So the Bulls Were Down by 21 Entering the 4th...
By Benjy Lipsman in News on Nov 3, 2005 4:36PM
...And on top of that deficit, Kirk Hinrich left the game late in the 3rd with an ankle sprain. Many in attendance fled the United Center, but those who stayed got quite a show. The Bulls rallied to tie the game, then won109-105 against the Charlotte Bobcats in overtime!
Chris Duhon played the game of his career -- recording a triple-double with 18 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists. For the first 3 quarters, he was about the only Bulls player who looked good. The rest seemed lost as the team quickly fell behind by double digits. They were down by 19 at the half, and even Chicagoist admits we began flipping channels to see what else was on. Fortunately, we happened to go into the bedroom for something and the game was still on the TV in there. Were they really only down 6? Damn! We saw new Bull Darius Songaila knock down a shot to cut the lead to 4, then saw the two big 3's by Duhon and Songaila to tie the game with 5 seconds to go. We feared a devestating buzzer beater to end the game, but the Bulls held on for OT. The Bulls pretty much controlled the extra period, winning by 4.
So how did last night's game change your views on the Bulls prospects for this year? Chicagoist was pretty concerned when we saw them look so pitiful against the expansion Bobcats, who won only 18 games in their first season. But the 4th quarter showed that the Bulls have that never say die attitude that carried them much of last season. The lack of size concerns us -- small ball works for the Sox, but can it for the Bulls? While Chandler is a 7 footer, he's a beanpole. We need some bruisers down low. Sweetney's got the body for that, but needs to show he can take advantage. And Ben Gordon needs to pass more when his shot's not dropping -- we don't need 4-18 shooting nights. But we think a team that's fundamentally sound and plays with a big heart can overcome a lot. We're still feeling like this is a 45 win team. Of course, some of that depends on Hinrich's ankle situation. Was the a day-to-day injury or might he be headed to the Injured List?