Dec 19, 2014; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Vince Carter (15) guards Chicago Bulls forward Nikola Mirotic (44) during the game at FedExForum. Chicago Bulls beat Memphis Grizzlies 103-97. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Liftoff, we have liftoff. The Toronto Raptors start their travelling show with a visit to Chicago, the first of six straight games away from the friendly confines of the Air Canada Centre. The ACC is hosting the World Junior Hockey Championships over the holidays, so both the Raps and Maple Leafs have gotten the boot. Fortunately our hoops guys will get a Christmas break, as they don’t play again until Saturday in Los Angeles.
The Bulls have won their last two games by 103-97 scores, oddly enough. Barely slipping by the Knicks might have created mild consternation among Bulls faithful, but that surely dissipated after they traveled to Memphis and defeated the white-hot Grizzlies. The Bulls roster bears a rough resemblance to that of the San Antonio Spurs, inasmuch as Chicago features a boatload of veterans like Pau Gasol, Mike Dunleavy and Joakim Noah, but are led by a youngster, Derrick Rose. The former MVP is still working his way back to the elite level following serious injuries, and the Bulls seem happy to limit his minutes while he fully recovers his skills [Update: Rose may not play due to illness]. And why not – they are winning, and have lots of weapons. Jimmy Butler has emerged this season as a two-way beast, cranking up his scoring to 21+ points Per Game while retaining the in-your-face defense which moved him from rotation afterthought to the starting lineup. Gasol is enjoying a career renaissance, and will require the full attention of any Rap who faces him. Dunleavy has hung around for 12 seasons because he can rip the strings, but I’ve always thought he’s a better defender (and passer) than recognized. The notoriously defensive-minded coach Tom Thibodeau must agree, as Dunleavy averages almost 31 minutes of playing time PG. Noah is a rara avis, a pest who’s a big man. He gives his man nothing on defense, relies on excellent timing and positioning for his rebounds, and passes extremely well. Kirk Hinrich starts at shooting guard. If I live long enough, I’ll understand why.
The Bulls’ bench is banged up, as much-vaunted rookie shooter Doug McDermott and formidable forward/centre Taj Gibson are unlikely to dress. Intriguing Euro Nikola Mirotic, a stretch-4, scored a career-high 27 against Memphis, including perfection on 6 three-ball tries. One of our Johnsons will need to get up close and personal with this fellow. Tiny guard Aaron Brooks has never shown me much, but scored 35 points in the Bulls’ latest pair of victories, so he can’t be ignored.
The Raps have all manner of motivation. Chicago defeated them in the ACC in November, and the basketball cognoscenti scorn the Raps as able to beat only the NBA’s dregs. Our guys can win if they…:
(1)…remain patient on offense. I don’t like to see the Raps use all the clock, but against this bunch, it will be the norm. Move the ball, and when you’re the open man, take the shot.
(2)…don’t bite on ball fakes. Veterans like Dunleavy will try to get their defender off the ground. Forget about blocking the shot – just make it difficult, and don’t foul.
(3)…utilize our superior depth. Even without DeMar and Landry Fields, we have more useful players than they. Roll all nine guys, coach Casey, and keep everyone fresh. The fourth quarter is ours.
We won both games at the United Centre last season, so let’s do it again. Toronto 98-Chicago 95.