Bulls win preseason home opener against Mavericks

The Bulls needed a little redemption after dropping their first preseason game to Milwaukee. So the Bulls decided to put a smile on the face of Chicago after taking down Dallas by a score of 100-92. Luol Deng had a much better offensive game by putting down a team-high 18 points. In 20 minutes, Deng shot 6-7 from the field and 6-8 from the free throw line. With Gordon not playing for the second consecutive game, Deng had to step up his game from last week after only contributing 10 points in the last game.

The Bulls squad gained some solid input from rookies Noah, who put up 11 points and 7 rebounds, and Gray, who put up his first double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Tyrus Thomas also contributed by adding 13 points and 7 rebounds. Thomas has found himself going to the line much more, along with Noah, Gray, and Deng. Big men free throw shooting has always been a burden of the Chicago Bulls, especially since the acquisition of Ben Wallace. But it seems the big men have been improving majorly in free throw attempts and percentage. Deng, Thomas, Noah, and Gray shot for a combined 24 for 31 from the free throw line. If these big men can continue to contribute from the line, then Chicago can gain the upper-hand on most teams with poor big men free throw shooting. But back to the game....

Thomas Gardner got the start again since Gordon is still sitting out. His style of play was more controlled and was able to make a minor, but effective contribution in his 12 minutes of play. Luol Deng scored 11 of his 18 points in the first quarter. Victor Kryapa capped of the end of the first quarter to take a 32-30 lead by putting up a quick lay-up off of a Chris Duhon dish.

In the second quarter, Gray carried the scoring load by scoring 8 of his 14 points, as well as grabbing 5 of his 10 rebounds. Chris Duhon has become a terrific leader of the bench and was able to lead the Kryapa and the rookies to consistent quarter to keep up with Dallas. Chicago had a 53-49 lead at the half.

Hinrich has been said to be the leader of this squad, and he showed it in the third quarter. He was able to push the ball in transition, and dish out some assists, including one that led to a Gardner dunk. Hinrich finished with 7 points and 6 assists.

The fourth quarter was pretty stagnant, and Chicago was able to maintain their lead. Noah, Gray, and Nocioni were the main point contributors in the final quarter. Nocioni played limited minutes due to foul trouble. Nocioni finished the game with 5 points and 4 fouls. Rookie free agent Jared Homan scored the final five points for Chicago.

Dallas was lead by F Josh Howard with 18 points, G Jose Barea with 17 points, and star F Dirk Nowitzki with 11 points.

Chicago will host the undefeated Washington Wizards on Tuesday. I believe this game will be a battle of the benches. If Chicago's starting line-up can contain Washington stars Gilbert Arenas, Caron Butler, and Antawn Jamison, then I believe that the rookie big men will be able to add some offense from off the bench.

Box Score of the Game