The Bulls had five players in double-figures and were led by 23 point effort by Kirk Hinrich as they defeated the San Antonio Spurs 99 - 87 on Monday afternoon in Chicago.
Hinrich was in a shooting slump last week and also bothered by a recent groin injury. Known for his defense, he limited Spurs star Tony Parker to six points and two assists. "I have been feeling good the last few games. I kind of gotten back to myself, playing aggressive on both ends and I think my floor game has been a lot better," Hinrich said. "I have played a lot more loose. I think before I was kind of thinking too much, kind of worrying about what the coaches wanted me to do.
Kirk Hinrich also finished with seven assists.
Sometimes you have to overcome coaching. Oh ####, I just quoted Michael Vick, alias Ron Mexico.
Ben Gordon, who usually comes off the bench, started and added 20 points for Chicago.
The Bulls played without Chris Duhon and Ben Wallace. Duhon was suspended for one game for missing practice on Sunday and Wallace missed his second straight game because of a sore back. "I don't want to be short-handed, but we've been able to get away with it for a couple of games," Bulls Coach Scott Skiles said. "It's not something long-term I want to do. It gives other guys who are good NBA players an opportunity to play. You get to see other people and it helps me get a different perspective on some other guys."
Kirk Hinrich racked up 23 points.
The Bulls turned in a solid defensive effort even with center Wallace sitting out due to a sore back.
How and why did San Antonio let Chicago get away with this? Was it that fired up Martin Luther King Jr. Day crowd? While I respect the holiday for those who wish to celebrate it, I highly doubt it. I have never heard of it inspiring raucous crowds before.
No, no, no, San Antonio should have carried in there something akin to a Mardi Gras atmosphere and let the good times roll. I am not sure San Antonian's understand this holiday, but I know their cousins in Houston do. I bet the hispanics understand Carnival! If not, it's probable that the Argentinans could explain it. Duncan at least, should get it.
The Spurs shooting sucked on Monday afternoon in Chicago. The team combined to shoot only 34 of 86 (39%) in the game. Our high school coach would have reamed us for that.
Tim Duncan
"All in all, they just outplayed us," Spur Tim Duncan said. "They're a good defensive ballclub, very good at rotating."
No, no, no,no,no,no,no no Tim that's not good enough. What the heck were you doing?
Manu Ginobili dropped in 22 points and Duncan added 21 and 16 rebounds.
Tyrus Thomas and P.J. Brown block Ginobili's shot.
After the game, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich was asked if Parker was hurt. "It would have made more sense if he was hurt. But he's fine, which is not the way he played, if you catch my drift," Popovich said. Parker struggled offensively. He finished with six points and two assists in 27 minutes.
Chicago extended its lead with consecutive threes from Andres Nocioni and Thabo Sefolosha to give them a 83-69 early in the fourth quarter.
Robert Horry had a highlight dunk over reserve Nocioni late in the third quarter. But Nocioni paid it back with a half hook with 16 seconds left in the quarter that gave the Bulls a 74-64 lead.
Gordon gave the Bulls a 42-32 lead with consecutive jumpers and Chicago led 52-45 at the half.
The Bulls outscored the Spurs 31-21 in the second quarter to grab a 52-45 halftime lead. The Bulls went on a 13-3 scoring run when Seflosha hit a jumper and Gordon followed with a three. Chicago went on to take the lead for good.
The Spurs finished the first quarter with a 24-21 lead.
Robert Horry came off the bench against the Bulls.
Fabricio Oberto started at the center/forward spot next to Duncan. This was Oberto's 24th start of the season.
The Spurs faced having to adjust the rotation of their front line with both Francisco Elson and Matt Bonner out with injuries.
The Spurs had a different look in the United Center. The Bulls opted to wear their red and black uniforms, so San Antonio was decked out in their home white.
The Bulls beat the Spurs at home for the first time since Dec. 28, 2000. Before Monday, Chicago had lost five straight at home to the Spurs. The Spurs had a four-game winning streak snapped.
Before the game the Spurs had a better road (13-5) than home record (14-6) but their Monday loss shifted the balance back to the A####mp;T Center.
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Kirk Hinrich also finished with seven assists.
Kirk Hinrich racked up 23 points.
Tim Duncan
