The NBA on TNT continues tonight with a double header. In
the first contest (8:00 p.m. E.T),
PG Russell Westbrook and the Oklahoma City Thunder match-up against C Joakim
Noah and the Chicago Bulls. Currently three eastern conference teams hold
contention for the #2 seed in the playoffs; the Toronto Raptors, Cleveland
Cavaliers & Chicago Bulls. SF Kevin Durant's lingering foot injury has
inhibited NBA fans from seeing the true potential of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Contrarily, his absence has allowed Russell Westbrook the opportunity to show
his leadership skills. Westbrook continues to polish his developing NBA career
by posting elite numbers on the stat sheet. Wednesday night against the 76ers,
Westbrook registered his 4th straight triple-double - a milestone accomplished only
by NBA legend Michael Jordan. With a broken cheek bone, the Thunder guard still
has the charisma to bring it to the hardwood regardless of the circumstance.
Chicago Bulls PG Derrick Rose is not quite the
same. The "truant of truants'" sits this one out to nurse yet another knee
injury. It seems his reckless penetrations and basket cuts have worn his legs out. His
inability to develop a consistent jump shot like Stephen Curry or Kyrie leave
him 1 dimensional. His tendency to go inside with the trees for rebounds and
scores have cost him misfortune to what initially looked like a promising
career. In his accustom absence, the
Bulls will look to forward strategies built around a defensive effort to force
turnovers, get fast break buckets and own the rebounding contest. NBA fans know
that this time of the season defensive efforts intensify and referees get light
on the whistle. For the Bulls, the only dilemma there in is if they'll have enough offense
down the stretch to sustain leads and exchange baskets when the opponents get a
run. In losses this season they've averaged 94.1 points a game, a scoring range
that may decrease in upcoming pivotal contest. The Bulls will have to rely on
names like Jimmy Butler & Pau Gasol to push them over the hump in late game
situations where the destitute of Derrick Rose may show vital. Tune in tonight
at 8 p.m. on TNT to see who will prevail. THE BIRTH LLC Supports the NBA.
THUNDER @ BULLS 8:00 p.m. E.T on TNT
THUNDER @ BULLS 8:00 p.m. E.T on TNT
