Del Negro can have better success now. The Bulls are right there for the eighth and final playoff spot in the East.
I expect the Bulls to come out strong tonight, as they laid an egg Sunday against the Pacers, who were without Danny Granger and Mike Dunleavy. The Magic should be able to withstand anything the Bulls can do, though, and come out with the victory tonight.
by Mike from Illinois on Feb 24, 2009 3:20 PM EST reply actions
Aright folks, I'm off to the House That Jordan Built so I can catch the pre-game festivities.
Enjoy the game everyone.
Former Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website
I bomb atomically/Socrates' philosophies and hypothesis can't define how I be droppin these/mockeries, lyrically perform armed robbery - Inspectah Deck
Should be a fun game to watch
Looking forward to reading your observations later after the game’s over.
by Mike from Illinois on Feb 24, 2009 6:16 PM EST up reply actions
Happy Fat Tuesday's all
This game is nationally televised on WGN, corect? May have to get sloppy at the bar while I watch Dwight Howard slowly push Brad Miller towards retirment.
Marbury
Getting a buy-out.. Headed to Boston?
"No matter where you go, you are what you are playa"-Jay Z
where did you hear that?
You read it! You can't unread it!
by TheGiantSquid on Feb 24, 2009 7:48 PM EST up reply actions
It happened today
The Knicks and Marbury reached agreement on a buy-out.
He may wind up on the Celtics, who knows.
by Mike from Illinois on Feb 24, 2009 8:06 PM EST up reply actions
yeah, I went to SI.com and read the link they had there
what is he supposed to bring to the Celtics?
You read it! You can't unread it!
by TheGiantSquid on Feb 24, 2009 8:10 PM EST up reply actions
lol, I meant what *good* he's supposed to bring
You read it! You can't unread it!
by TheGiantSquid on Feb 24, 2009 8:11 PM EST up reply actions
Maybe they're hoping he could be "Starbury"
by Mike from Illinois on Feb 24, 2009 8:12 PM EST up reply actions
lol, no
You read it! You can't unread it!
by TheGiantSquid on Feb 24, 2009 8:13 PM EST up reply actions
I wonder if Del Negro will try to scream into Rashard's ear when he shoots a 3 pointer by the Bulls' bench
Vinny is known to do that from time to time.
Even though the Hippopotamus lacks a stinger for a tail, a truly wise man would rather be sat on by a bee. ~ Banacek
Well, if it became a choice between the NBA Live reference or this one . . .
You made the right choice.
Even though the Hippopotamus lacks a stinger for a tail, a truly wise man would rather be sat on by a bee. ~ Banacek
Yes, he's very low key
Don’t let that fool you… he is an intense competitor.
by Mike from Illinois on Feb 24, 2009 8:13 PM EST up reply actions
haha, oh I can see that
You read it! You can't unread it!
by TheGiantSquid on Feb 24, 2009 8:14 PM EST up reply actions
omg you can really see Hedo's mohawk before the game
and before all the sweat flattens it out.
…ew :-/
You read it! You can't unread it!
He wears it to intimidate the opposing player
Turk knows psychology.
Even though the Hippopotamus lacks a stinger for a tail, a truly wise man would rather be sat on by a bee. ~ Banacek
so it's going to be a no-defense night, I see
also, where did everybody go? :(
You read it! You can't unread it!
erivera isn't here . . .
If he did a statistical analysis and rated himself, he would have a PER rating of 35.6 of the message board.
Even though the Hippopotamus lacks a stinger for a tail, a truly wise man would rather be sat on by a bee. ~ Banacek
by funny80sguy on Feb 24, 2009 8:20 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Where we would be a solid, but unspectacular, 15.3
Even though the Hippopotamus lacks a stinger for a tail, a truly wise man would rather be sat on by a bee. ~ Banacek
by funny80sguy on Feb 24, 2009 8:20 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
HaHa
erivera does know his stuff, though.
by Mike from Illinois on Feb 24, 2009 8:21 PM EST up reply actions
No doubt.
Even though the Hippopotamus lacks a stinger for a tail, a truly wise man would rather be sat on by a bee. ~ Banacek
LMAO.
I’m flattered at you’re (funny80sguy) comment about “my PER rating”. Hilarious.
If I could recommend your comment more than once, I’d recommend it 100x.
Former Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website
I bomb atomically/Socrates' philosophies and hypothesis can't define how I be droppin these/mockeries, lyrically perform armed robbery - Inspectah Deck
This is looking ugly.
Even though the Hippopotamus lacks a stinger for a tail, a truly wise man would rather be sat on by a bee. ~ Banacek
Bulls 8 of 9 shooting to start the game
by Mike from Illinois on Feb 24, 2009 8:18 PM EST reply actions
They have
Bulls are 1 of their last 5.
by Mike from Illinois on Feb 24, 2009 8:24 PM EST up reply actions
Bulls' announcers...
“Lewis’s arms are probably getting tired from taking so many threes.”
He’s 3 of 5 from long range so far.
by Mike from Illinois on Feb 24, 2009 8:29 PM EST reply actions
Howard and Lewis have 21 of the Magic's 23 points
by Mike from Illinois on Feb 24, 2009 8:30 PM EST reply actions
time to ride D-Howard
He is MVP candidate time for him to dominate..
"No matter where you go, you are what you are playa"-Jay Z
30-27 Bulls after one
Gordon with 10 to lead the Bulls, D12 with 13 to lead the Magic.
by Mike from Illinois on Feb 24, 2009 8:38 PM EST reply actions
Well how about a AJ/Redick/Turk/Battie/Gortat one instead?
Even though the Hippopotamus lacks a stinger for a tail, a truly wise man would rather be sat on by a bee. ~ Banacek
Is that Gortat's first alley oop of the season?
Even though the Hippopotamus lacks a stinger for a tail, a truly wise man would rather be sat on by a bee. ~ Banacek
Bulls outshooting the Magic 52 pct to 41 pct
When the Magic regain their shooting eye, I think they’ll be alright.
Bulls are cooling off, hitting only 8 of their last 23
by Mike from Illinois on Feb 24, 2009 8:45 PM EST reply actions
Wow
Those Bulls announcers are just killing Redick with criticisms.
Even though the Hippopotamus lacks a stinger for a tail, a truly wise man would rather be sat on by a bee. ~ Banacek
22 of 38 for 57.9 pct
Magic 17 of 38 for 44.7 pct
by Mike from Illinois on Feb 24, 2009 8:51 PM EST up reply actions
Miller doing serious damage to the Magic
5 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists off the bench
by Mike from Illinois on Feb 24, 2009 8:57 PM EST reply actions
That was not offensive goaltending
replay clearly showed it was good.
by Mike from Illinois on Feb 24, 2009 8:57 PM EST reply actions
61.9% FG for the bulls
We need to change that.
"No matter where you go, you are what you are playa"-Jay Z
Balanced scoring for the Bulls
Five players with at least 7 points.
by Mike from Illinois on Feb 24, 2009 9:06 PM EST reply actions
Lee's last second three gets the Magic to within 63-54 at the half
by Mike from Illinois on Feb 24, 2009 9:07 PM EST reply actions
It was a long two. Ordinarily I'd be pissed, but he didn't have time to get behind the line. Beat the buzzer by 0.2 seconds.
Magic lucky to only be down 9.
Bulls outshooting the Magic 59 pct to 47 pct
Bulls are also outrebounding the Magic 22-20 and have a good 15/6 assist/turnover ratio, compared to 10/8 for the magic.
by Mike from Illinois on Feb 24, 2009 9:10 PM EST reply actions
D12 with 16 to lead the Magic
Lewis had 10 quick points in the first quarter, but none since.
by Mike from Illinois on Feb 24, 2009 9:14 PM EST reply actions
Gordon and Deng with 10 each to lead the Bulls
Rose, Noah, and Tim Thomas each have 8.
Good balanced scoring from the Bulls.
by Mike from Illinois on Feb 24, 2009 9:17 PM EST reply actions
I watched the first half while working out...
so is it me or have the Bulls made every shot they’ve attempted?
Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Rafer Alston
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Feb 24, 2009 9:25 PM EST reply actions
They're shooting great, aren't they?
60 pct now.
by Mike from Illinois on Feb 24, 2009 9:26 PM EST up reply actions
This is like the tale of two teams..
where is the team that smoked Miami? We’re getting destroyed by Joakim Noah and other role/bench players.
Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Rafer Alston
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Feb 24, 2009 9:27 PM EST reply actions
Bulls bench is doing great
Brad Miller has 7 pts, 4 boards, and 4 assists off the bench; Tim Thomas has 8 points off their bench.
by Mike from Illinois on Feb 24, 2009 9:28 PM EST up reply actions
We need Lewis, Turk, CLee, and Alston to start stepping up
Louis hasn’t scored since the first quarter.
by Mike from Illinois on Feb 24, 2009 9:29 PM EST reply actions
Let's cut this to 5 going into the 4th...
Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Rafer Alston
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Feb 24, 2009 9:30 PM EST reply actions
How does 'Shard not make a 3 foot hook?
Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Rafer Alston
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Feb 24, 2009 9:31 PM EST reply actions
Is Ben Gordan playing middle linebacker for the Bears?
Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Rafer Alston
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Feb 24, 2009 9:32 PM EST reply actions
Ben Urlacher?
Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Rafer Alston
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Feb 24, 2009 9:33 PM EST up reply actions
We really can't break this 7-9pt resistance.
Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Rafer Alston
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Feb 24, 2009 9:34 PM EST reply actions
You're 1-0 so far tonight
You had the Cavs -13 over Memphis, Cavs won by 15.
Orlando -2 over the Bulls is in jeopardy, though.
by Mike from Illinois on Feb 24, 2009 9:36 PM EST up reply actions
Magic aren't winning this game.
Bulls don’t miss a shot, if they do Joakim Noah or Tyrus Thomas out rebounds Dwight Howard adn then they make the next shot.
Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Rafer Alston
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Feb 24, 2009 9:38 PM EST up reply actions
Just as I was going to say, 'shard where has that been all season?
he can’t throw it down. Gross.
Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Rafer Alston
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Feb 24, 2009 9:39 PM EST reply actions
Alston clearly struggling tonight
2 of 9 from the field with a 4/3 assist/turnover ratio.
by Mike from Illinois on Feb 24, 2009 9:41 PM EST reply actions
Hopefully SVG realizes that the experiment to rest the starters
for all but 1:30 in the 2nd quarter isn’t a very smart move. I haven’t seen him do that before, usually he’s bringing them in slowly around the 6-5 minute mark.
Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Rafer Alston
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Feb 24, 2009 9:41 PM EST reply actions
The Magic bench actually didn't do that bad
The Bulls’ bench is playing out of their minds, though.
by Mike from Illinois on Feb 24, 2009 9:42 PM EST up reply actions
Still can't break the 7-9 point resistance...
6 minutes ongoing…
Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Rafer Alston
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Feb 24, 2009 9:42 PM EST reply actions
and it continues with a jumper by salmons
Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Rafer Alston
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Feb 24, 2009 9:42 PM EST up reply actions
does John Salmons
have a salmon shaved in the back of his head? Look towards the base of his hairline, where it meets his neck.
Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Rafer Alston
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Feb 24, 2009 9:43 PM EST up reply actions
Wow, finally a 3pointer made.
AJ out rebounding Dwight.
Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Rafer Alston
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Feb 24, 2009 9:45 PM EST reply actions
pathetic defensive rebounding
SVG beside himself.
And somehow it’s a 3 point game? Wow.
Resistance broken.
Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Rafer Alston
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Feb 24, 2009 9:45 PM EST reply actions
No Neck with the three
Magic within three
by Mike from Illinois on Feb 24, 2009 9:46 PM EST reply actions
Terrible shot selection by courtney, but it works!
Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Rafer Alston
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Feb 24, 2009 9:46 PM EST reply actions
CLee heating up!
6 of 7 from the field
by Mike from Illinois on Feb 24, 2009 9:46 PM EST reply actions
Wow, 1 point game. Magic ball.
Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Rafer Alston
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Feb 24, 2009 9:46 PM EST reply actions
Dwight?
Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Rafer Alston
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Feb 24, 2009 9:47 PM EST reply actions
Defense?
Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Rafer Alston
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Feb 24, 2009 9:48 PM EST reply actions
AJ really?
What a horrid sequence of 2 minutes.
Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Rafer Alston
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Feb 24, 2009 9:48 PM EST reply actions
Magic cut their deficit to one, but now it's back up to 87-82 entering the fourth
Magic still have a decent chance of pulling this one out if they can play some D
by Mike from Illinois on Feb 24, 2009 9:49 PM EST reply actions
The bulls honestly don't miss. Are they shooting 70%?
Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Rafer Alston
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Feb 24, 2009 9:53 PM EST reply actions
Every Bulls' starter is shooting at least 50 pct from the field
by Mike from Illinois on Feb 24, 2009 9:53 PM EST reply actions
This is beyond comical.
Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Rafer Alston
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Feb 24, 2009 9:54 PM EST up reply actions
What happened to the defensive specialists that are the Orlando Magic?
Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Rafer Alston
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Feb 24, 2009 9:55 PM EST reply actions
Game over.
Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Rafer Alston
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Feb 24, 2009 9:55 PM EST reply actions
99-89 Bulls with 9:16 left
It doesn’t look good for the Magic, but I’m not giving up yet. There’s still time.
by Mike from Illinois on Feb 24, 2009 9:57 PM EST reply actions
I said that through 2 quarters
“bulls won’t shoot like this in the second half, they can’t” Well they can. Think they won’t shoot 60% for the remaining 9 minutes? They can and will. The defense and rebounding is horrendous
Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Rafer Alston
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Feb 24, 2009 9:59 PM EST up reply actions
Matty that's where your wrong
They’ve shot 60% for 40 minutes, they can’t do it for 48? Please.
Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Rafer Alston
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Feb 24, 2009 9:59 PM EST reply actions
And we can't make 2-3 foot hooks. What a joke.
Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Rafer Alston
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Feb 24, 2009 10:00 PM EST reply actions
The Bulls' bench is playing great
31-24 over the Magic reserves.
by Mike from Illinois on Feb 24, 2009 10:00 PM EST reply actions
Magic are within 7... they need some defensive stops
…but Tim Thomas gets 2 FT chances.
by Mike from Illinois on Feb 24, 2009 10:02 PM EST reply actions
What the heck was that??
Talk about an unforced turnover.
by Mike from Illinois on Feb 24, 2009 10:02 PM EST reply actions
SVG's gonna kill someone.
Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Rafer Alston
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Feb 24, 2009 10:02 PM EST reply actions
LATE WHISTLE.
Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Rafer Alston
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Feb 24, 2009 10:03 PM EST reply actions
D12 with 5 fouls now
…Magic trail 105-94 with 7:14 left.
by Mike from Illinois on Feb 24, 2009 10:03 PM EST reply actions
They're frustrated. Switching to the President's speech.
Sports Picks 365
"Shoot first, ask questions last" Rafer Alston
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Feb 24, 2009 10:05 PM EST up reply actions
Looks like I'll be the only one on here now
…with the Bulls about to go up 15.
by Mike from Illinois on Feb 24, 2009 10:06 PM EST up reply actions
13 Magic turnovers
just 10 TOs for the Bulls.
by Mike from Illinois on Feb 24, 2009 10:05 PM EST reply actions
Bulls are shooting 58 pct from the field, 95 pct from the line, and are outrebounding the Magic by 6
Very impressive from the Bulls… hats off to them.
by Mike from Illinois on Feb 24, 2009 10:09 PM EST reply actions
Lewis has not scored since the first quarter
…inexcusable.
by Mike from Illinois on Feb 24, 2009 10:12 PM EST reply actions
Christ! you serious?
only just arrived here, whats been the jist of the game?
Bleeding Blue and Silver for 20 of my 23 years.
Worst loss for the Magic next to the Hornets' debacle last week
by Mike from Illinois on Feb 24, 2009 10:25 PM EST up reply actions
120-102 Bulls is your final
Magic did not play well, Bulls played fantastic, hence, the 18 point Bulls’ win.
Magic will have to regroup in time for tomorrow night’s game against NYK.
by Mike from Illinois on Feb 24, 2009 10:24 PM EST reply actions
Man, only 165 comments? Yikes.
This game was honestly an aberration. The Bulls kept running a screen & curl play ALL NIGHT and just destroyed the Magic with mid-range jumper after mid-ranger jumper from either elbow. Chicago couldn’t miss tonight ..
Just ridiculous.
SVG said it best, “Our guys didn’t try.”
They didn’t. But tip your caps to the Bulls players. They played a hell of a game.
Anyways, I have QUITE the story to tell everyone so be on the lookout for my post tomorrow highlighting my night at the United Center.
Former Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website
I bomb atomically/Socrates' philosophies and hypothesis can't define how I be droppin these/mockeries, lyrically perform armed robbery - Inspectah Deck
Yes. Who knew, right?
Bulls just kept running the same play over and over because the Magic didn’t feel like stopping it.
Former Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website
I bomb atomically/Socrates' philosophies and hypothesis can't define how I be droppin these/mockeries, lyrically perform armed robbery - Inspectah Deck
hey erivera, sorry you had to see the Magic play such a poor game
Kudos to the Bulls though… they dominated the Magic in every facet of the game and deserved the win.
It should be interesting to read your post about the game.
by Mike from Illinois on Feb 25, 2009 12:22 AM EST up reply actions
You'll go bonkers. Trust me. Like .. hah. I'm so pumped to start writing my story.
Former Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website
I bomb atomically/Socrates' philosophies and hypothesis can't define how I be droppin these/mockeries, lyrically perform armed robbery - Inspectah Deck
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