Second-quarter subs setting Bulls back
The Bulls experienced significant second-quarter issues in the last two games, when the second-stringers typically take the court.
They were outscored by New York 36-22 in the second quarter of Thursday's loss. A day later, Boston went on a 22-3 run during the first eight minutes.
James Johnson, Brian Scalabrine, Omer Asik and C.J. Watson, in particular, didn't play well in one or both of those games. There isn't much coach Tom Thibodeau can do, though, except get the reserves to play better. It's too late to change the roster.
“The big thing is we turned the ball over in the second quarter and we were fouling — they got in the penalty in 2½ minutes (at Boston),” Thibodeau said. “Those are things we have to correct. The turnovers also put them in the open floor and give them easy scoring opportunities.
“The thing that I didn't like is I thought the start of the game was really good. We were up 23-19 and they were shooting 38 percent. Then in the second quarter they shot 58 percent and we made a lot of mental mistakes.”
When Carlos Boozer returns, the Bulls will be able to add Taj Gibson to the reserve unit. Ronnie Brewer is starting to play better, which should help the team whether he stays a reserve or replaces Keith Bogans in the starting lineup.
Boozer participated in some portions of Sunday's practice but is not allowed to handle the ball. He wasn't sure when the stitches will be removed from his healing right hand.
Tornado warning:
Joakim Noah has been practically automatic with his sideways-spinning jumper this season. He even nailed a couple from 20 feet Friday at Boston while scoring a career-high 26 points.
“Quite honestly, he hasn't (surprised me) because I saw him shoot all summer,” coach Tom Thibodeau said. “Consistently he was knocking that shot down.
“My thing is as long as you're working on it that hard and it's going in, I don't have a problem with you shooting it when you're open. It looks a little different, but it goes in. That's the bottom line.”
Bull horns:
The Nuggets snapped a three-game losing streak at the United Center last year. That was the game in which it appeared Brad Miller threw in the game-winner at the buzzer, but replay review determined the ball still was on his fingertips when time expired. … Denver started Gary Forbes (rookie from UMass), Shelden Williams (Mr. Candace Parker) and Arron Afflalo on Saturday for a 103-92 win at Dallas. J.R. Smith and newcomer Al Harrington are getting extended playing time off the bench.