(Sports Network) - The Chicago Bulls were embarrassed on national television
by the Miami Heat Thursday, but have little time to stew over the loss as they
travel to Charlotte to meet the Bobcats Friday night.
The Heat held the Bulls to a season-low 67 points in a 19-point blowout.
Chicago committed an astonishing 27 turnovers, which is just seven fewer than
the franchise record.
"It was supposed to be an exciting night," said Joakim Noah. "To come out and
play like that is disappointing. They kicked our (butt). You got to give
credit when credit is due. They're very, very good."
They certainly are, but the Bulls aren't that bad either. Chicago was once
again without point guard Kirk Hinrich, who sat with his lingering elbow
issue. The Bulls are 4-9 this season without Hinrich.
The Bulls shot 37 percent from the field, 20 percent from the 3-point line and
no Chicago player had more than 14 points. Nate Robinson, who started for
Hinrich, hit that number, while Carlos Boozer chipped in 12 points and 11
rebounds and Noah had 11 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, three steals
and two blocks.
Thursday's loss marked the second time in the last three games the Bulls
failed to reach 70 points. They only managed 69 against the Boston Celtics on
Feb. 13 and Chicago has dropped three of its last four and five of its last
seven.
To make matters just a tiny bit worse, star point guard Derrick Rose's brother
and agent, Reggie Rose, blasted the Bulls organization for not making any
trade deadline moves on Thursday.
Derrick Rose, in an attempt to defuse the situation his brother started,
released a statement saying, "I have always felt that the Bulls organization's
goals have been the same as mine and that is to bring another championship to
this city."
The Bulls travel to Charlotte to take on a team that is 2-7 in February and is
2-8 at home since the new year.
On Wednesday, the Bobcats fell at home to the Detroit Pistons, 105-99. Kemba
Walker led the way for Charlotte with 24 points and five Bobcats scored in
double figures.
"We missed a lot of rotations and we just weren't in sync tonight. We have to
get that back," Walker said.
Byron Mullens scored 15 against the Pistons and has been borderline
sensational since his return from an ankle injury on Feb. 4. He has averaged
17.7 ppg and 8.8 rpg while shooting 40 percent from beyond the arc.
The Bobcats made small trade before Thursday's deadline. They moved forward
Hakim Warrick to the Orlando Magic in exchange for forward Josh McRoberts.
"Josh McRoberts is a quality young big man who can play either post position
for us," said Bobcats President of Basketball Operations Rod Higgins. "We look
forward to adding his size and energy to our rotation."
The two teams split this season's two matchups, which were both in Chicago.
The Bulls have won three straight and four of their last five in Charlotte.
The Sports Network