Sefolosha brings size to backcourt
Everyone from general manager John Paxson to coach-in-waiting Scottie Pippen has pointed out the Bulls' need for a taller backcourt.
Now there may be a way to confront the issue.
Thabo Sefolosha, the team's tallest guard at 6-feet-7, fared well the past two games starting in place of Kirk Hinrich, who was out with back spasms.
Sefolosha hit 10 of 13 shots, scored 26 points and committed just 2 turnovers in 77 minutes of playing time. Hinrich's status is questionable for tonight's game against Golden State.
It's natural to ask if Sefolosha should remain in the starting lineup once Hinrich returns. Six-foot-1 Chris Duhon has been a starter since Ben Gordon returned to the sixth-man role Dec. 28.
"There will be a lot of people wondering, and to me it's just something that will evolve," coach Jim Boylan said after Wednesday's victory over Miami. "No one's pressing Thabo. We're just using the last couple of games for him to regain his confidence and get back to where he was at the end of last year."
Sefolosha seemed to lose his confidence early this season. He coughed up some bad turnovers, didn't hit shots, and his playing time dwindled.
"I never really lost confidence," Sefolosha said. "I was just waiting for my chance. There's no substitute to playing in a real game.
"I can practice all day long, but if I don't have that experience to get on the court, that's really what I need."
As far as staying in the starting lineup, Sefolosha is open to the idea.
"That's the coach's decision," he said. "Chris Duhon has been playing well. Both of us have had ups and downs. I'd like to be in that position. If not, coming off the bench is fine, too."
Picking up speed: Coach Jim Boylan wanted to believe the Bulls' 126-point outburst in Miami was more than just the Heat playing atrocious defense.
Boylan thought the Bulls did a nice job of increasing the pace of the game, something they've spoken frequently of wanting to run this season but rarely have done effectively.
"I think one of the things we talked about before the game that made a difference was we really wanted our wing players to run the floor and cross underneath the basket and create some movement right as we're bringing the ball up the floor," Boylan said.
"You have to convince your guys that they have to run every time. You can't just do it once or twice in a quarter."
Wade hurts for wins: Needless to say, this has been a trying season for Miami star and Chicago-area native Dwyane Wade, who scored 24 points against the Bulls while the Heat lost its 11th straight game.
"Tonight the Bulls came in and put one on us good," Wade said following the contest. "This was a real butt-whipping from beginning to end."
Not even the return of center Shaquille O'Neal from a hip injury could set Miami straight.
"It is difficult to come every day and lose every time," Wade added. "It's part of life. It's part of your job and you just have to take it on the chin and try to find a way to make it better, knowing that one day we will."
Curry arrested: Rookie guard JamesOn Curry was arrested on misdemeanor charges of public urination and resisting arrest Thursday morning in Boise, Idaho, according to the Des Moines Register.
Curry is on a D-League assignment with the Iowa Energy. That team released a statement saying Curry has otherwise been a model citizen since he has been with Iowa.
Tonight's tipoff
Bulls vs. Golden State Warriors at the United Center, 8:30 p.m.
TV: Comcast SportsNet, ESPN
Radio: WMVP 1000-AM
Update: The Warriors (23-17) started the season 0-6, but after getting Stephen Jackson back from suspension, they returned to last year's playoff form. Guards do most of the scoring for Golden State. Baron Davis is averaging 22.1 points and 8.2 assists, while Jackson is at 20.5 ppg and Monta Ellis 16.8 ppg.
Fast facts: Golden State has lost six in a row at the United Center. ... The Warriors are second in the league in points scored (108.5) and last in points allowed (107.2).
Next: Detroit Pistons at the United Center, 7:30 p.m. Saturday
-- Mike McGraw