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Chicago Bulls Weekly: Preparing For 1st-Round Matchup Against Washington Wizards

By James D. Tillman III

Apr 14, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Tony Snell (20) is defended by Orlando Magic center Dewayne Dedmon (3) and forward Andrew Nicholson (44) during the second half at the United Center. Chicago defeats Orlando 108-95. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 14, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Tony Snell (20) is defended by Orlando Magic center Dewayne Dedmon (3) and forward Andrew Nicholson (44) during the second half at the United Center. Chicago defeats Orlando 108-95. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Wednesday, April 16: Charlotte Bobcats, Chicago Bulls (Time Warner Cable Arena)

Apr 16, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats center Al Jefferson (25) looks to pass as he is defended by Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (13) during the second half of the game at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win in overtime 91-86. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 16, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats center Al Jefferson (25) looks to pass as he is defended by Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (13) during the second half of the game at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win in overtime 91-86. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /

This contest featured a pair of teams trying to prepare themselves for what hopes to be a memorable playoff run.

Early on, the Bulls controlled the game as they jumped out to a 33-23 lead in the second quarter while the Bobcats struggled—connecting on just eight of their first 29 attempts from the field.

But Chicago could not sustain its momentum, and Charlotte responded with a 20-6 run to take a 43-39 lead into halftime.

The teams went back-and-forth in the third quarter, but Chicago jumped back in front 60-59. Chicago’s slim lead margin was quite surprising considering they limited Charlotte to 16 points in two of the first three periods.

The fourth quarter included two crucial instances where the Bulls seized the lead, but were unable to finish off their opponent.

D.J. Augustin connected on a 3-pointer to give the Bulls a 75-70 lead with just under six minutes left in regulation, but Chris Douglas-Roberts, who had 12 points in the period, scored five consecutive points to tie the score at 75-75 with 3:30 left to play.

Kirk Hinrich nailed a triple from the left corner to put the Bulls ahead 78-75, and they maintained that margin after both teams scored on their next possessions–giving the Bulls an 80-77 lead.

However, Chicago was unable to produce any offense the rest of the way, and Charlotte connected on three of four free throws to send the game into overtime.

Unfortunately, for the Bulls, it was more of the same in the extra session.

Charlotte opened the overtime period scoring 10 of the next 11 points to take a 90-81 lead with under a minute to play.

A jumper by Joakim Noah and a 3-pointer by Augustin were the only two field goals by Chicago in the extra session as the Bobcats pulled away for their 43rd victory of the season.

As it turned out, the loss was not significant because the Toronto Raptors beat the New York Knicks–which means the Bulls would have been in the No. 4 spot regardless of the outcome of this game.

Stats of the night

  • Kemba Walker outscored the Bulls in the overtime period—pouring in eight of his game-high 22 points.
  • The Bulls defense had a difficult time defending the paint as the Bobcats outscored them 42-28 in this category.

Game MVP

The MVP from this game is a player who doesn’t get a lot of positive attention—Carlos Boozer.

Boozer scored 14 points and grabbed 11 rebounds despite playing just 24 minutes.

It’s kind of surprising that Tom Thibodeau did not play him more in this game considering the fact that Taj Gibson was just 2-for-10 from the field.

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