When you think of the Chicago Bulls, what do you think of?
Perhaps you might think of Derrick Rose and the team’s moderate success in recent years, however, it’s likely you (as with so many others) get nostalgic remembering the NBA’s undoubtable, dominating dynasty Chicago Bulls from the 1990s. You know, the team led by NBA legend, Michael Jordan, whose supporting cast including Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, Steve Kerr and more? The team that was coached by iconic, 11 time champion Phil Jackson and the franchise that won six championship titles in the span of eight years. The 1995–1966 Chicago Bulls team is widely regarded as one of the greatest in NBA history.
Regardless of your associations, like for or dislike of the Chicago franchise, they are one of the NBA’s most iconic and historic teams. In 2011, Derrick Rose was named MVP and also signed a 5-year contract extension with Chicago worth more than $94 million. The Bulls have had their ups and downs since 2011 and are attempting to reclaim their image as a powerhouse team after a rough 2013-2014 season, where leader Rose was injured after 10 games. Rose missed the entire 2012-2013 season due to an ACL injury.
The Bulls are currently in first place in the Central Division of the NBA with a record of 33-20, and will face off against their division rivals, the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday. The Cavs are in second place (32-21) and this is sure to be an intense matchup. While the Detroit Pistons have been a historic rival of Chicago’s since the Jordan days, the Cavs/Bulls rivalry has risen especially with Derrick Rose and Lebron James as the faces of their respective franchises.
Most recently the Bulls defeated the Kings, 104-86. This was the team’s third straight win.
The Bulls’ roster is stacked with veterans including Derrick Rose, Pau Gasol and Joakim Noah, as well as Aaron Brooks, Jimmy Butler and Mike Dunleavy among others.
In order to continue being successful this season, the Bulls will need to stay healthy and continue to improve their shooting. Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau is a firm believer in drills, fundamentals and set rotations. These factors will also be critical to the Bulls maintaining a top position in their division.
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Monday, February 16, 2015
Memphis Grizzlies
The Memphis Grizzlies are currently 39-13, making them first in the Southwest division of the Western Conference of the NBA. The team most recently defeated the Brooklyn Nets by nine points, winning 95-86.
The Grizzlies franchise originated in 1995 in Vancouver. The team relocated to Memphis for the 2001-2002 season and added several new players including rookie forwards Shane Battier and Pau Gasol, who have since gone on to have successful and impressive basketball careers. The Grizzlies made three straight playoff appearances from 2003-2006. In 2006, Gasol also became the Grizzlies’ first All-Star player.
In the 2010-2011 season, the team’s 10th year in Memphis, the Grizzlies made it back into the playoffs for the first time in five years. They defeated the San Antonio Spurs in six games in the first round but fell in seven games to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Conference Semifinals. Since then, the Grizzlies have made it to at least the first round of playoffs and in 2012, made it as far as the Conference Finals where they were then swept by the Spurs in four games.
This season, Memphis has been successful due to their “Grit ’N’ Grind” style of play and continuing to remain a physical team. The team’s roster includes experienced veterans Tony Allen, Vince Carter, Courtney Lee and Zach Randolph. Earlier this week, Jarnell Stokes (forward) and Russ Smith (guard) were recalled from the Iowa Energy, Memphis’s NBA Development League affiliate.
Last week, the Grizzlies defeated the Atlanta Hawks who had been on a long hot winning streak. The Grizzlies were victorious, winning 94-88. Memphis outscored Atlanta in the paint, outrebounded them and went on an 8-2 run to finish the game strong, which had been tied at 86 with 2:48 left to play.
The Grizzlies will next take on the OKC Thunder on the road Wednesday night. This will be the team’s last game before pausing for All-Star break, which takes place this weekend in New York City. The Grizzlies will then head out West for three games on the road, facing off against the Portland Trail Blazers, Los Angeles Clippers and Sacramento Kings before returning home.
The Grizzlies franchise originated in 1995 in Vancouver. The team relocated to Memphis for the 2001-2002 season and added several new players including rookie forwards Shane Battier and Pau Gasol, who have since gone on to have successful and impressive basketball careers. The Grizzlies made three straight playoff appearances from 2003-2006. In 2006, Gasol also became the Grizzlies’ first All-Star player.
In the 2010-2011 season, the team’s 10th year in Memphis, the Grizzlies made it back into the playoffs for the first time in five years. They defeated the San Antonio Spurs in six games in the first round but fell in seven games to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Conference Semifinals. Since then, the Grizzlies have made it to at least the first round of playoffs and in 2012, made it as far as the Conference Finals where they were then swept by the Spurs in four games.
This season, Memphis has been successful due to their “Grit ’N’ Grind” style of play and continuing to remain a physical team. The team’s roster includes experienced veterans Tony Allen, Vince Carter, Courtney Lee and Zach Randolph. Earlier this week, Jarnell Stokes (forward) and Russ Smith (guard) were recalled from the Iowa Energy, Memphis’s NBA Development League affiliate.
Last week, the Grizzlies defeated the Atlanta Hawks who had been on a long hot winning streak. The Grizzlies were victorious, winning 94-88. Memphis outscored Atlanta in the paint, outrebounded them and went on an 8-2 run to finish the game strong, which had been tied at 86 with 2:48 left to play.
The Grizzlies will next take on the OKC Thunder on the road Wednesday night. This will be the team’s last game before pausing for All-Star break, which takes place this weekend in New York City. The Grizzlies will then head out West for three games on the road, facing off against the Portland Trail Blazers, Los Angeles Clippers and Sacramento Kings before returning home.
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