GT: Spurs vs. Bulls

[Nolan]

When: 8:00 PM ET, February 17, 2011
Where: United Center, Chicago, IL



VS



Starting Lineups:

Spurs:
PG - Tony Parker
SG - Manu Ginobli
SF - Richard Jefferson
PF - Tim Duncan
C - Dejuan Blair

Bulls:
PG - Derrick Rose
SG - Keith Bogans
SF - Luol Deng
PF - Carlos Boozer
C - Kurt Thomas

It the last game of the rodeo road trip so lets end it with a big win over the Bulls. The Bulls are going to be a tough opponent; they play amazing defense and they have one of the most dynamic players in the league in Derrick Rose. And if we want to be beat them we have to contain Rose. To do that TP and Hill are going to have to do their best at staying in front of him and we can't let him get into the paint or out in transition.

Go Spurs!!

[Donald Kaufman]

Got this one down as a loss. Still, 6-3 on the road trip is pretty good.

[co_laper]

Same here. I expect this to be a loss.

[TheAdmiral]

Don't be so sure, fellas. The Bulls generally don't play well on national tv. Though I must say we do have great record at home.

Anyway, good luck. Hope it's going to be a good game.

[Donald Kaufman]

This Spurs fan approves of your user name.

I think the Bulls could come out of the east. Call me crazy.

I just don't think we match up well with these Bulls. I've like to be proven wrong.

[TheAdmiral]

This Spurs fan approves of your user name.

Great.

I think the Bulls could come out of the east. Call me crazy.

Well, obviously no one knows what will happen, but the Bulls need to improve on the offensive end to become a more well-rounded balanced team, instead of 'just' being an elite defensive team. We haven't seen a healthy Bulls team all year long, so no one really knows how good this team can be. Noah will be returning soon, so I'm definitely looking forward to that, but we still need a better player at the two. Thibs continues to start Bogans while it's clear that he's a mediocre defender and doesn't help the Bulls' spacing at all (though he has hit 8 of his 11 last 3PA). Most Bulls fans prefer Brewer to start, but Thibs doesn't like playing 'one-dimensional' players(Brewer & Korver vs Bogans) a lot of minutes.

Bogans just isn't going to cut it come playoff time. Rose really needs a better backcourt partner for the Bulls to be able to make a deep playoffs run. Rose will constantly get trapped, and without having a secondary ball handler who can create offense for himself and others, the Bulls will struggle mightily to win in the post-season, especially against elite defensive teams.

[Donald Kaufman]

Well we Spurs fans know what Bogans can, and more importantly can't do. We learned that first hand. I was never impressed by his D, and that's what he built his rep on. He provides nothing on offense.

Why isn't Thibs starting Brewer? Is he that fixated on dudes with defensive reps?

[TheAdmiral]

Thibs likes the 'toughness' Bogans brings to his team and supposedly likes Brewer's energy off the bench.

[Donald Kaufman]

I like toughness too; I prefer productivity.

[LyMinh]

Can I still call them the Baby Bulls?

[Magz50]

Spurs won't win this one. Pop will rest starters going into ASG to give them that extra rest. Rose will have a field day too. Ah well, can't win em all!

[TheAdmiral]

I like toughness too; I prefer productivity.

You're a smart man.

[MC dhaos]

Can I still call them the Baby Bulls?

Nope!

[anorexorcism]

Surprised to see so much pessimism from you spurs fans. I would think being the BEST TEAM IN THE LEAGUE you guys would expect to win this one. Seems like the team's humility spreads to its fans.

Anyways, I hope we win, but unlike many other teams we have played I won't be upset if we lose or even get blown out. I've always respected the Spurs franchise and I'm thrilled for the fans and the season you are having, particularly because I hate the Lakers AND I hate the Heat. Also, since Bruce Bowen left I have been able to enjoy your team a lot more. Lol. Sue me, I thought he was a dirty player...

[Frankie23]

I like toughness too; I prefer productivity.

You're a smart man.

Well, we all are going to chose a guy like Manu against Bogans. But if you don't have it..

Maybe (and i mean MAYBE) Bogans toughness makes other teammates more tougher so they are a better overall team. You need a bench and if you put all the scoring guys as starters, what would happen when they rest?

It's clear that Bulls need a better SG, but they are still an amazing team by now.
What a great game coming. I will definitly enjoy it no matter the score.

GO Spurs GO!!

[BrooklynBulls]

Please stop shooting like that. Thank you.

[BrooklynBulls]

So far, the Spurs haven't adjusted defensively at all. Not what I've managed to see, anyway. Looks like they're saving that for the 4th.

[Frankie23]

Parker's defense has been awfull. And i'm not asking him to stop Rose, but his pick 'n' roll D was terrible. George Hill plays better D, but he is just not smart on offense; he can shoot, but not that kind of smart player.

Our bigs sucked tonight (Duncan not included). Too bad not having Splitter..

[BrooklynBulls]

I think you came up against a Bulls team (and a dude named Rose) that just wouldn't lose tonight. You didn't even play badly. You're a team that gets and makes open shots with stunning regularity. And I don't know what Parker's supposed to do with Rose. There's just no chance there. Parker gave it almost as good as he got it. The difference is Rose just hit a new level of ridiculous tonight, and eventually, our defensive length bothered you inside.

[inquisitive]

Spurs aren't sweatin it. The Bulls had to play almost a perfect game to beat the Spurs and they pretty much did.