Blogs.Bulls.com

A tough night at the office for the Bulls as they shot just 30% from the floor and lost here in Boston 96-80.

The Bulls never got in groove and they played catch up all night long. Starting forwards Luol Deng and Tyrus Thomas went a combined 4 for 27. The Bulls bench, effective on Tuesday against the Bucks, drained only 9 of 29 field goals.

Even in defeat one looks for bright spots….Derrick Rose tallied 18 points. Aaron Gray pulled down 6 rebounds and blocked 3 shots. Joakim Noah collected 13 rebounds -4 on the offensive glass.

Miami destroyed the Kings by 26… Michael Beasley with a 17 and 9.

The Nuggets played without Melo (suspended)-but had enough to beat the Clippers despite Al Thorton’s 30 points.

 The Bulls host Memphis tonight –pre game coverage on the Bulls radio network at 7PM..Bill and I with the call at 730. Comcast Chicago with the TV coverage with Nel, Stacey and Johnny as well. Memphis rallied to beat the Magic last night as rookie O.J. Mayo scored 17 . It should be a terrific night at the United Center watching Rose and Mayo go at it. Rudy Gay is an offensive threat every time he touches the ball. He took twenty six field goal attempts last night and that doesn’t include the 8 trips to the foul line. His 18 footer at the buzzer won it for the Grizz last night over Orlando.

Darrell Arthur has recorded back to back double rebounding games…not bad for a rookie. With road games in Orlando and Cleveland on the horizon the Bulls need to get this one tonight./ A key addition to the Memphis coaching staff was the off season hiring of assistant coach Kevin O’Neill who is regarded as a defensive genius.

Other quick hits…

The Knicks got blown out as Elton Brand (24pts-14 reb) and the 76ers won in Philly. Once again, no Stephon Marbury-no Eddy Curry. My man David Lee with a double-double for NY Not a bad line for Andre Miller-20 points 8 assists 7 rebounds.

Chris Bosh with another big game…Andrea Bargnani off the bench tossed in 17 as the Raps beat GST in OT.

The Blazers edged the Spurs as Brandon Roy came up big. Martell Webster inked a four year extension worth 20 million. I like his game.

Indiana resigned Danny Granger to a five year-60 million dollar deal. Did they over pay? Probably but they had to lock him up. He is Indiana’s best all around player. They simply couldn’t afford to lose him on or off the court.

Got to go……it’s almost 3AM..just back from Boston.

Always a pleasure!

Chuck Swirsky