Tales from the front office: DDSPB

[daltontr 4]

PLAYOFFS 2022
Kyrie Irving scored 41 points and Derrek Favors had a double-double, 12 points and 13 rebounds, to lead the Bulls to a game one victory over the Miam Heat. The Bulls dominated from the opening tip and all five of Chicago's starters scored in double figures. The Heat were led by Jimmy Butler's 23 points, but shot a woeful 39%(36-92) from the field and 23%(11-47) from three. In comparison, the Bulls shot 50%(43-86) from the field and 42% (14-33)from three. 

In other Eastern Conference action, the Atlanta Falcons outscored the Toronto Raptors 66-46 in the second half to capture a relatively easy 126-109 victory. In the Western Conference, Steph Curry scored 31 points, as the Golden State Warriors dismantled the Utah Jazz 109-77 and Portland surprised the Mavricks, taking game one 118-104 on the back of Damien Lillard's 41 points. 

CONFERENCE SEMI-FINALS / GAME 1 (American Airlines Arena)

      Q1   Q2   Q3   Q4   OT    F
CHI | 37 | 30 | 23 | 23 | -- | 113
MIA | 27 | 22 | 25 | 18 | -- |  92  

PLAYOFF RESULTS

        EASTERN | WESTERN
(1) ATL 126 (1) | (1) GSW 109 (1)
(5) TOR 109 (0) | (4) UTA  77 (0)
(2) MIA  92 (0) | (3) DAL 104 (0) 
(3) CHI 113 (1) | (7) POR 118 (1)

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Edited January 29, 2020 by daltontr

[daltontr 4]

PLAYOFFS 2022
The final score of the game made it look much closer than it actually was, as the Miami Heat won the opening tip and never trailed in the game. Dennis Schroder led the Heat with 21 points and seven of the Miami players scored in double figures in the Heat's game two victory. Kyrie Irving scored 31 points, but it was not enough to overcome a 54-38 half time deficit. The series now shifts to Chicago for games three and four. 

CONFERENCE SEMI-FINALS / GAME 2 (American Airlines Arena)

      Q1   Q2   Q3   Q4   OT    F
CHI | 21 | 17 | 31 | 35 | -- | 104
MIA | 30 | 24 | 30 | 30 | -- | 114  

PLAYOFF RESULTS

        EASTERN | WESTERN
(1) ATL 115 (2) | (1) GSW 113 (2)
(5) TOR 109 (0) | (4) UTA 106 (0)
(2) MIA 114 (1) | (3) DAL  89 (0) 
(3) CHI 104 (1) | (7) POR 104 (2)

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Edited January 29, 2020 by daltontr

[daltontr 4]

PLAYOFFS 2022
Kyrie Irving scored 49 points and the Bulls outscored the Heat 32-16 in the final quarter to take game three 112-96. Once again the Heat were plagued by poor shooting. The Heat shot 38%(38-99) from the field and 25%(10-40) from three, while the Bulls were 39-81(48%) from the floor and 13-32(40%) from the three point line. In other action, the Atlanta Hawks are a game away from sweeping the Raptors and both the Dallas Mavericks and Utah Jazz won their first game in their respective series.  

CONFERENCE SEMI-FINALS / GAME 3 (United Center)

      Q1   Q2   Q3   Q4   OT    F
MIA | 16 | 26 | 38 | 16 | -- | 112
CHI | 24 | 28 | 28 | 32 | -- |  96  

PLAYOFF RESULTS

        EASTERN | WESTERN
(1) ATL 128 (3) | (1) GSW  94 (2)
(5) TOR 101 (0) | (4) UTA 108 (1)
(2) MIA  96 (1) | (3) DAL 111 (1) 
(3) CHI 112 (2) | (7) POR 106 (2)

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Edited January 29, 2020 by daltontr

[daltontr 4]

PLAYOFFS 2022
To date, this was the most competitive game of the series, as there were 15 lead changes and 9 ties. All five starters for both the Heat and the Bulls scored in double figures. Kyrie Irving led all scorers with 33 points, but it was the Miami Heat's star rookie center, Ricky Thomas, who was named the Player of the Game. Thomas, the 7th overall pick in 2021 draft, scored 23 points for the Heat and was instrumental in the Heat's come from behind victory. In other action, the Toronto Raptors staved off elimination with a 115-91 victory of the Hawks and both the Utah Jazz and Dallas Mavericks tied their respective series at two games a piece. 

CONFERENCE SEMI-FINALS / GAME 4 (United Center)

      Q1   Q2   Q3   Q4   OT    F
MIA | 16 | 26 | 38 | 16 | -- | 118
CHI | 24 | 28 | 28 | 32 | -- | 113  

PLAYOFF RESULTS

        EASTERN | WESTERN
(1) ATL  91 (3) | (1) GSW  96 (2)
(5) TOR 115 (1) | (4) UTA 106 (2)
(2) MIA 118 (2) | (3) DAL 145 (2) OT
(3) CHI 113 (2) | (7) POR 143 (2)

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Edited January 29, 2020 by daltontr

[daltontr 4]

PLAYOFFS 2022
The Bulls got a crucial road win and moved to within a victory of advancing to their second consecutive Eastern Conference Finals. Player of the Game, Kyrie Irving, led all scorers with 25 points, 9 assists, 10 rebounds, 3 blocks and a steal. As expected, the Atlanta Hawks elimintated the Toronto Raptors and advance to the Conference Finals to face either the Chicago Bulls or Miami Heat. In the Western Conference, after losing two straight, the Warriors bounced back to take game five 115-104 over the Jazz and the Dallas Mavericks overcame a 16 point fourth quarter deficit to defeat the Trailblazers 117-116. 

CONFERENCE SEMI-FINALS / GAME 5 (American Airlines Arena)

      Q1   Q2   Q3   Q4   OT    F
CHI | 16 | 26 | 38 | 16 | -- | 112
MIA | 24 | 28 | 28 | 32 | -- | 102  

PLAYOFF RESULTS

        EASTERN | WESTERN
(1) ATL 111 (4) | (1) GSW 115 (3)
(5) TOR  97 (1) | (4) UTA 104 (2)
(2) MIA 102 (2) | (3) DAL 117 (3)
(3) CHI 112 (3) | (7) POR 116 (2)

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Edited January 29, 2020 by daltontr

[daltontr 4]

PLAYOFFS 2022
Heavy favorites heading back to the United Center, the Bulls were expected to close out the series against the Heat. Uncle Drew and company didn't disappoint the home town fans, as Kyrie Irving recorded a double-double, 32 points, 5 assists and 10 rebounds to lead the defending NBA Champions back to the Eastern Conference Finals, where they will face off against the much heralded Atlanta Hawks. The Warriors also closed out their series against the Jazz and Portland sent their series to a game seven, after defeating the Mavericks  104-88.

CONFERENCE SEMI-FINALS / GAME 6 (United Center)

      Q1   Q2   Q3   Q4   OT    F
MIA | 15 | 13 | 35 | 19 | -- |  82
CHI | 27 | 27 | 22 | 19 | -- |  95  

PLAYOFF RESULTS

        EASTERN | WESTERN
(1) ATL     (4) | (1) GSW 108 (4)
(5) TOR     (1) | (4) UTA  96 (2)
(2) MIA  82 (2) | (3) DAL  88 (3)
(3) CHI  95 (3) | (7) POR 104 (3)

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Edited January 29, 2020 by daltontr

[daltontr 4]

PLAYOFFS 2022
The Kristaps Porzingis scored 26 points and grabbed 13 rebounds as the Dallas Mavericks defeated the Portland Trailblazers 101-89. The Mavericks advance to the Western Conference Finals to face the Golden State Warriors.

PLAYOFF RESULTS

        EASTERN | WESTERN
(1) ATL     (4) | (1) GSW     (4)
(5) TOR     (1) | (4) UTA     (2)
(2) MIA     (2) | (3) DAL 101 (4)
(3) CHI     (4) | (7) POR  89 (3)

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Edited January 29, 2020 by daltontr

[daltontr 4]

PLAYOFFS 2022
EASTERN CONFERENCE
The Atlanta Hawks entered the series as the overwhelming favorites, but with John Collins sidelined due to injury, Vegas odds makers had the Bulls as slight favorites to win game one of the series. As it turns out, the were correct in their prediction, as the Bulls shot the Hawks right out of their own building. Bulls forward Rui Hachimura was named Player of the Game, scoring 24 points, 4 assists and 10 rebounds, but it was really a team effort by Chicago. As a team, the Bulls posted oustanding numbers, shooting 50% from both three point range(14-28) and the floor(47-94). John Collins should be healthy enough to return to the Hawks lineup for game two, but Bulls fans have to be happy with the teams performance, despite a relative quiet night from Kryie, who scored only 16 points, but contributed 12 assists and 6 rebounds. 

WESTERN CONFERENCE
Steph Curry scored 41 points, shooting 15-21 from the floor and 11-17 from three, to lead the Warriors to a realatively comfortable win over the Dallas Mavericks. Kristaps Porzingis scored 37 points for Dallas, but the Mavericks were clearly over matched and Golden State dominated virtually every aspect of the game from the opening tip. The biggest hurdle for the Mavericks is the dynamic duo of Steph Curry and DeAngelo Russell. The two combined for 75 of the Warriors 124 points and if Dallas cannot find a way to slow the two of them down, this could prove to be a very short series indeed. 

CONFERENCE FINALS / GAME 1 (State Farm Arena)

      Q1   Q2   Q3   Q4   OT    F
CHI | 31 | 41 | 23 | 27 | -- | 122
ATL | 26 | 25 | 25 | 22 | -- |  98  

PLAYOFF RESULTS

        EASTERN | WESTERN
(1) ATL  98 (0) | (1) GSW 124 (1)
(3) CHI 122 (1) | (3) DAL 111 (0)

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Edited January 29, 2020 by daltontr

[daltontr 4]

PLAYOFFS 2022
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Despite the return of John Collins to the Hawks lineup, the Chicago Bulls appeared to have the upper hand in the first half. Chicago jumped out to an early eleven point lead and were up 58-44 at the end of the first half. However, the Hawks came out of the locker room like a team on a mission. The Hawks closed the gap to 77-75 to end the third the quarter and then promptly scored 43 fourth quarter points to cruise to an easy victory. Trae Young spearheaded the Hawks comeback with 34 points, 18 assists and 7 rebounds. Kyrie Irving scored 35 points for the Bulls in defeat. The series now heads back to Chicago for games three and four. 

WESTERN CONFERENCE
Kristaps Porzingis scored 41 points and grabbed 11 rebounds as the Dallas Mavericks defeated the Golden State Warriors to tie the series 1-1. The Mavericks jumped out to an early 34-20 first quarter lead and never looked back. The Warriors were on the verge of a comeback, but when Klay Thompson fouled out early in the fourth quarter, the Warriors completely fell apart. It didn't help that Steph Curry was responsible for 11 of the Warriors 21 turnovers. 

CONFERENCE FINALS / GAME 2 (State Farm Arena)

      Q1   Q2   Q3   Q4   OT    F
CHI | 32 | 26 | 19 | 29 | -- | 106
ATL | 21 | 33 | 31 | 43 | -- | 128  

PLAYOFF RESULTS

        EASTERN | WESTERN
(1) ATL 128 (1) | (1) GSW  99 (1)
(3) CHI 106 (1) | (3) DAL 113 (1)

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Edited January 29, 2020 by daltontr

[daltontr 4]

PLAYOFFS 2022
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Although most pundits would agree that the Atlanta Hawks are the team to beat in the Eastern Conference, the Bulls returned to the United Center as a slight favorite. After taking a 49-41 lead at half time, much like game one, it appeared the odds makers might have it right again. However, Trae Young and John Collins would have their say and the Hawks scored 46 third quarter points and led by as many as 21 points in the fourth quarter. Trae Young was named Player of the Game, with 26 points, 12 assists and 6 rebounds. However, John Collins shot lights out, scoring 28 points on 11-13 shooting from the floor and a perfect 3-3 from the three point line. 

WESTERN CONFERENCE
A see saw battle for the first three quarters, this game saw 22 lead changes and 11 ties before the Warriors blew it open in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Mavericks 27-15 in the final twelve minutes. For the second game in a row, Steph Curry was not much of a factor for the Warriors, as the Mavericks held him to a mere 11 points for the game. However, Player of the Game D'Angelo Russell more than made up for Curry's pedestrian performance, scoring 40 points, 8 assists and 5 rebounds, while the Mavericks, Kristaps Porzingis once again led the way with 26 points and 13 rebounds.

CONFERENCE FINALS / GAME 3 (United Center)

      Q1   Q2   Q3   Q4   OT    F
ATL | 23 | 18 | 46 | 34 | -- | 121
CHI | 21 | 28 | 26 | 31 | -- | 106  

PLAYOFF RESULTS

        EASTERN | WESTERN
(1) ATL 121 (2) | (1) GSW 110 (2)
(3) CHI 106 (1) | (3) DAL  97 (1)

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Edited January 29, 2020 by daltontr

[daltontr 4]

PLAYOFFS 2022
EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS
The Chicago Bulls stormed out of the gate, scoring 39 points first quarter points and then cruised to a dominating 129-110 victory over the Atlanta Hawks. Player of the Game, Kyrie Irving, led the Bulls with 33 points, 9 assists and 10 rebounds, but Rui Hachimura contribution should not go unmentioned as he added 33 points of his own. Trae Young led the Hawks with 16 points and 16 assists. With the two teams now tied at two games a piece, the series will shift back to Atlanta for the all important game five. 

GAME 4 (United Center)

          Q1   Q2   Q3   Q4   OT    F
(1) ATL | 23 | 28 | 30 | 29 | -- | 110
(3) CHI | 39 | 25 | 35 | 30 | -- | 129  

WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS
Player of the Game Luka Doncic recorded a triple-double, 27 points, 14 assists and 14 rebounds and Kristaps Porzingis added another 27 points in the Mavericks 114-103 victory. The Mavericks and Warriors are now tied at two games a piece and if not for the 40 point performance of D'Angelo Russell, the Warriors would not have been remotely competitive. This begs the question, what has happened to Steph Curry? Curry, who averaged 29.7 ppg during the regular season, has been nearly invisible in the past three games. Curry has been held to 16, 11 and 15 points since his 41 point outburst in game one. It Golden State is going to make it to the finals, they going to need Curry to step up his game. 

GAME 4 (American Airlines Center)

          Q1   Q2   Q3   Q4   OT    F
(1) GSW | 27 | 24 | 25 | 27 | -- | 103
(3) DAL | 27 | 28 | 28 | 31 | -- | 114  

PLAYOFF RESULTS

        EASTERN | WESTERN
(1) ATL 110 (2) | (1) GSW 103 (2)
(3) CHI 129 (2) | (3) DAL 114 (2)

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Edited January 29, 2020 by daltontr

[daltontr 4]

PLAYOFFS 2022
EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS (GAME 5 - State Farm Arena)
The Atlanta Hawks dominated in every category except one, the final score. Player of the game Kyrie Irving scored 35 points and Zach LaVine added 28 points of his own, as the Chicago Bulls escaped the State Farm Arena with an unlikely 122-116 point victory. The Hawks led by 11 points after the first quarter, but were subsequently outscored 30-16 in the second and the two teams went into the half time break with the Bulls holding a slim 54-51 lead. The second half was a slug fest and despite only five lead changes and one tie, neither team could manage to get the upper hand. For Chicago, they are now poised to advance to their second consecutive NBA Finals and will be favored to win game six on their home court. 

          Q1   Q2   Q3   Q4   OT    F
(1) CHI | 23 | 28 | 30 | 29 | -- | 122
(3) ATL | 39 | 25 | 35 | 30 | -- | 116  

WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS (GAME 5 - Oakland Arena)
Steph Curry awoke from his three game slumber, scoring 32 points, but it was far too little to late, as the Mavericks opened the game with a 42 point first quarter and never looked back. Player of the Game Krisptaps Porzingis scored an eye popping 43 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, but Luka Doncic 23 points, 18 assists and 21 rebounds should not go unnoticed. As a team, the Mavericks shot 53%(45-85) from the field and 57%(21-37) from three. The Mavericks are now the slight favorites to advance to the NBA Finals, as the series heads back to Dallas for game six. 

          Q1   Q2   Q3   Q4   OT    F
(1) DAL | 42 | 27 | 34 | 28 | -- | 131
(3) GSW | 24 | 34 | 37 | 20 | -- | 115  

PLAYOFF RESULTS

        EASTERN | WESTERN
(1) ATL 116 (2) | (1) GSW 115 (2)
(3) CHI 122 (3) | (3) DAL 131 (3)

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Edited January 29, 2020 by daltontr

[daltontr 4]

PLAYOFFS 2022
EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS (GAME 6 - United Center)
A close game at the start, the Bulls began to slowly pull away in the second quarter, leading by as many as 24 points before the break. Statistically speaking, when you look at the box score, the Hawks and Bulls were fairly evenly matched, as both teams shot 51% from the field. The difference in the game simply falls to the number of shots that were taken and made. While Atlanta went a respectable 39 of 76 from the field, the Bulls shot 48 of 93 from the field and 10 of 28(36%) from three. What is also interesting, is that the majority of scoring did not come from Kyrie Irving. Irving did score 22 points, which nothing to scoff at, but it was Player of the Game Zach LaVine who led the way with 34 points, 10 assists and 6 rebounds. Also of note, was the play of Coby White. White had an outstanding game coming off the bench, contributing 22 points in only 15 minutes of play. 

          Q1   Q2   Q3   Q4   OT    F
(1) ATL | 27 | 23 | 23 | 29 | -- | 102
(3) CHI | 23 | 39 | 27 | 31 | -- | 120  

WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS (GAME 6 - American Airlines Arena)
The Dallas Mavericks are the Western Conference Champions! Luka Doncic recorded yet another triple-double, scoring 26 points, 10 assists and 12 rebounds, as the Mavericks put on a defensive clinic. What makes this win even more amazing, is they did it with limit service from Kristaps Porzingas. Porzingas left game with an injury after only 12 minutes play, scoring 7 points during his brief time on the court. However, Kelly Oubre Jr. and Taurean Prince stepped up in his absence and combined for 37 points to make up for the loss of Porzingas scoring. Despite a first half that featured 18 lead changes and five ties, the Warriors struggled on offense and the Mavericks completely shut them down in second half, allowing only 42 second half points.  

          Q1   Q2   Q3   Q4   OT    F
(1) GSW | 27 | 17 | 22 | 22 | -- |  88
(3) DAL | 28 | 21 | 31 | 28 | -- | 108  

PLAYOFF RESULTS

        EASTERN | WESTERN
(1) ATL 102 (2) | (1) GSW  88 (2)
(3) CHI 120 (4) | (3) DAL 108 (4)

--

I have to admit, I am once again a little surprised by our tremendous success. Three quarters of the way through the year, I would never have predicted that we would make it this far and yet, we are now only four wins away from a second consecutive NBA Title. That isn't to suggest that I didn't think we had a good team, I knew we were good, I just wasn't certain we had all the pieces necessary to repeat. 

However, our starting five is formidable when they are on their game and with DeAndre Jordan, Coby White and Otto Porter available to provide significant minutes off the bench, we can easily go a solid eight players deep without compromising our scoring ability. We definitely could be better on defense, but are averaging 112.1 ppg, which is ranked second in the league and scoring is definitely our strength. If we can play average to good defensively, I think we can outscore just about any team in the league.

That philosophy is certainly going to get tested in the forthcoming finals. The Mavericks may only be ranked 17th in offense, but they are the number ranked defense in the league. That was evident in the manner in which they essentially shut down a potent Golden State Warriors team, who averaged 109.8 ppg during the regular season. Making them the fourth highest scoring team in the league. 

Still, I think we should be favored to win the series and I'm fairly confident that we can. I'm not guaranteeing an NBA Title, but if we can keep Porzingas and Doncic from lighting up the scoreboard, we have a very good chance of repeating as NBA Champions. I think Doncic is the key though. We absolutely must keep him in check. Porzingas is going to get his points, but the Mavericks offense goes through Doncic's and if you can diminish his contribution, it won't matter what Porzingas does. Should be an interesting series. 

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[daltontr 4]

PLAYOFFS 2022
NBA FINALS (GAME 1 - American Airlines Arena)

In a pregame press conference, Chicago Bull's head coach Randy Wittman was asked how he intended on dealing with the Mavericks dynamic duo of Kristaps Porzingas and Luka Doncic. Considering how explosive both Porzingas and Doncic can be on offense and because it's no secret the Bulls primary weakness is on the defensive end of the court, it certainly was a legitimate question. However, Wittman was coy with the media, preferring not to reveal his strategy, only hinting that he had a plan.

Apparently that plan was simply to allow them to both run wild and shut down everyone else...and it worked. Porzingas and Doncic combined for 78 of the Mavericks 103 points. Unfortunately for the Mavericks, the remainding starters, including the bench could only muster a total of 25 points. If your keeping track at home, eight Dallas players scored a mere 25 points in a combined 156 minutes of court time. Wittman's strategy may have been unorthodox, but it was clearly effective. 

For the Bull's it was business as usual, as all five starters, Dixon, Hachimura, Favors, Irving and LaVine, would all finish the game in double figures. LaVine led the way with 26 points and Player of the Game Kyrie Irving added 26 points, 9 assists and 7 rebounds of his own. 

          Q1   Q2   Q3   Q4   OT    F
(3) CHI | 36 | 23 | 32 | 23 | -- | 114
(3) DAL | 22 | 25 | 30 | 26 | -- | 103  

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Edited January 30, 2020 by daltontr

[daltontr 4]

PLAYOFFS 2022
NBA FINALS (GAME 2 - American Airlines Arena)

The Chicago Bulls had a dismal first half and trailed the Mavericks 56-34 at the break. In the second half the Bulls began to slowly chip away at the 22 point deficit, but at the end of the third quarter the Mavericks were still up by 15 points. Confident Dallas fans were poised to celebrate an almost certain game two victory, as the contest entered the final quarter. 

A little over midway through the fourth, Mavericks Luka Doncic, who recored his league leading 23rd triple-double of the year (36 pts/11 ast/14 Reb), fouled out of the game on a very questionable charging call. Mavericks fans were livid, but it would only get worse and they watched in horror as their 15 point lead began to slowly evaporate. 

Meanwhile Kyrie Irving and company were putting on a shooting clinic. Derrick Favors tied the game in the final minute with a thunderous dunk and after a Bogdan Bogdanovic missed jumper, Zach LaVine completed the comeback by burying a 17 foot jumper as time expired.  The series now heads to Chicago, with the Bulls holding a commanding two games to none lead. 

          Q1   Q2   Q3   Q4   OT    F
(3) CHI | 18 | 16 | 34 | 37 | -- | 105
(3) DAL | 32 | 24 | 27 | 20 | -- | 103  

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Edited January 30, 2020 by daltontr

[daltontr 4]

PLAYOFFS 2022
NBA FINALS (GAME 3 - United Center)

For the third game in a row, all five of the Bulls starters scored in double figures, with Zach LaVine leading the way with 25 points. After jumping out to an early first quarter lead, the Bulls dominated play and went in half time up by twenty points (62-42). The Mavericks fortunes didn't change in the second half and the Bulls cruised to a 109-92 victory. The Bulls are now only a game away from clinching their second consecutive NBA title. 

          Q1   Q2   Q3   Q4   OT    F
(3) DAL | 18 | 24 | 23 | 27 | -- |  92
(3) CHI | 25 | 37 | 24 | 23 | -- | 109  

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[daltontr 4]

PLAYOFFS 2022
NBA FINALS (GAME 4 - United Center)

THE CHICAGO BULLS ARE NBA CHAMPIONS!
The Bulls were heavy favorites entering game four and despite trailing 51-49 at the half, Kyrie Irving would not be denied another ring. Irving had a game high 37 points, 8 assists and 7 rebounds, as the Bulls clinched their second consecutive NBA title. Zach LaVine added 35 points of his own and for the fourth consecutive game the Bulls starting five were all in double figures. 

          Q1   Q2   Q3   Q4   OT    F
(3) DAL | 26 | 25 | 29 | 24 | -- | 104
(3) CHI | 25 | 24 | 35 | 33 | -- | 117  

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[daltontr 4]

2021-2022 SEASON AWARDS

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
Anthony Davis - Forward (LAL) 28.1 ppg / 4.1 apg / 11.4 rpg / 1.9 spg / 2.6 bpg.

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Mitchell Robinson - Center (NYK) 9.4 ppg / 3.4 apg / 10.5 rpg / 1.5 spg / 3.3 bpg.

SIXTH MAN OF THE YEAR
Monte Morris - Guard (DEN) 16.9 ppg / 4.3 apg / 2.9 rpg / 0.9 spg / 0.3 bpg

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
Jimmy Dixon - Forward (CHI) 14.0 ppg / 2.0 apg / 6.8 rpg / 1.6 spg / 0.8 bpg

COACH OF THE YEAR
Luke Walton - Sacramento Kings 53-29

ALL-LEAGUE 1st TEAM
G Trae Young (ATL)
G James Harden (HOU)
F Kawhi Leonard (LAC)
F Anthony Davis (LAL)
C Karl-Anthony Towns (MIN)

ALL-LEAGUE 2nd TEAM
G Luka Doncic (DAL)
G Bradley Beal (WAS)
F Paul George (LAC)
F Kristaps Porzingas (DAL)
C Joel Embiid (PHI)

ALL-LEAGUE 3rd TEAM
G Kyrie Irving (CHI)
G Devin Booker (PHO)
F Jayson Tatum (BOS)
F Zion Williamson (NOP)
C Jusuf Nurkic (POR)

ALL-DEFENSIVE 1st TEAM
G Ben Simmons (PHI)
G James Harden (HOU)
F Jayson Tatum (BOS)
F Anthony Davis (LAL)
C Mitchell Robinson (NYK)

ALL-DEFENSIVE 2nd TEAM
G Luka Doncic (DAL)
G Bradley Beal (WAS)
F Paul George (LAC)
F Kristaps Porzingas (DAL)
C Joel Embiid (PHI)

ALL-ROOKIE 1st TEAM
G Edwin Simmons (PHO)
G Marty Jordan (OKC)
F Joaquin Villareal (ORL)
F Jimmy Dixon (CHI)
C Rickey Thomas (MIA)

ALL-ROOKIE 2nd TEAM
G Justin Abney (MIL)
G Hunter Ford (BOS)
F Kevin Wingfield (MEM)
F Mike Click (IND)
C Jaquay Bailey (BKN)

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Edited February 2, 2020 by daltontr

[daltontr 4]

2022-2023 OFF SEASON REPORT 

League News
The salary cap for the 2021-2022 season has been set at $121,344,300 (Last year $117.8 mil) and the luxury cap is now $148,040,046. We are currently $9.4 mil over the cap. 

Contract News
If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Hey, didn't I say that last year...and then immediately lose my mind in the draft and trade for and subsequently release the player I coveted, just because I got cold feet and needed to completely restructure the bench...yea...I did pretty did much all of that, but I think I've learned my lesson. I'm sincerely going to limit my forays into the free agent market and it's not very likely that I'll be very active on the trading block. Of course, the truth be told, my starting lineup is pretty much set in stone. I was finally able to negotiate an extension with Zach LaVine and he is signed through the 2024 season. Virtually the entire team is signed through 2022 and I have nine players returning for next season. Essentially, I only have to fill spots 10 thru 13 on the bench. The off season is going to be a breeze!

Fun Fact...during the draft I traded up to select center Jaquay Bailey with the second overall pick, only to have him stolen out from underneath me. Then I made a ridiculous trade to get him, only to get cold feet and trade him away. Well...he made 2nd team All-Rookie. Granted, I did use my pick to select forward Jimmy Dixon, who was named 1st team All-Rookie and Rookie of the Year, but I had Bailey...and let him go. Not exactly a shining moment, because I was pretty sure he was going to be a bust...on the bright side, I put together a team that has won back-to-back NBA Titles, so there's that. 

Meeting with Jerry Reinsdorf
The post season owner meeting leaves a little bit...okay...a LOT to be desired. We're coming off back-to-back NBA titles and the owner has to ask how we did? This really could use some improvement, because it really breaks the immersion level. Part of being a GM is obtaining and maintaining owner approval, but in this particular instance, there is a gigantic disconnect between how I feel about the game and how the game interacts with me. This seems pretty important, because if the owner can be so bitchy about being a little over the cap, that should be weighed against actual results. Remember, the reason I was allowed to exceed the cap was to bring home a title. I did that, but the owner is oblivious to that notion and I find that disappointing and distracting. 

Decisions...Decisions...
What to do about Randy Wittman. Well, I was eventually going to have to chose between him and Fred Hoiberg, but my head coach has now won back-to-back NBA titles, so he gets the nod. I negotiated a new contract with Randy and he is signed through 2024. Hoiberg has one year left on his contract, but I won't be able to afford him after that. Speaking of that, the budget for coaches is pathetic and there doesn't seem to be a mechanism to negotiate for more money, that needs to be fixed. 

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Edited February 11, 2020 by daltontr

[daltontr 4]

2022-2023 PRE SEASON REPORT 

OWNER MEETING
I told Jerry we were championship material and I'd keep salaries around the cap. He was happy, I'm happy, everyone's happy. 

STAFF CONTRACTS
HC Randy Wittman and assistants Jason Thompson and Phil Weber are locked up for the next three years. 1st Assistant Fred Hoiberg has one year remaining and I won't be able to afford him. The staff budget is ridiculous and there is no way to increase it, unless I export the db and edit it. There should be a mechanism to negotiate for an increase in the staff budget.  

DRAFT REPORT
We have no picks in the draft.  

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
We have five UFA's, C Anzejis Paceniks, SG Pat Connaughton, PG Wade Baldwin, SG Furkan Korkmaz and SF Torrey Craig. I kept the rights to all five.

ROSTER
PG | 4.0 | Kyrie Irving
SG | 3.5 | Zach Lavine 
SF | 3.5 | Rui Hachimura
PF | 3.5 | Jimmy Dixon
 C | 3.0 | Derrick Favors

BENCH
PG | 3.0 | Coby White
 C | 2.5 | Deandre Jordan
SF | 3.0 | Otto Porter Jr. 
PF | 2.5 | Daniel Gafford

CONTRACTS
Player             | Pos|  Ht | Wt  |Age | Contract
Kyrie Irving       | PG | 6-2 | 195 | 30 | $36,503,300/1y (PO) - Planning to test the free agent waters
Zach LaVine        | SG | 6-6 | 181 | 27 | $20,828,934/3y - Star player just reaching his peak
Otto Porter Jr.    | SF | 6-8 | 198 | 29 | $19,609,857/3y (TO) - Overpriced backup (Potential Trade)
Derrick Favors     | C  | 6-9 | 246 | 31 | $17,818,113/2y (TO) - Pricy, but a great rebounder and defender
Deandre Jordan     | C  | 6-11| 265 | 34 | $8,821,842/1y - Excellent backup in the twilight of his career
Jimmy Dixon        | PF | 6-8 | 229 | 22 | $8,443,800/3y - NBA Rookie of the Year(2021)
Coby White         | PG | 6-4 | 185 | 22 | $7,572,714/1y - Heir to the Irving throne, well worth $20+ mil
Rui Hachimura      | SF | 6-8 | 230 | 24 | $6,397,184/1y - Superstar! Will want Kyrie money $30 mil and worth it
Daniel Gafford     | PF | 6-10| 234 | 22 | $1,930,681/1y - Very good backup, but wants $14+, which is pricey

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Edited February 11, 2020 by daltontr

[daltontr 4]

2022-2023 SEASON 

Current team salary is $126,608,717 and we are $5,264,417 over the cap. There are eight teams with less payroll than us, but only four of them are at or under the cap. There are seventeen teams paying a luxury tax. The Atlanta Hawks have the highest payroll of $206,278,826 and are paying a whopping $58,238,780 in luxury tax. 

FREE AGENCY
My goal during the free agency period was to simply fill out the depth chart. I was looking for solid players that I could trust, so I resigned Baldwin and Connaughton to two year deals. Then I signed two former Bulls, Isaac Humphries and Davis Bertans. 

Chicago Bulls re-sign Wade Baldwin IV to a 2-year contract worth $4,307,835
Chicago Bulls re-sign Pat Connaughton to a 2-year contract worth $4,949,805
Chicago Bulls sign Isaac Humphries to a 2-year contract worth $3,762,163
Chicago Bulls sign Davis Bertans to a 1-year contract worth $2,234,164

Note: The Memphis Grizzlies signed Tacko Fall to a 2-year contract worth $20,461,034...WOW! Really!?! He has been on my Summer League team a couple of times, but that kind of money is insane. It is no wonder why so many teams are bleeding cash. Who pays $10+ million a year for a player who can't crack the top ten on their depth chart?!? The Memphis Grizzlies, that's who!

TRADES
Traded SF Otto Porter Jr. and our 2023 1st round pick to the Phoenix Suns for SF Cedi Osman and SF Charles Wallace. This was strictly a cost cutting measure. Porter may be a slightly better player, but he's simply too expensive and Osman can fill his role for far less money. Wallace will help fill the depth chart, but I'll probably assign him to the D-League. The Suns definitely got the better deal, but I wanted to make some cap space and I was willing to give up a 1st round pick to do it. Fans think I'm crazy, but all I have to say about this is..."Back-to-Back!" That usually quiets the naysayers. 

ROSTER
PG | 4.0 | Kyrie Irving
SG | 3.5 | Zach Lavine 
SF | 3.5 | Rui Hachimura
PF | 3.5 | Jimmy Dixon
 C | 3.0 | Derrick Favors

BENCH
PG | 3.0 | Coby White
 C | 2.5 | DeAndre Jordan
SF | 3.0 | Cedi Osman
 C | 2.0 | Isaac Humphries 
PF | 2.5 | Daniel Gafford
PF | 2.0 | Davis Bertans
SG | 2.0 | Pat Connaughton
PG | 2.0 | Wade Baldwin IV
SF | 2.0 | Charles Wallace (Assigned to D-League)

CONTRACTS
Player             | Pos|  Ht | Wt  |Age | Contract       | Notes
Kyrie Irving       | PG | 6-2 | 195 | 30 | $36,503,300/1y | (PO) Planning to test the free agent waters
Zach LaVine        | SG | 6-6 | 181 | 27 | $20,828,934/3y | Star player just reaching his peak
Derrick Favors     | C  | 6-9 | 246 | 31 | $17,818,113/2y | (TO) A little pricey, but a great defender
DeAndre Jordan     | C  | 6-11| 265 | 34 | $8,821,842/1y  | Excellent backup in the twilight of his career
Jimmy Dixon        | PF | 6-8 | 229 | 22 | $8,443,800/3y  | NBA Rookie of the Year(2021)
Coby White         | PG | 6-4 | 185 | 22 | $7,572,714/1y  | Heir to the Irving throne, well worth $20+ mil
Cedi Osman         | SF | 6-7 | 215 | 27 | $7,350,000/2y  | Solid backup at a reasonable price
Rui Hachimura      | SF | 6-8 | 230 | 24 | $6,397,184/1y  | Superstar! Will want Kyrie money $30 mil, but worth it
Pat Connaughton    | SG | 6-5 | 209 | 30 | $2,394,656/2y  | Good backup, re-signed to a two year deal for 
Davis Bertans      | PF | 6-10| 225 | 30 | $2,234,164/1y  | Former Chicago Bull returning in a backup role
Wade Baldwin       | PG | 6-4 | 200 | 26 | $2,073,671/2y  | Good bench player, re-signed to a two year deal
Daniel Gafford     | PF | 6-10| 234 | 22 | $1,930,681/1y  | Very good backup, but will demand a lot more money
Isaac Humphries    | C  | 7-0 | 255 | 24 | $1,848,983 2y  | Former Chicago Bull returning in a backup role
Charles Wallace    | SF | 6-8 | 198 | 23 | $1,390,675/1y  | Bench player with potential for improvement

FUTURE FREE AGENTS
Kyrie Irving, De'Andre Jordan, Coby White, Rui Hachimura, Davis Bertans, Daniel Gafford and Charles Wallace.

What to do about Uncle Drew?" 
I would love to keep him, but he has already indicated his desire to test the free agent waters at the end of the season. He is only 30 years old, but he is also making over $36M and he is certainly going to want a big pay increase. Then again he has 3 bird years, which allow me to offer him a maximum salary, despite being over the cap. However, if I were to fail to re-sign him, I would absolutely have to re-sign Coby White, but I'm not fully convinced that White can carry the load in Irving's absence and White is going to want 20+ million next year. There is also Rui Hachimura, who I would also like to keep, but he too is going to want around $30 million a year.

Also, trading Irving is almost certain to result in a huge backlash from the fans. They would most definitely want my head on a pike after I traded away the teams marque player, coming off back-to-back NBA Titles! Trading Irving for someone like a Luka Doncic, Ja Morant, Ben Simmons, Trae Young or even De'Aaron Fox, might ease the fans pain, but that is a risky proposition. If we don't win a third straight title, I will be forever known as the guy who traded away a potential dynasty. 

...if...and this is a big if...If I trade Irving, it will have to be for a player that is similarly skilled, preferably younger, less expensive and with at least two to three years remaining on his contract. Ja Morant isn't an option, because he is also a free agent at the end of the season. Luka Doncic is a possibility, but he is kind of expensive, as is Ben Simmons. De'Aaron Fox is nice player, but hardly a player the fans will accept as a replacement for Irving. That leaves Trae Young. Young is very similarly skilled, maybe better. He is only 24 and he has five years left on his contract. 

Having said that, I find it hard to believe that the Hawks would part with him. They just re-signed him for $174.4 million, but...they are also drowning in $206 million dollars of salary, so you never know. To pull off a deal like that, I'd certainly have to give a #1 pick, but if that were the case, I wouldn't hesitate. 

I don't know what I'm going to do, but I do need to make a decision before the season starts. 

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Edited February 2, 2020 by daltontr

[daltontr 4]

2022-2023 SEASON 

The Kyrie Irving Dilemma continued...
I just couldn't see myself parting with Kyrie. He IS the franchise and if he ultimately decides to leave at the end of the season, so be it. I plan to do whatever it takes to resign him, but that meant I was now forced to deal with Coby White. White is also in the final year of his contract and he wants playing time...now! I'm certain he sees himself as the heir apparent to Kyrie, but another year coming off the bench isn't going to improve his attitude and I don't need a cancer in the locker room. 

The season hasn't even started and White is already disgruntled; what kind of mood is he going to be in once the season is over? Resigning him might become impossible at that point and I can't afford to lose both Irving and White at the same time. Too much risk and uncertainty for my taste. So, trading White seemed like the most logical decision. Parting with White was certainly difficult, but I secured a solid backup point guard for two years with a rookie option and a center with All-Star potential for two years. 

The funny thing is, I didn't go into the trade seeking out Robertson. I was just trying to find a decent backup for White, but when Robertson became a possible addition to the deal, I simply couldn't pass it up. Robertson was drafted in 2020 with the 15th overall pick by the Pistons. In his first two years with the Pistons he only started 12 games, but he has a tremendous amount of potential and I see him challenging Derrick Favors for the starting position before too long.

TRADES
Bulls trade PG Coby White, a 2025 1st round pick and a 2024 2nd round pick to the Detroit Pistons for PG Marcus Donovan and C Jason Roberston.

CONTRACTS
Player             | Pos|  Ht | Wt  |Age | Contract       | Notes
Kyrie Irving       | PG | 6-2 | 195 | 30 | $36,503,300/1y | (PO) Planning to test the free agent waters
Zach LaVine        | SG | 6-6 | 181 | 27 | $20,828,934/3y | Star player just reaching his peak
Derrick Favors     | C  | 6-9 | 246 | 31 | $17,818,113/2y | (TO) A little pricey, but a great defender
DeAndre Jordan     | C  | 6-11| 265 | 34 | $8,821,842/1y  | Excellent backup in the twilight of his career
Jimmy Dixon        | PF | 6-8 | 229 | 22 | $8,443,800/3y  | NBA Rookie of the Year(2021)
Cedi Osman         | SF | 6-7 | 215 | 27 | $7,350,000/2y  | Solid backup at a reasonable price
Rui Hachimura      | SF | 6-8 | 230 | 24 | $6,397,184/1y  | Superstar! Will want Kyrie money $30 mil, but worth it
Marcus Donovan     | PG | 5-11| 168 | 21 | $5,413,729/2y  | Solid backup point guard with a lot of potential
Jason Roberston    | C  | 6-10| 254 | 22 | $3,284,793/2y  | Excellent backup center with All-Star potential
Pat Connaughton    | SG | 6-5 | 209 | 30 | $2,394,656/2y  | Good backup, re-signed to a two year deal for 
Davis Bertans      | PF | 6-10| 225 | 30 | $2,234,164/1y  | Former Chicago Bull returning in a backup role
Wade Baldwin       | PG | 6-4 | 200 | 26 | $2,073,671/2y  | Good bench player, re-signed to a two year deal
Daniel Gafford     | PF | 6-10| 234 | 22 | $1,930,681/1y  | Very good backup, but will demand a lot more money
Isaac Humphries    | C  | 7-0 | 255 | 24 | $1,848,983 2y  | Former Chicago Bull returning in a backup role
Charles Wallace    | SF | 6-8 | 198 | 23 | $1,390,675/1y  | Bench player with potential for improvement

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Edited February 2, 2020 by daltontr

[daltontr 4]

2022-2023 SEASON - OCTOBER 

Great start to the season and as I anticipated, coach Wittman has decided to go with Jason Robertson at center. Robertson is averaging 15.6 ppg and 11.2 rpg. What I didn't anticipate was how much better the defense seems to be. It's early days, but in the first five games we are averaging only 92 points allowed per game. Obviously, that is unlikely to last, but it is a good sign.     

OCTOBER SCHEDULE

    GAME   |  SCORE  | W-L |
 CHI @ TOR |  86-79  |  W  |
 SAS @ CHI |  87-118 |  W  |
 CHI @ DET |  93-101 |  L  | *Coby White POTG 31 points (lol - Payback for being traded?)
 CHA @ CHI | 107-115 |  W  |
 POR @ CHI |  86-104 |  W  |

RECORD     W-L
OVERALL |  4-1  |
MONTH   |  4-1  |

ROSTER

STARTERS
PG | 4.0 | Kyrie Irving
SG | 3.5 | Zach Lavine 
SF | 3.5 | Rui Hachimura
PF | 3.5 | Jimmy Dixon
 C | 4.5 | Jason Robertson

BENCH
 C | 3.0 | Derrick Favors
SF | 3.0 | Cedi Osman
 C | 2.5 | DeAndre Jordan
PG | 2.5 | Marcus Donovan
PF | 2.5 | Daniel Gafford
SG | 2.0 | Pat Connaughton
PG | 2.0 | Wade Baldwin IV
 C | 2.0 | Isaac Humphries 
PF | 2.0 | Davis Bertans
SF | 2.0 | Charles Wallace (Assigned to D-League)

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Edited February 2, 2020 by daltontr

[daltontr 4]

2022-2023 SEASON - NOVEMBER 

A brutal road schedule and key injuries to Hachimura, Robertson, and Donovan really derailed our great start to the season. Obviously it is too early to panic and I have faith in coach Wittman, but I would really love to see this team win fifty games. Then again, we have won back-to-back NBA titles with identical regular records of 47-35. Sure, regular season wins and division titles are great, but an NBA title is far better. Still, in the three years I've been the Bulls GM, we've never won more than 47 games in a regular season and that is a little disappointing. 
    

NOVEMBER SCHEDULE

    GAME   |  SCORE  | W-L |
 CHI @ ATL | 115-125 |  L  |
 CHI @ MIA | 122-114 |  W  |
 NOP @ CHI |  99-113 |  L  |
 CHI @ TOR | 103-93  |  W  |
 IND @ CHI | 119-125 |  L  |
 CHI @ SAS | 116-101 |  W  |
 CHI @ POR |  87-105 |  L  |
 ORL @ CHI | 117-121 |  L  |
 CHI @ PHO | 105-131 |  L  |
 CHI @ GSW |  81-103 |  L  |
 CHI @ MIN | 118-107 |  W  |
 CHI @ SAC | 106-121 |  L  |
 ATL @ CHI |  99-106 |  L  |
 PHO @ CHI | 110-105 |  W  |
 CHI @ OKC | 113-92  |  W  |  

RECORD     W-L
OVERALL | 10-10 |
MONTH   |  6-9  |

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Edited February 2, 2020 by daltontr

[daltontr 4]

2022-2023 SEASON - DECEMBER 

Despite injuries to LaVine, Hachimura and Gafford, the Bulls were the hottest team in the league during the month of December. The Bulls started the month on a twelve game winning streak and only lost a single game the entire month. Interestingly enough, the lone loss was to the Detroit Pistons. Why is that interesting? Well, they were the only team to put a blemish on our month of Oct. and more importantly, it is the team we traded Coby White to...and yes...Coby lit us up again, I find that rather humorous.  

DECEMBER SCHEDULE

    GAME   |  SCORE  | W-L |
 LAL @ CHI | 120-122 |  W  |
 DET @ CHI | 105-118 |  W  |
 CHI @ IND | 123-108 |  W  |
 CHI @ ORL | 121-111 |  W  |
 BKN @ CHI |  99-127 |  W  |
 NYK @ CHI | 112-135 |  W  |
 MIN @ CHI |  98-118 |  W  |
 CHI @ CLE |  99-91  |  W  |
 BOS @ CHI |  87-109 |  W  |
 MIA @ CHI | 113-130 |  W  |
 CHI @ DET | 104-122 |  L  |
 CHI @ NYK | 109-98  |  W  |
 CHI @ CLE | 104-93  |  W  |
 BKN @ CHI | 106-122 |  W  |
 IND @ CHI | 118-137 |  W  |
 CHI @ WAS | 111-104 |  W  |

RECORD     W-L
OVERALL | 25-11 |
MONTH   | 15-1  |

CONFERENCE STANDINGS

  EASTERN | WESTERN 
CHI 25-11 | POR 26-11
ATL 25-11 | SAC 24-13
CHA 25-11 | PHO 22-14
ORL 24-12 | LAL 22-14
BOS 23-13 | UTA 22-15
MIL 21-14 | DEN 20-15
PHI 21-15 | MEM 21-16
DET 17-19 | LAC 19-16
----------|----------
TOR 15-19 | OKC 19-17
IND 16-21 | DAL 20-18
MIA 14-23 | NOP 18-18
NYK 13-27 | GSW 16-19
CLE 10-24 | MIN 14-23
BKN  6-30 | HOU 11-24
WAS  6-31 | SAS  7-30

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Edited February 2, 2020 by daltontr