Bullets Forever - Wizards vs. Bulls: Washington bounces back with 102-88 win"Ain't No Luck"https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48097/BulletsForever-fv.png2014-01-14T16:24:50-05:00http://www.bulletsforever.com/rss/stream/50700272014-01-14T16:24:50-05:002014-01-14T16:24:50-05:00Magical Pixels: Getting right away from D.C.
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/UsuWuro21hSIR8cDJeZirg4s1x0=/185x0:3815x2420/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/26830873/20140113_tcb_ad4_029.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>There's no place like home the road.</p> <p>Sorry for the late Pixels peeps, but suffice it to say the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/">Washington Wizards</a> got back on the right track Monday night with a 102-88 road road win against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blogabull.com/">Chicago Bulls</a>, just in time for them to go for two in a row against the...<a href="http://www.nba.com/games/20140115/MIAWAS/gameinfo.html" target="_blank">oh, crap</a>.</p>
<h4>KEY LINKS</h4>
<p><b>Road team recaps: </b><a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2014/1/13/5305986/wizards-vs-bulls-nene-" target="_blank">BF StoryStream</a> | Washington Post (<a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/wizards/wizards-vs-bulls-nene-sparks-washington-to-win-in-his-return-to-starting-lineup/2014/01/13/8781b6ba-7cc4-11e3-95c6-0a7aa80874bc_story.html" target="_blank">gamer</a>, <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wizards-insider/wp/2014/01/14/wizards-nene-also-gets-a-boost-from-return-to-starting-lineup/" target="_blank">sidebar</a>) | <a target="_blank" href="http://washingtontimes.csnwashington.com/news/2014/jan/11/all-wet-wizards-fall-rockets-after-rain-delays/">AP</a> | <a href="http://www.csnwashington.com/basketball-washington-wizards/talk/instant-analysis-wizards-102-bulls-88" target="_blank">CSN Washington</a> | <a href="http://wizofawes.com/2014/01/13/recap-wizards-snap-bulls-win-streak-wall-nene/" target="_blank">Wiz of Awes</a> | <a href="http://hoopdistrict.net/wizbulls-party/" target="_blank">Hoop District</a> | <a href="http://districtsportspage.com/washington-wizards-game-36-recap-road-luck-continues-as-wall-nene-lead-wiz-in-win-over-bulls/21337" target="_blank">District Sports Page</a> | <a href="http://tedstake.monumentalnetwork.com/2014/01/14/a-quality-road-win-against-the-bulls" target="_blank">Ted's Take</a> | <a href="http://www.nba.com/wizards/game-recap-wizards-102-bulls-88" target="_blank">Wizards.com</a> | <a href="http://washingtonwizardsblog.monumentalnetwork.com/2014/01/13/wizbulls-gameday-blog" target="_blank">Monumental Network</a></p>
<p><b>Home team recaps: </b><a href="http://www.blogabull.com/2014/1/13/5306426/bulls-vs-wizards-final-score-nene-and-wall-end-bulls-winning-streak" target="_blank">Blog A Bull</a> | <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/ct-bulls-wizards-game-spt-0114-20140114,0,2260172.story" target="_blank">Chicago Tribune</a> | <a href="http://www.suntimes.com/sports/24942962-419/wizards-snap-bulls-winning-streak-at-five.html" target="_blank">Chicago Sun-Times</a> | <a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/bulls/post/_/id/17022/wizards-give-bulls-wake-up-call" target="_blank">ESPN Chicago</a> | <a href="http://www.csnchicago.com/bulls/bulls-win-streak-ends-hands-wall-wizards" target="_blank">CSN Chicago</a> | <a href="http://pippenainteasy.com/2014/01/14/wizards-make-streak-disappear-bulls-lose/" target="_blank">Pippen Ain't Easy</a> | <a href="http://chicagoist.com/2014/01/14/morning_box_score_wizards_cast_spel.php" target="_blank">Chicagoist</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.nba.com/wizards/video/games/bulls/2014/01/13/0021300558-was-chi-recap.nba/" target="_blank">Game highlights</a></p>
<p><b>Postgame interviews: </b><a href="http://www.monumentalnetwork.com/videos/wittman-postgame-11314" target="_blank">Randy Wittman</a> | <a href="http://www.monumentalnetwork.com/videos/wall-postgame-11314" target="_blank">John Wall</a> | <a href="http://www.monumentalnetwork.com/videos/beal-postgame-11314" target="_blank">Bradley Beal</a> | <a href="http://www.monumentalnetwork.com/videos/nene-postgame-11314" target="_blank">Nene</a> | <a href="http://www.monumentalnetwork.com/videos/gortat-postgame-11314" target="_blank">Marcin Gortat</a></p>
<h4>KEY STATS</h4>
<p><b>2</b> - Number of Bulls opponents that have shot 50 percent or better in Chicago. The Wizards shot 52 percent.</p>
<p><b>2</b> - Wizards points off turnovers for every one the Bulls had. Washington scored 22 points off turnovers; Chicago had 11.</p>
<h4>TWEETS OF THE NIGHT</h4>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>(Contract) Extension RT <a href="https://twitter.com/MimiPh">@MimiPh</a>: Yes I think he's happy about what he's seeing <a href="https://t.co/xuy729igHM">https://t.co/xuy729igHM</a></p>
— Danny (@recordsANDradio) <a href="https://twitter.com/recordsANDradio/statuses/422918543911690240">January 14, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Bitches (<span>Joakim Noah</span>) do shit like this. Ariza swished it btw <a href="http://t.co/QeYgS82tWi">pic.twitter.com/QeYgS82tWi</a></p>
— Ray (@thehyrepower) <a href="https://twitter.com/thehyrepower/statuses/422925456384749568">January 14, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>The flow chart tells all. <a href="http://t.co/VMQtDDp3Zr">pic.twitter.com/VMQtDDp3Zr</a></p>
— Mike Prada (@MikePradaSBN) <a href="https://twitter.com/MikePradaSBN/statuses/422930851387555841">January 14, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Je m'appelle Nene! ... dunk on Joakim Noah. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Wizards&src=hash">#Wizards</a>-<a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Bulls&src=hash">#Bulls</a> <a href="https://t.co/ri4MzyroPO">https://t.co/ri4MzyroPO</a></p>
— Kyle Weidie (@Truth_About_It) <a href="https://twitter.com/Truth_About_It/statuses/422925365741629441">January 14, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Hey <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23NBAballot&src=hash">#NBAballot</a> voters, don't you think <span>John Wall</span> CLEARLY outplayed <span>Derrick Rose</span> tonight?</p>
— Bullets Forever (@BulletsForever) <a href="https://twitter.com/BulletsForever/statuses/422934844880846848">January 14, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<h4>VIDEO/GIF OF THE NIGHT</h4>
<p>I really hope that was a friendly shove from Noah. Poor Randy. (H/T <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/recordsANDradio">@recordsANDradio</a>)</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="600" width="600" src="https://vine.co/v/hL1PMOiDWue/embed/simple" class="vine-embed"></iframe>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.vine.co/static/scripts/embed.js"></script></p>
<h4>GAMETHREAD COMMENT OF THE NIGHT</h4>
<p><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3863199/GT_comment.png"></p>
<p>Don't we all?</p>
<h4>GAMETHREAD ROLLCALL</h4>
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<thead><tr>
<th width="20">#</th>
<th>Commenter</th>
<th># Comments</th>
</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Wall_Hopeful">Wall_Hopeful</a></td>
<td>146</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>2</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/qthaballa">qthaballa</a></td>
<td>69</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/ExtraSpecialBitter">ExtraSpecialBitter</a></td>
<td>50</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>4</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/elliotlevy2">elliotlevy2</a></td>
<td>45</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Baird15">Baird15</a></td>
<td>45</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>6</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/JimmyWall">JimmyWall</a></td>
<td>44</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Pluto1911">Pluto1911</a></td>
<td>44</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>8</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/wad0cash">wad0cash</a></td>
<td>41</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/souldrummer">souldrummer</a></td>
<td>30</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>10</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Yeti60">Yeti60</a></td>
<td>29</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>11</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/DCrez">DCrez</a></td>
<td>26</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>12</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/SladeKillah">SladeKillah</a></td>
<td>20</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>13</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/BackScreenLob">BackScreenLob</a></td>
<td>20</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>14</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Banode">Banode</a></td>
<td>17</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>15</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/17squall">17squall</a></td>
<td>16</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>16</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/hands11%40yahoo.com">hands11@yahoo.com</a></td>
<td>16</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>17</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/KurisuDevil">KurisuDevil</a></td>
<td>15</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>18</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/richkam14">richkam14</a></td>
<td>13</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>19</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/henrylau11">henrylau11</a></td>
<td>12</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>20</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/LRJ">LRJ</a></td>
<td>11</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>21</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/ZonkerBL">ZonkerBL</a></td>
<td>11</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>22</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Moonwalk%20Jenkins">Moonwalk Jenkins</a></td>
<td>11</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>23</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/rsilbe">rsilbe</a></td>
<td>10</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>24</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/ATrueNigerian">ATrueNigerian</a></td>
<td>9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>25</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/nesby8">nesby8</a></td>
<td>9</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>26</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/gregjohnson1229">gregjohnson1229</a></td>
<td>8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>27</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/ywlee22">ywlee22</a></td>
<td>7</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>28</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Palace%20of%20Good%20Play's%20Golden%20Toilet">Palace of Good Play's Golden Toilet</a></td>
<td>6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>29</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/gilsix">gilsix</a></td>
<td>5</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>30</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/BealMVP4ever">BealMVP4ever</a></td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>31</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/gavalon55">gavalon55</a></td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>32</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Krobify">Krobify</a></td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>33</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/tw10">tw10</a></td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>34</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Durant">Durant</a></td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>35</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/jarem">jarem</a></td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>36</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Le%20Bullet">Le Bullet</a></td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>37</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/redskinz_lover">redskinz_lover</a></td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>38</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/WindyRindy">WindyRindy</a></td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>39</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/dhall88">dhall88</a></td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>40</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/segrt12">segrt12</a></td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>41</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Kend3zy">Kend3zy</a></td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>42</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/satchmore">satchmore</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>43</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Rook6980">Rook6980</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>44</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/DMV%20Cock">DMV Cock</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>45</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/denny%20from%20yates">denny from yates</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>46</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/rayallenisaballer">rayallenisaballer</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>47</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/bartek.biadasiewicz">bartek.biadasiewicz</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>48</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Big%20Spoon">Big Spoon</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>49</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/The%20Hoops%20Guru">The Hoops Guru</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>50</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/DCKRS">DCKRS</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>51</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/piccolomair">piccolomair</a></td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h4>GAMETHREAD ROLLCALL</h4>
<p>
<link href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3604021/nextclicks.css" rel="stylesheet"></p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2014/1/14/5308124/magical-pixels-wizards-vs-bulls-once-again-washington-gets-back-onJeff Newman2014-01-13T22:33:08-05:002014-01-13T22:33:08-05:00Washington soars past Chicago, 102-88
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/L17YVYOzwTXmzMIFwbfI61Q9Ibc=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/26787541/20140113_jla_ad4_082.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>John Wall led a well-balanced Washington attack as the Wizards defeated the Chicago Bulls, 102-88.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/">Washington Wizards</a> snapped a two game skid tonight as they beat the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blogabull.com/">Chicago Bulls</a> in Chicago, 102-88. This was a balanced attack in which six Wizards scored in double figures, largely due to good ball movement.</p>
<p>This one came down to a battle between Chicago's veteran moxey and toughness and Washington's ability to execute their offense and not make dumb mistakes on defense. For the most part, Washington did a good job of playing the right way and sticking to their strengths tonight. Chicago has some great role players but, without anyone to set them up for easy buckets, they're just not that good.</p>
<p>Wall was great tonight. <span>Kirk Hinrich</span> is still a good defender and he was almost completely helpless against him. No one on the Bulls could stay in front of him and, were it not for Noah and Gibson's ability to protect the rim, he probably would have gone for 30 or more tonight. As it is, he finished with 18 points and made it look easy despite having the second best defense in the NBA keyed in on him all night. Dude is just a beast right now.</p>
<p>The Wizards led for most of the game and it only got interesting about halfway through the fourth quarter when Chicago made a mini run and got the lead down to single digits. Beal hit a few jumpers and Wall and Nene did their thing, though, and the Wizards led by ten or more from the 3:30 mark in the fourth quarter to the end of the game.</p>
<p>Washington improved to 17-19 on the year and their next game is Wednesday against the Hea-- you know what, never mind what's next, let's just savor this one.</p>
<ul>
<li><span>I don't know if the spirit of <span>Ben Gordon</span> is haunting the United Center or what but Washington was straight up raining jumpers in the first quarter. Chicago's defensive schemes are designed to encourage this and Washington managed to make them pay again and again. It's not smart basketball, but when the shots are falling, it's surprisingly fun to watch.</span></li>
<li>
<span><span>Cartier Martin</span> is on the Bulls and I for one had no idea until tonight (he'd been with Atlanta earlier in the season and the coach had actually spoken about how much he liked having him on the team). He looked good and did his typical Cartier Martin thing, shooting threes and trying really hard. </span><a style="background-color: #ffffff; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;" href="http://blogs.thescore.com/tbj/2012/03/29/cartier-martin-missed-his-egg-rolls/cartier-martin-chinese-food/" target="_blank">It's not directly related to anything he did tonight, but I came across this picture while doing a little Googling and thought it would be worth sharing</a><span>.</span>
</li>
<li><span>Washington got off to a hot start, jumping out to a 36-21 lead at one point. This wasn't a result of good play so much as a lot of long twos going in and competent defense on a Chicago team that just can't create anything off the dribble. The Bulls move the ball and everyone in their starting lineup is a solid passer, they just can't get open shots when the Wizards' defense never has to get out of position in order to help on anyone. Wall was brilliant from the get go and Ariza was all over the place playing the passing lanes. Nene also got the start over Booker which probably helped Washington's performance at the start of the game.</span></li>
<li><span>Washington had 17 assists on 23 made shots in the first half which is a phenomenal rate and a testament to the team's ball movement. Chicago's defense makes it very difficult for players to go one on one or even run a pick and roll and wind up with an easy look. It was encouraging to see Wall and Co. take what the defense gave them and not force the issue as they've been wont to do lately.</span></li>
<li><span>The rotation was weirdly short tonight. Despite how well they've been playing lately, neither Seraphin and Vesely were nowhere to be seen tonight, as Wittman went with an eight man rotation of Wall, Beal, Webster, Temple, Ariza, Nene, Gortat and Booker. It makes sense when you really think about it since no one other than Ariza played an crazy number of minutes and all of these guys complement each other fairly well, it's just a bit disheartening to see two of Washington's last three lottery picks rack of DNP-CDs.</span></li>
</ul>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2014/1/13/5306282/wizards-vs-bulls-final-score-102-88-january-2014Thomas Pruitt2014-01-13T19:43:32-05:002014-01-13T19:43:32-05:00Your Wizards-Bulls game thread
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/T7D3RpGf6PviboxuqGxoL5i1Jp4=/3x0:3998x2663/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/26781779/184241948.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Alexandre Loureiro</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Discuss the game here.</p> <table align="center" border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="5"><tbody> <tr><th colspan="3" align="center" bgcolor="silver">2013-14 NBA Regular Season</th></tr> <tr> <td width="240"><center><img src="http://www.underconsideration.com/brandnew/archives/wizards_alt_logo_hand.gif" height="72" width="80"></center></td> <th align="center" width="20">@</th> <td width="240"><center> <img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/18/Chicago_<a%20class='sbn-auto-link'%20href=">Bulls_alternate_logo.gif" height="72" width="80" /></center></td> </tr> <tr><td colspan="3" align="center" bgcolor="silver"><strong>January 13, 2014</strong></td></tr> <tr><td colspan="3" align="center"><strong>United Center</strong></td></tr> <tr><td colspan="3" align="center"><strong>8 p.m.</strong></td></tr> <tr><td colspan="3" align="center"><strong>CSN, NBATV, 106.7 The Fan</strong></td></tr> <tr><th colspan="3" align="center" bgcolor="silver"><strong>Projected Starting Lineups</strong></th></tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240"> <span>John Wall</span><br> </td> <th align="center" width="20">PG</th> <td width="240"><span>Kirk Hinrich</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240"> <span>Bradley Beal</span><br> </td> <th align="center" width="20">SG</th> <td width="240"><span>Jimmy Butler</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240"> <span>Trevor Ariza</span><br> </td> <th align="center" width="20">SF</th> <td width="240"><span>Mike Dunleavy</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240">Nene</td> <th align="center" width="20">PF</th> <td width="240"><span>Carlos Boozer</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240"> <span>Marcin Gortat</span><br> </td> <th align="center" width="20">C</th> <td width="240"><span>Joakim Noah</span></td> </tr> <tr><th colspan="3" align="center" bgcolor="silver"><strong>2013/14 Advanced Stats</strong></th></tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240">93 (19th)</td> <th align="center" width="20">Pace</th> <td width="240">90.5 (28th)</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240">103.3 (21st)</td> <th align="center" width="20">ORtg</th> <td width="240">99.8 (28th)</td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right" width="240">105.2 (13th)</td> <th align="center" width="20">DRtg</th> <td width="240">100 (2nd)</td> </tr> <tr><th colspan="3" bgcolor="silver" height="20">Also see: <a href="http://www.blogabull.com">Blog a Bull</a> | <a href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2014/1/13/5304462/wizards-vs-bulls-preview-can-washington-strike-down-chicago">Preview</a> </th></tr> </tbody></table>
<p> </p>
<p><a style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;" href="http://www.bulletsforever.com/2014/1/13/5305922/nene-starting-lineup-bulls-wizards">As noted</a>, Nene will start for Trevor Booker. We'll see the effect that has on the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/">Wizards</a>' rotations.</p>
<p>GO WIZARDS!</p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2014/1/13/5305912/wizards-vs-bulls-game-time-tv-schedule-and-open-threadMike Prada2014-01-13T19:36:05-05:002014-01-13T19:36:05-05:00Nene is starting again
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/hMg7oeXfbdcaS_BvuMiWPtnRy0A=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/26781471/20140111_mta_sb4_030.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Sixth Man experiment has ended.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Wizards</a> are coming off two disheartening losses at home, and in response, <span>Randy Wittman</span> has punted on a strategy once seen as a solution to the Wizards' bench woes. After sitting out four games and coming off the bench for the next 12, Nene will return to the starting lineup when the Wizards face the <a href="https://www.blogabull.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Bulls</a>.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Nene has been on a minute limitation & hasn't started since Dec. 6 vs MIL. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23wizards&src=hash">#wizards</a> went 7-9 with <span>Trevor Booker</span> in the starting lineup.</p>
— <span>Michael Lee</span> (@MrMichaelLee) <a href="https://twitter.com/MrMichaelLee/statuses/422887852632854528">January 14, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
It remains unclear if this means that the minutes limit that Nene has been placed on since he suffered an injured Achilles has been lifted.</p>
<p>Nene ultimately replaces Trevor Booker, who emerged as a decent rotation player in the 16 games. The Wizards went 7-9 in those contests and 6-6 in the 12 games Nene came off the bench. But the Wizards were still outscored by 3.3 points/100 possessions in those 12 games, and any gains from the bench were offset by the drop-off in the starting lineup.</p>
<p>Hopefully, the Wizards keep limiting Nene's minutes to a sensible number instead of running him into the ground. Perhaps he can come out at the six-minute mark, then return to anchor the second unit.</p>
<p>
<link rel="stylesheet" href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3604021/nextclicks.css"></p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2014/1/13/5305922/nene-starting-lineup-bulls-wizardsMike Prada2014-01-13T12:57:26-05:002014-01-13T12:57:26-05:00Can Washington strike down Chicago?
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/dJSjfK3Ue0-msHqlSM6ysa_TNbw=/499x516:3585x2573/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/26758265/461875007.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jonathan Daniel</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>After two rough losses, the Washington Wizards face the suddenly streaking Chicago Bulls. Here's what you need to know.</p> <p>Coming off their second loss in a row, one would think the Washington Wizards would have a bit of a reprieve tonight. But the Chicago Bulls, who it was widely assumed gave up on their season when they traded Luol Deng, have won five in a row and are still tough as nails on defense. Let's see how this one goes.</p>
<p><b>Where and when?</b> Game time is 8 p.m. in Chicago.</p>
<p><b>Are they good?</b> Yes and no. The Bulls are 17-18 and hunting for their sixth win in a row. At the same time, those five wins have come against possibly the weakest stretch of the schedule they'll face. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CHI/2014_games.html">Check out some of these opponents</a>. Charlotte? Milwaukee? Boston? There's a very good chance Chicago comes back down to earth, and tonight just might be the night.</p>
<p><b>Who's out?</b> Washington's missing Glen Rice, Jr. and Al Harrington tonight. Derrick Rose is out for the Bulls, plus Jimmy Butler is questionable.</p>
<p>
<link rel="stylesheet" href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3706325/bloglinks.css"></p>
<div class="blog-links-compact-container">
<h4>
<span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span> More from our team sites <span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span>
</h4>
<div class="blog-links-compact-link-container"><a href="http://www.blogabull.com?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=bloglinks&utm_campaign=blogs">Chicago Bulls blog Blog a Bull</a></div>
</div>
<p><b>What are they good at?</b> Defense, and that's even without Deng around. Chicago is allowing an even one point per possession this season, the second best mark in the NBA. Deng helped a lot in that he soaked up around 40 minutes each night, could cover almost anyone and had the length to be a very disruptive help defender. Even though he's gone, Chicago is still very good, largely due to a mix of intensity and length. A lot of the defensive schemes that have popped up in the last few years owe a lot to Thibodeau's work in Boston and Chicago, particularly his belief in loading up the strong side of the court and limiting transition opportunities. The personnel helps, but you could replace the entire Bulls lineup with a WNBA squad and Thibodeau could probably coach them to a top ten defense.</p>
<p><b>What are they bad at?</b> They can't score. Like, at all. Deng was Chicago's best shot creator, and he's someone who should be maybe the third or fourth option on a contender. No one on the team is a natural shot creator and as a result the Bulls are forced to rush a lot of long jumpers. Carlos Boozer has been expected to fill this role by a lot of fans, but he's always been at his best cutting to the basket and running pick and pops, something that requires other players who can draw defense's attention. Basically the Bulls have no chance of winning any game where they give up more than 95 points and that's not going to change until Rose is back.</p>
<p><b>Who's going to win?</b> I'm going with Washington here. Chicago is going to do everything possible to give up long twos to Ariza, Beal, Webster and Wall, but I think the Wizards will still be able to score just enough to get the W. Chicago's home court advantage helps and Mike Dunleavy has been on fire lately, but if the Wizards bring their A game, they should win comfortably. In fact, even if they only bring their B+ game, this should still be a win.</p>
https://www.bulletsforever.com/2014/1/13/5304462/wizards-vs-bulls-preview-can-washington-strike-down-chicagoThomas Pruitt