The night belongs to Red
Someone who played 844 consecutive games, the third-longest streak in NBA history, knows better than anyone that the show must go on.
Absent from the United Center for nearly two months and in failing health, no one was quite sure what to expect from longtime Bulls broadcaster Johnny "Red" Kerr on Tuesday night.
Even though weakened by cancer, Kerr arrived looking healthy and happy, just quite a bit thinner than usual.
The halftime tribute to Kerr was punctuated by a near-miraculous comeback by the Bulls.
Trailing Detroit by 15 with 7:30 remaining and down 100-90 with 3:31 left, the Bulls finished the game with a 17-2 run, taking the lead on a corner 3-pointer and 4-point play by Ben Gordon with 16.7 seconds on the clock.
The only downer was an injury to rookie Derrick Rose, who ran into an Antonio McDyess screen in the final seconds and left the court with a possible concussion. Rose scored twice in the final 1:14 to keep the Bulls within 1, then made the pass to Gordon.
The wild comeback was a fitting tribute to Kerr's determination. Even after his son Matt said a few words on Kerr's behalf, the voice of the Bulls didn't let the fans down.
Kerr unexpectedly grabbed the microphone and gave a stirring speech to wrap up the festivities. He even worked in one of his trademark one-liners. After asking Matt twice to hand him a sheet of prepared notes, Kerr joked, "He never did listen.
"It is a great privilege to see these people out here today, putting an award on me that makes this the happiest day of my life, if I can steal a quote from another old-time player," Kerr continued. "You'll see me here on occasion, but what I'll miss most of all will be this hardwood floor at the United Center."
Kerr arrived at a luxury suite midway through the first quarter and was wheeled onto the court in an oversized, cushioned chair. His five children were on hand, along with broadcast partners past and present.
General manager John Paxson unveiled the bust of Kerr that will take a permanent spot at the United Center and presented a collage of memorabilia from Kerr's 35 years with the Bulls.
The halftime guests included Bulls legends Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, former Syracuse Nationals teammates Dolph Schayes and Al Bianchi, plus an unannounced video tribute by President Obama.
"I feel like I know Johnny," the president said in his tribute. "I spent so much time hearing him cheer and groan, shared the ups and downs of being a Bulls fan with us night after night. The truth is, he's not just a center with a hook shot - he's the fan on the bar stool next to us. He's got the same passion for the game he had six decades ago as a gangly kid down at Tilden Tech.
"Like us, he hung on every play of those seasons we came so close. Like us, he almost fell out of his seat celebrating those seasons we won it all. And, like us, he will never lose faith in the Chicago Bulls."
Not surprisingly, Jordan received the loudest ovation and gave credit to Kerr for being an important part of those championship teams.
"There were many days when we had those sad bus rides and sad plane rides; a little drink here, a little cigar here and there; great conversations -," Jordan said.
"You made my career that much more enjoyable. Us players, we always come and go. But one constant thing about the Chicago Bulls has been Johnny "Red" Kerr."
Added Pippen: "Even before my time, even before the Michael Jordan era, this guy right here made Chicago Bulls basketball what it is. I want to thank him for all the memories we shared. Thank you for mentoring me from the sideline. Thank you for letting me be part of your life."
As promised, the Bulls returned from the locker room and watched most of the halftime ceremonies from the bench. But they did not rise to the occasion until later.
Down 51-50 at halftime, the Bulls couldn't do anything to slow down Rasheed Wallace, who hit 6 of 7 shots for 15 points in the third quarter alone. Detroit played without top scorer Allen Iverson, who didn't suit up due to an illness.
<div class="infoBox"> <h1>More Coverage</h1> <div class="infoBoxContent"> <div class="infoArea"> <h2>Stories</h2> <ul class="links"> <li><a href="/story/?id=271165"><b>MIKE IMREM:</b> 'Red Bull,' Chicago one and the same <span class="date">[2/10/09]</span></a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=271178">End of game gives Rose a headache <span class="date">[2/10/09]</span></a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div>