Not even Benny “Da Bull,” Lola the Circus Dog nor the help of a flying bird that landed on the United Center scoreboard was enough to keep the fans from booing the team mercilessly after failing to show up for the last three quarters of a 109-95 drubbing
Not even Benny "Da Bull," Lola the Circus Dog nor the help of a flying bird that landed on the United Center scoreboard was enough to keep the fans from booing the team mercilessly after failing to show up for the last three quarters of a 109-95 drubbing by the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night. "We started off with energy early on but failed to keep it going throughout the game," said Bulls coach Vinny Del Negro. Although Chicago was dominated throughout the game, the Bulls would receive a boost from injured guard Kirk Hinrich, who returned from a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right hand, which kept him out for 31 games.
"It felt good to be back out there," Hinrich said. "I was a little rusty, but hopefully I’ll get better from here."
Hinrich’s defense was also a key factor during a Bulls 11-0 run early in the second quarter that led to an 11-point lead at 34-23. But this effort would be in vain as the Blazers Greg Oden and Travis Outlaw would spearhead a 26-11 run that led to a 49-45 half-time lead for Portland.
The Bulls were still in the game, with the score at 83-78, when the Blazers went on an 11-0 run. After several turnovers demoralized the team, the Bulls would fall behind by as many as 16 points with a minute to play in regulation. The final score: Blazers 109, Bulls 95. With the loss, the Bulls dropped to 16-22 for the season. Travis Outlaw led all scorers with 33 points, and Greg Oden added 17 points and 13 rebounds. Drew Gooden had 22 points and nine rebounds, and Derrick Rose finished with 13 points and 10 assists to pace the Bulls. ______ Copyright 2009 Chicago Defender. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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