The new-look Bulls brought their A-game to the United Center Tuesday night when they defeated Orlando 120-102 — the most points scored against the Magic this season.
After seeing 7 players on the roster put up double figures and do pretty much whatever they wanted on offense, the idea that the Bulls can make a playoff run is more than realistic.
The newcomers to the team, Brad Miller, John Salmons, and Tim Thomas all contributed immensely. Although none of them started, they came off the bench and put in great performances. Thomas had 17 points, Salmon had 11, and Miller had 9 with 7 rebounds. I like what Tim Thomas said about the team after the game.
"We have guys coming off the bench that know how to play," Thomas said. "That's very helpful. You've got guys in their second, third year that are out there with energy. When they get stuck, you bring in guys like myself, John and Brad, who understand how to get the job done. That's a huge thing."
This is nothing but good news to me. It shows that the new guys realize their role on the team, and are fulfilling what Paxson had in mind.
So far, this trade is looking like the best move of Paxson's career with the Bulls. If they can continue utilizing the depth they now have, especially in the front-court, they will be able to contend with any team on any night.
Thomas also had another quote that iterates my point: "We pretty much have all the pieces," Thomas said. "When teams go big, we can match them going big. When teams go small, of course, we can go small."
This tool is what championship teams are made out of. Now I'm not saying the Bulls are now championship contenders, but they are a lot closer. 4 weeks ago, when other teams would "go big" the Bulls had nothing that could stop it. Now they have depth at every position with players who know how to play the game.
Photo: AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast
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