Chicago Bulls 2007-08 Season

2007-2008 Regular Season

- Game Day: Friday, Feb. 27, 2008: Chicago Bulls at Indiana Pacers

The Chicago Bulls earned a rare win against the Indiana Pacers in Indianapolis, a 113-107 variety, and are now 3-17 there since the 1998 season.

The Chicago Bulls are now 22-34 on the season.

For a full box score of this game: http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=280227011

Record for Jim Boylan as head coach: (12-14)

- Game Day: Monday, Feb. 25, 2008: Chicago Bulls at Dallas Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Chicago Bulls 102-94 in Jason Kidd's first home game of the season with the Dallas Mavericks.

The loss dropped the Chicago Bulls to 22-34.

For a full box score of this game: http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=280225006

Record for Jim Boylan as head coach: (12-16)

- Game Day: Sunday, Feb. 24, 2008: Chicago Bulls at Houston Rockets

The Houston Rockets beat the Chicago Bulls 110-97.

The Bulls fell to 22-33 on the season.

For a full box score of this game: http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=280224010

Record for Jim Boylan as head coach: (12-15)

- Game Day: Friday, Feb. 22, 2008: Denver Nuggets at Chicago Bulls

Playing against a hot Western Conference team in the Denver Nuggets while being shorthanded--this time because of the Ben Wallace trade (Drew Gooden and Larry Hughes sat the bench in street clothes) and not injury--the Chicago Bulls banded together and exploded for season high 135 points in a 135-121 rout of the Nuggets before a sold-out United Center.

Ben Gordon led all scorers for the Chicago Bulls with 37 points off the bench on 12-18 shooting including 6-for-10 from three point land. All Chicago Bulls starters finished in double-figure scoring with impressive numbers: Andres Nocioni (21 points), Tyrus Thomas (18 points, 11 rebounds, 3 blocks), Kirk Hinrich (16 points, 14 assists), Joakim Noah (14 points, 10 rebounds, 2 blocks), and Thabo Sefolosha (14 points).

The Chicago Bulls survived a career game by one-time Chicago Bulls player (for a short time in the off-season) JR Smith. Smith scored 43 points off the bench including eight 3-pointers while star starters Allen Iverson scored 29 and Carmelo Anthony chipped in with 22 points. Center Marcus Camby chipped in with 19 points, 11 rebounds, and six big blocked shots.

The win improves the Chicago Bulls to 22-32 on the season while the Denver Nuggets, a team that struggles on the road against Eastern Conference foes, fell to 33-20.

For a full box score of this game: http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=280222004

Record for Jim Boylan as head coach: (12-14)

- Game Day: Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2008: Chicago Bulls at New Jersey Nets

The Chicago Bulls opened the 2007-2008 season at the New Jersey Nets and lost in the final minutes of overtime. Span nearly four months later, and the story's the same. The Chicago Bulls fell to the New Jersey Nets 110-102 at Izod Center in overtime.

In the team's first game following the Jason Kidd trade Vince Carter, Marcus Williams (who took Jason Kidd's point guard spot in the starting lineup) and Richard Jefferson came up big for the New Jersey Nets.

The Chicago Bulls fell despite seeing the return of Luol Deng, who had missed 16 of the last 21 games due to a foot injury, and Ben Gordon who had missed time with a wrist injury, to the lineup.

Joe Smith led all Chicago Bulls scorers with 17 points while Kirk Hinrich, back in the starting lineup, finished with 11 points and six rebounds on the night. The Bulls had the final 19 seconds in regulation to break the tie, but barely got a shot off for the win.

The Chicago Bulls fell to 21-32 while the New Jersey Nets improve to 24-30 with the win.

For a full box score of this game: http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=280220017

Record for Jim Boylan as head coach: (11-14)

- Game Day: Thursday, Feb. 14, 2008: Miami Heat at Chicago Bulls

Few NBA teams are having a tougher time than the Chicago Bulls, and the Chicago Bulls caught the Miami Heat holding the league's worst record.

With Luol Deng and Ben Gordon missing the game due to injury and starting center Ben Wallace away from the team due to a death in the family, the Chicago Bulls, though once again shorthanded, beat the Miami Heat 99-92 at the United Center.

Four of the five Chicago Bulls starters finished in double-figures in a balanced attack: Joe Smith (19), Andres Nocioni (18), Thabo Sefolosha (17), and Tyrus Thomas (10) while starting point guard Chris Duhon tallied only three points on the night.

Still recovering from his bruised ribs, Kirk Hinrich picked up the point guard slack with a 24 point outburst off the bench including seven rebounds and four assists in 33 minutes of play.

Sefolosha, Smith, and Thomas each also finished the night in double-digit rebounds.

Dwyane Wade did his usual part to keep the Miami Heat in the game with a staggering line of 30 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists in front of his personal hometown crowd.

Shawn Marion, formerly of the Phoenix Suns, also played well in his third game with the Miami Heat. He added 23 points and seven assists.

The win pushes the Chicago Bulls to 21-31, oddly only 1.5 games out of the final spot in the Eastern Conference Playoffs. The Miami Heat continue their fall to 9-42 on the tough season.

For a full box score of this game: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=280214004

Record for Jim Boylan as head coach: (11-13)

- Game Day: Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2008: New Orleans Hornets at Chicago Bulls

The Chicago Bulls erased an 8-point defecit at the end of the first quarter only to lose momentum down the stretch and eventually fell 100-86 to the New Orleans Hornets at the United Center.

Already one of the more impressive point guards in the NBA, Chris Paul dazzled for the New Orleans Hornets with 25 points and 14 assists on the night. David West chipped in with a mighty 27 points and Peja Stojakovic also tallied 27 of which 13 game in a big, momentum-turning third quarter.

Former Chicago Bulls center Tyson Chandler scored only four points in 39 minutes, but pulled down 14 big rebounds on the night. Reports indicated Chandler was battling a flu bug.

In the losing effort, for the Chicago Bulls, Andres Nocioni led all scorers with 28 points including 10-of-11 from the free throw line. Thabo Sefolosha added 12 points in the effort, and Ben Wallace crashed the boards hard and pulled down 16 in the game.

Kirk Hinrich led the Chicago Bulls' bench with 15 points in 26 minutes.

The Chicago Bulls fall to 20-31 on the season with the loss while the New Orleans Hornets continue to stun the NBA with an impressive 35-15 record. At game start the Hornets trailed only the Phoenix Suns for the top spot in the Western Conference.

For a full box score of this game: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=280212004

Record for Jim Boylan as head coach: (10-13)

- Game Day: Saturday, Feb. 9, 2008: Chicago Bulls at Utah Jazz

The Chicago Bulls couldn't ride the momentum of Thursday's big win into Saturday night's game against the Utah Jazz, as the Jazz handed the Bulls a 97-87 loss at EnergySolutions Arena.

Forward Carlos Boozer led the way for the Utah Jazz with 22 points and 12 rebounds while former University of Illinois standout Deron Williams chipped in 15 points and 11 assists. Andrei Kirilenko led the Jazz with 39 minutes played and contributed 15 points.

On the Utah Jazz bench, Kyle Korver and Ronnie Price added 10 points each to aid a balanced scoring attack.

In the losing effort, for the Chicago Bulls, guard Thabo Seolosha shined once more with 22 points out of the starting lineup. He also tallied seven rebounds and four assists on the night. Also in the starting lineup Andres Nocioni and Joe Smith scored 14 points each.

Once again for the injury-plagued Chicago Bulls, Luol Deng, Ben Gordon, and Kirk Hinrich each sat out with nagging injuries.

The loss drops the Chicago Bulls to 20-30 on the season while the Utah Jazz continue to thrill in the Western Conference with a 33-19 record.

For a full box score of this game: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=280209026

Record for Jim Boylan as head coach: (10-12)

- Game Day: Thursday, Feb. 7, 2008: Chicago Bulls at Golden State Warriors

The Chicago Bulls earned a second victory of the season when allowing an opponent to score 100 or more points when they defeated the Golden State Warriors 114-108 at Oracle Arena.

The Bulls mustered enough energy together as Chris Duhon exloded for a career-high 34 points as Luol Deng, Ben Gordon, and Kirk Hinrich once again missed time because of injuries. Joe Smith chipped in with 27 big points, while Ben Wallace scored 10 points to reach double-digits in two straight nights. While the Bulls dressed only eight players, Tyrus Thomas converted his 26 minutes off the bench into 15 big points.

For the Golden State Warriors, the awesome backcourt of Baron Davis and Monta Ellis combined to score 47 points while Al Harrington led the bench with 20 points. Andris Biedrins hauled in 18 rebounds and veteran Chris Webber scored only 4 points in 13 minutes out of the starting lineup in his first game of the season.

The big win for the Chicago Bulls pushes them to 20-29 while the Golden State Warriors cling to a converse record of 29-20 on the season.

For a full box score of this game: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=280207009

Record for Jim Boylan as head coach: (11-12)

- Game Day: Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2008: Chicago Bulls at Portland Trail Blazers

The Chicago Bulls nearly gutted out a win against the tough Portland Trail Blazers without the services of leading scorer Ben Gordon and starting guard Kirk Hinrich, but fell short 100-97 at the Rose Garden.

In the winning effort, for the Portland Trail Blazers Brandon Roy led all scorers with 28 points while original Chicago Bulls Draft Day pick LaMarcus Aldridge shined with 18 points. Travis Outlaw provided a big boost off the bench with 14 points.

For the Chicago Bulls, Andres Nocioni led the team with 22 points out of the starting lineup, a total shared with fellow starter Thabo Sefolosha, in another gritty effort from the second-year guard. Joe Smith added a solid 16 points while center Ben Wallace hit double figures in points with 12.

For a full box score of this game: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=280206022

Record for Jim Boylan as head coach: (10-12)

- Game Day: Monday, Feb. 4, 2008: Chicago Bulls at Seattle SuperSonics

Mr. Consistent, Joe Smith gritted out being ill and having a sore knee to lead the Chicago Bulls to a 118-108 victory over the Seattle SuperSonics at Key Arena in a win that marks the Chicago Bulls' first victory of the season in which the opposing team scored 100 or more points.

Smith led the Bulls with 25 points out of the starting lineup and tied for the team lead in rebounds with 10, a stat shared by Bulls center Ben Wallace. Kirk Hinrich chipped in with 15 points while Andres Nocioni, this time in the starting lineup, scored 14 points in the win.

For the Seattle SuperSonics, rookie Kevin Durant led all starters with 20 points, while Wally Szczerbiak led the team with 21 points off the bench. Power forward Chris Wilcox added 13 points.

The win pushes the Bulls to 19-28 on the season while the Seattle SuperSonics fall to 12-36.

For a full box score of this game: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=280204025

Record for Jim Boylan as head coach: (10-11)

- Game Day: Saturday, Feb. 2, 2008: Chicago Bulls at Sacramento Kings

The Chicago Bulls and Sacramento Kings went back in forth all night, but the Sacraemento Kings pulled away from the Bulls to earn a 105-101 win at ARCO Arena as the Chicago Bulls failed to score more than one field goal in nearly the finally five minutes of play.

In the winning effort for the Sacramento Kings, former Chicago Bulls players Ron Artest and Brad Miller haunted the Chicago Bulls. Artest led the Kings in scoring with 28 points and went 10-20 shooting while Miller exploded for 22 points and 20 rebounds on the night. Hot-shooting Kevin Martin also chipped in with 26 points, 11 of which came in the first quarter. The Sacramento Kings also scored 35 of the team's points at the free-throw line on a spectacular 87.5 percent clip.

Though the Chicago Bulls lost another close game, they welcomed leading scorer Ben Gordon back from a wrist injury. He responded immediately with 33 points off the bench. Kirk Hinrich led all Bulls starters in scoring with 18 points. Joe Smith also returned. It was reported he missed time with the flu.

The loss drops the Bulls to 18-28 while the Sacramento Kings improve to 22-24.

For a full box score of this game: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=280202023

Record for Jim Boylan as head coach: (9-11)

- Game Day: Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2008: Chicago Bulls at Minnesota Timberwolves

With Luol Deng, Ben Gordon, and Joe Smith on the bench due to injury, the Chicago Bulls struggled against the dismal Minnesota Timberwolves on the second night of a home-and-home. The Chicago Bulls took the loss 83-67 at the Target Center.

Al Jefferson finally exploded against the Bulls, this time for 26 points and 20 rebounds on the night. Ryan Gomes also chipped in big time with 25 points and 10 boards.

Starting guards Kirk Hinrich and Thabo Sefolosha led the Chicago Bulls in scoring with 14 points each. Hinirich also had nine assists on the night. Joakim Noah once again played well with his second straight start, with 10 points and eight rebounds.

Chris Duhon returned once again, but went scoreless on 0-4 shooting in his 22 minutes.

The loss drops the inconsitent Bulls to 18-27 on the season while the Timberwolves improve to 9-36 on the season.

For a full box score of this game: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=280130016

Record for Jim Boylan as head coach: (9-10)

- Game Day: Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2008: Minnesota Timberwolves at Chicago Bulls

Few teams this season have underperformed as much as the Chicago Bulls. Luckily, for the Bulls, the Minnesota Timberwolves, who own the NBA's worst record, were in town. The Chicago Bulls easily defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 96-85 at the United Center.

For once the hometown crowd had only one thing to boo about. The Bulls flirted with 100 points for the last three minutes of the game, and stuck at 96 as fans cheered for the magic 100 point mark as that's the designated number of points required for the Bulls at home in a win for each ticket holder to receive a free Big Mac.

Kirk Hinrich once again rose to the challenge with 27 points to lead the Bulls in scoring, while Luol Deng, Chris Duhon, Ben Gordon, and Joe Smith sat out due to injury. Andres Nocioni, once again in the starting lineup, scored 18, while Vicktor Khryapa made the most of his rare playing time with 11 points in 15 minutes.

Joakim Noah came up big with his first career NBA start. He scored 10 points and pulled down 13 rebounds.

In the losing effort, Al Jefferson led the Minnesota Timberwolves with 20 points and 11 rebounds on the night while Randy Foye, playing for the first time this season since returning from injury chipped in with 11 points in 18 minutes.

The win improved the Bulls' record to 18-26 on the season while the Minnesota Timberwolves continue to struggle at 8-36.

For a full box score of this game: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=280129004

Record for Jim Boylan as head coach: (9-9)

- Game Day: Sunday, Jan. 27, 2008: Phoenix Suns at Chicago Bulls

In a weekend without NFL football, Chicago fans may have stumbled upon a noon-start Chicago Bulls game. Problem is, the game, against the Phoenix Suns, wasn't televised locally.

Chicago Bulls fans didn't miss much as the Phoenix Suns overtook the Chicago Bulls 88-77 at the United Center. While the Bulls remained close for much of the game, the Suns took a 12-0 run into the fourth quarter to put the Bulls away for good.

Amare Stoudemire led the way for the victorious Suns with 24 points while Shawn Marion scored 15 and pulled down 11 rebounds. The consistent Steve Nash scored 14 and led the Suns with 7 assists. Leandro Barbosa chipped in 13 big points off the bench.

Kirk Hinrich once again led the way for the Chicago Bulls with 31 points while Tyrus Thomas scored 10 points off the bench in the losing effort. The Chicago Bulls were once again without the services of Luol Deng and Ben Gordon to injury. Chris Duhon returned from his knee injury and scored 5 points over 32 minutes. Though he gave it a try, It's anticipated that Duhon will miss more time with the injury.

The loss drops the Chicago Bulls to 17-26 while the Phoenix Suns improve to 32-13 on the season.

For a full box score of this game: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=280127004

Record for Jim Boylan as head coach: (8-9)

- Game Day: Friday, Jan. 25, 2008: Charlotte Bobcats at Chicago Bulls

Without the services of leading scorers Ben Gordon and Luol Deng, as well as Chris Duhon, the Chicago Bulls suffered a disappointing 90-77 loss to the Charlotte Bobcats at the United Center. To make matters worse, Joe Smith sat out the second half for the Bulls with an undisclosed injury.

For the Charlotte Bobcats Emeka Okafor put together a monster game with 21 points and 16 rebounds. Gerald Wallace also had 21 points and added four steals for the Bobcats.

Matt Carrol knocked home 12 from the bench for the Bobcats including 3-of-4 shooting from 3-point range.

Andres Nocioni, in the starting lineup, led all Chicago Bulls scorers with 25 points. Kirk Hinrich scored 14 and chipped in 8 assists while Thabo Sefolosha, once again in the starting lineup, scored 13 and pulled down 10 rebounds.

The loss drops the Bulls' record to 17-25 while the Charlotte Bobcats add one to the win column to go 17-25 on the season.

For a full box score of this game: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=280125004

Record for Jim Boylan as head coach: (8-8)

- Game Day: Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2008: Indiana Pacers at Chicago Bulls

The season continues to frustrated the Chicago Bulls and the team's fans as injuries to key players put a continued proverbial salt in the wound. Prior to the team's 108-95 victory over the Indiana Pacers at the United Center, the Chicago Bulls learned they will be without the services of Luol Deng for an extended period of time with his Achillies' tendonitis. The team's also found out it would be without its top scorer Ben Gordon for at least the night's game. Guard Chris Duhon will also miss time with a knee strain.

Kirk Hinrich emerged in a big way as he exploded with a career high 38 points, including 12 points in the fourth quarter alone while Joakim Noah was big down low with 15 rebounds in his 34 big minutes off the bench. Andres Nocioni contributed 24 points, staring in place of the injured Luol Deng.

Forward Danny Granger led the way in the losing effort for the Indiana Pacers with 33 points. As a team, the Indiana Pacers certainly have its share of injury issues as star Jermaine O'Neal may be lost for the season with a lingering knee injury. Jamaal Tinsley scored only 2 points for the Indiana Pacers in 30 mintues of play.

The win brings the Chicago Bulls to 17-24 on the season while the Indiana Pacers fall to 19-24. The Bulls' win brings them only one game behind the Pacers for what would be the final seed in the Eastern Conference Playoffs.

For a full box score of this game: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=280123004

Record for Jim Boylan as head coach: (8-7)

- Game Day: Monday, Jan. 21, 2008: Chicago Bulls at Memphis Grizzlies

The Chicago Bulls couldn't use the momentum gained from Saturday's big defeat of the Detroit Pistons to push them into a win streak as the Bulls suffered an embarrassing Martin Luther King Jr. afternoon defeat to the Memphis Grizzlies 104-90 at FedEx Forum.

Rudy Gay and Mike Miller led the way for the Memphis Grizzlies with 24 points each while Pau Gasol, who has been the source of Chicago Bulls trade rumors for a full season, scored 12 and pulled down 10 rebounds in the winning effort.

Ben Gordon once again led the Chicago Bulls off the bench with 25 points including 3-for-6 from the 3-point line. It's fast becoming a trend the Bulls bench outscores the starters. Andres Nocioni took a while to heat up, but scored 16 off the bench to be the second-highest scorer for the Bulls. Each night it seems several Bulls players coming off the bench score more than most of the starting players. Score that fact as one consitency for this team.

The loss drops the Bulls to 16-24 on the season while the Memphis Grizzlies improve a bit to 12-29. The Bulls also fall to 0-17 on the season when allowing an opponent to score 100 or more points.

For a full box score of this game: http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=280121029

Record for Jim Boylan as head coach: (7-7)

- Game Day: Saturday, Jan. 19, 2008: Detroit Pistons at Chicago Bulls

If the Chicago Bulls could pretend each of their foes was the Detroit Pistons, the Chicago Bulls may have a winning record. With an impressive 97-81 victory over the Detroit Pistons at the United Center, the Chicago Bulls are now 3-0 on the season against the Pistons. The three losses to the Bulls represent one quarter of the team's loses on the season.

Once again off the bench Ben Gordon led all scorers in the game with 33 points including 13-13 from the foul line. Though Kirk Hinrich returned from his two game absence, Thabo Sefolosha once again found his name in the starting lineup. Sefolosha made the best of the opportunity with 12 points, 13 rebounds, and five assists on the night. Sefolosha also scored home an impressive dunk late in the fourth quarter that brought the sold-out United Center crowd to its feet. Andres Nocioni also chipped in with 21 points.

In the losing effort Chauncey Billups continued his hot shooting against the Chicago Bulls with 27 points. Rip Hamilton scored 15 points and Rasheed Wallace, who usually gives the Bulls problems, was held to only four points in 25 minutes.

The win raises the Bulls' record to 16-23 while the Pistons fall to 29-12 with the loss.

For a full box score of this game: http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=280119004

Record for Jim Boylan as head coach: (7-6)

- Game Day: Friday, Jan. 18, 2008: Golden State Warriors at Chicago Bulls

Baron Davis career night including 40 total points, which included 28 of those points in the second half, with five 3-pointers in the third quarter alone, put the Golden State Warriors in the driver's seat late in the fourth quarter with a 119-111 win over the Chicago Bulls at the United Center.

As one of the NBA's highest-scoring teams, scoring for the Golden State Warriors was across the board. Players who joined Baron Davis in double-digits included Stephen Jackson (24), Monta Ellis (23) and Matt Barnes with 11 points off the bench.

For the Chicago Bulls, the bench once again chipped in big time. Ben Gordon once again led the Bulls in scoring with 29 points while Andres Nocioni knocked home 28 points on the night.

Center Ben Wallace played only 22 minutes in the game after chipping in seven points, a high total for him, and after only one personal foul. One is left to wonder how one of the team's lone defensive cogs is on the bench when a high-flying team is opposing the Bulls, on national TV no less.

Luol Deng led the Bulls starters with 17 points and 12 rebounds while Joe Smith knocked in 13 as he played the team that took him with the No. 1 pick out of Maryland in the 1995 NBA Draft.

With the loss the Bulls fall to 15-23 while the Golden State Warriors improve to 24-17 on the season. Also, the Bulls are now 0-16 when allowing an opponent to score 100 or more points.

For a full box score of this game: http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=280118004

Record for Jim Boylan as head coach: (6-6)

- Game Day: Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2008: Chicago Bulls at Miami Heat

Even with Shaquille O'Neal returning to the lineup for the Miami Heat since being out of action due to injury since Dec. 26, the Chicago Bulls were able to defeat a team having an even tougher season as the Bulls took a convincing 126-96 victory at American Airlines Arena.

Chicago Bulls guard, and the team's overall leading scorer, Ben Gordon knocked home 24 to lead the Bulls in scoring, as he came off the bench. As one of the lone consistent players this season for the Bulls, veteran Joe Smith chipped in 23 solid points, while Thabo Sefolosha contributed in a big way with 17 points as he once again started in place of guard Kirk Hinrich who missed his second consecutive game because of back spasms.

Despite the loss, Shaquille O'Neal looked fresh in his return to the floor. O'Neal teamed with Dwyane Wade to both lead the Miami Heat in scoring with 24 ponits each. O'Neal also pulled down 10 rebounds and made 8 of his 12 free throw attempts.

With the win, the Chicago Bulls improve to 15-22 on the season while the Miami Heat continue to slide at 8-29.

For a full box score of this game: http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=280116014

Record for Jim Boylan as head coach: (6-5)

- Game Day: Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2008: Chicago Bulls at Orlando Magic

The Chicago Bulls rallied in the second quarter to erase a 14-point defecit only to be outscored 32-10 in the third quarter and have the game fall out of their hands once again as the Bulls fell to the Orlando Magic 102-88 at Amway Arena.

Rashard Lewis led the way for the victorious Orlando Magic with 26 points and 6 assists. Young center Dwight Howard chipped in 15 points of his own and 11 rebounds. Off the bench, Keith Bogans and Brian Cook helped out with 15 points and 14 points each respectively.

The Chicago Bulls were led in scoring by Joe Smith, with only 13 points. Fresh off his two game absence due to coach and player team suspension, Joakim Noah provided 12 points off the bench. Noah also led the team with 11 rebounds.

Thabo Sefolosha entered the starting lineup in place of guard Kirk Hinrich who missed the game with a back injury. Sefolosha added nine points in his absence.

The loss drops the Chicago Bulls to 14-22 on the season while the Orlando Magic improve to 24-16 in the Eastern Conference.

For a full box score of this game: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=280115019

Record for Jim Boylan as head coach: (5-5)

- Game Day: Sunday, Jan. 13, 2008: Chicago Bulls at Atlanta Hawks

In a season already filled with much disappointment, it's no surprise the Chicago Bulls lost to the Atlanta Hawks for the first time since 2004, in a 105-84 matinee defeat at Philips Arena.

Joe Johnson led the charge for the Atlanta Hawks with 37 points while hitting 5 of 6 from 3-point land. Josh Childress chipped in 14 points and Marvin Williams scored home 11 to highlight the scoring for the Atlanta Hawks.

In his first game back after a 3-game absence because of his Achillies' injury, Luol Deng exploded with 28 points to lead the Chicago Bulls in the losing effort. Andres Nocioni added 20 points while Joe Smith knocked home 12 to lead the scoring for the Chicago Bulls.

Joakim Noah was once again forced to watch the game in street clothes as the team voted to have him sit out again for what has been described as team discretions.

The loss drops the Chicago Bulls to 14-21 on the season while the Atlanta Hawks improve to 16-17.

For a full box score of this game: http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=280113001

Record for Jim Boylan as head coach: (5-4)

- Game Day: Friday, Jan. 11, 2008: Chicago Bulls at Philadelphia 76ers

The Chicago Bulls erased a 14-point defecit in the first quarter of action against the Philadelphia 76ers and earned a much needed 100-97 win at the Wachovia Center.

The Bulls turned it on in the second quarter and rose to a 45-40 lead at halftime and never looked back until the final two minutes of the game where the Bulls turned the ball over often and a steady lead was reduced to only four points with just one minute remaining.

Andres Nocioni led the Chicago Bulls with 27 points with 11-of-18 shooting including three 3-pointers. Ben Wallace led the Bulls with 8 rebounds and Kirk Hinrich led with 7 assists. Luol Deng missed his third-straight game with a foot injury.

In the losing effort, Andre Iguodala led the Philadelphia 76ers with 25 points. Impressive center Samuel Dalembert scored 21 and pulled down 19 rebounds. Guard Andre Miller also added 20 points.

The Bulls improved their record to 14-20 while the 76ers fell to 14-23 on the season.

For a full box score of this game: http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=280111020

Record for Jim Boylan as head coach: (5-3)

- Game Day: Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2008: New York Knicks at Chicago Bulls

The New York Knicks overcame a 13-point fourth quarter defecit to earn their second road win of the season 105-100 at the United Center. Former Chicago Bulls center Eddy Curry led the visiting New York Knicks in scoring with 29

Coming into the game, the New York Knicks had lost seven consecutive games. Former Bulls guard Jamal Crawford also chipped in against the team he used to play for with 24 points.

In the disappointing loss, Joe Smith led the Chicago Bulls with 22 points and 12 rebounds. Luol Deng missed his second straight game because of a foot injury, while Andres Nocioni played sick, while only hitting three shots on the night.

The Chicago Bulls are now 0-13 when allowing an opponent to score 100 or more points.

The loss lowers the Bulls' record to 13-20 while the Knicks improve to 9-24.

For a full box score of this game: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=280108004

Record for Jim Boylan as head coach: (4-3)

- Game Day: Saturday, Jan. 5, 2008: Sacramento Kings at Chicago Bulls

The Chicago Bulls dodged a bullet when Brad Miller's last-second shot was blocked by Ben Wallace as the visiting Sacramento Kings fell to the Chicago Bulls at the United Center 94-93.

Andres Nocioni led the Chicago Bulls with 26 points on 7 of 10 shooting and 5 of 7 from 3-point land. Nocioni was inserted into the starting lineup at small forward in place of the injured Luol Deng who is battling what team officials call "Achillies' tendinitis'.

Ben Gordon chipped in 20 points from the bench and Tyrus Thomas played 23 minutes and scored 14 points and had 9 big rebounds.

Former Bulls center Brad Miller led the way for the Sacramento Kings in the losing effort with 22 points and 13 rebounds while Dahntay Jones scored home 16 off the bench.

Former Chicago Bulls first-round draft pick Ron Artest did not play in the game and will be out for several weeks following elbow surgery this week.

The win raises the Bulls' record to 13-19 while the Sacramento Kings fall to 12-20 on the season.

For a full box score of this game: http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=280105004

Record for Jim Boylan as head coach: (4-2)

- Game Day: Thursday, Jan. 3, 2008: Portland Trail Blazers at Chicago Bulls

The Chicago Bulls, at one point led the Portland Trail Blazers by 14 points, but squandered the lead and lost 115-109 in double overtime at the United Center.

Sensation Brandon Roy lead the Portland Trail Blazers in scoring with 25 points and 11 assists. Travis Outlaw and Jarrett Jack shined off the bench, scoring 21 and 17 points each respectively.

LaMarcus Aldridge, who was originally drafted by the Chicago Bulls but traded for Tyrus Thomas at the NBA Draft, chipped in with 14 points and 13 rebounds for the victorious Trail Blazers.

Ben Gordon once again led the charge for the Chicago Bulls with 32 points off the bench while Joe Smith knocked in 31 points in 45 minutes. Smith also flagged down 11 boards and had 4 blocks.

Luol Deng left the game after 1 of 5 shooting with what was described as a strained Achillies.

The Chicago Bulls are now 0-12 when allowing an opponent to score 100 or more points.

The loss drops the Chicago Bulls' record to 12-19 while the hot Portland Trail Blazers improve to 20-13.

For a full box score of this game: http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=280103004

Record for Jim Boylan as head coach: (3-2)

- Game Day, Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2008: Chicago Bulls at Charlotte Bobcats

Rookie Joakim Noah brought his intense energy off the bench to help lead the Bulls in spurty moments to a 109-97 victory against the Charlotte Bobcats at Charlotte Bobcats Arena. Noah chipped in 17 points.

The Bulls, despite the team's lacking paint prowess scored home an impressive 48 points in the lane. Ben Gordon knocked home 22 off the bench while Luol Deng dropped in 21 with 13 rebounds and Joe Smith contributed 16 solid points.

The Bulls surged late in the third quarter and into the fourth quarter to erase a 57-49 defecit at the half. The Bulls pulled away from the Bobcats in the fourth quarter, outscoring them 31-18 in the period.

Jason Richardson led the Charlotte Bobcats with 28 points while Gerald Wallace knocked home 23 points and secured 11 rebounds.

The Chicago Bulls improved their record to 12-18 while the Charlotte Bobcats fell to 11-19.

For a full box score of this game: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=280102030

Record for Jim Boylan as head coach: (3-1)

- Game Day, Monday, Dec. 31, 2007: Orlando Magic at Chicago Bulls

Despite hot shooting from Ben Gordon, who scored 39 points to lead the Bulls in scoring, once again coming off the bench, a last-second shot in overtime by Orlando Magic guard-forward Hedo Turkoglu. The Orlando Magic won the game 112-110 at the United Center in front of a sold-out crowd who arrived early for the 1 p.m. central time tip-off.

In the winning effort, Dwight Howard chipped in 17 points and 22 rebounds while Jameer Nelson led the team with 22 points, coming off the bench, and set the tone for the team with clutch shooting in the fourth quarter and the overtime period.

For the Bulls, Luol Deng chipped in 21 points while Andres Nocioni appeared to regain his shooting touch with 19 points off the bench.

The loss drops the Bulls' record to 11-18 while the Orlando Magic continues its impressive Eastern Conference climb at 22-11.

For a full box score of this game: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=271231004

Record for Jim Boylan as head coach: (2-1)

- Game Day, Dec. 30, 2007: Chicago Bulls at New York Knicks

Ben Gordon once again came off the bench to pace the Chicago Bulls, this time to a matinee 100-83 win at Madison Square Garden with 25 points on 11 for 15 shooting from the field. Luol Deng led all Bulls starters with 17 points and Ben Wallace led the team with 10 rebounds.

Nate Robertson led the New York Knicks in the losing effort with 19 points while former Bulls center Eddy Curry chipped in 12 points off the bench.

The win raises the Bulls' record to 11-17 while the New York Knicks fell to 8-21.

For a full box score of this game: http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=271230018

Record for Jim Boylan as head coach: (2-0)

- Game Day, Dec. 28, 2007: Milwaukee Bucks at Chicago Bulls

Ben Gordon did what he does best--he came off the bench to lead the Chicago Bulls in scoring with 35 points in a 104-99 victory over the Central Division rival Milwaukee Bucks at United Center. The always money Michael Redd scored 34 points for the Milwaukee Bucks, but missed a couple key free throws down the stretch. Luol Deng also added 28 points for the Bulls in the winning effort.

The win gives the Chicago Bulls a record of 10-17 while the Milwaukee Bucks fall to 11-17 with the loss. Following a series of questionable calls, an irate Larry Krystkowiak charged the length of the floor at 1:18 remaining in the fourth quarter to argue with an official. The Milwaukee Bucks head coach was immediately ejected.

For a full box score of this game: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=271228004

Record for Jim Boylan as head coach: (1-0)

News Update: On Dec. 27, Chicago Bulls assistent coach Jim Boylan was promoted to interim head coach for the remainder of the 2007-08 season.

- Game Day, Dec. 26, 2007: Chicago Bulls at San Antonio Spurs

Following the firing of Scott Skiles, the Chicago Bulls lost to the San Antonio Spurs 94-79 at SBC Center on Dec. 26 with assistant and former Chicago Bulls guard Pete Myers holding the clipboard.

Record for Pete Myers as head coach: (0-1).

Tony Parker led the San Antonio Spurs with 28 points while Joe Smith led the Bulls in the losing effort with 19 points and 11 rebounds. The loss brought the record of the Chicago Bulls to 9-17.

The Chicago Bulls went 9-16 in the 2007-08 season under Scott Skiles.

For a full box score of this game: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=271226024

Leading up to the 2007-08 Season

The Chicago Bulls announced on Dec. 24, 2007, that Scott Skiles was fired.

Skiles, with his often abrasive demeanor, was well liked by fans. He led the team to three straight NBA Playoff apperances, and in the 2007 NBA Playoffs, his Chicago Bulls swept the defending NBA Champion Miami Heat, as star players Shaquille O'Neal and Dwyane Wade were forced quickly from the Playoffs.

The Chicago Bulls then lost three straight games to the Detroit Pistons in the following round, but rebounded to win the next two games to make things interesting. The Bulls lost Game 6 and ended their impressive run for the 2007 NBA Playoffs.

Off-season Leading up to 2007-08 Season

The Chicago Bulls went into the 2007-08 season with high hopes following an impressive run in the Playoffs. The one knock many critics and fans had of the current squad was the team's lack of a consistent low-post scorer. Over the last couple seasons, the Chicago Bulls have been linked to possible deals with Pau Gasol of the Memphis Grizzlies, a low-post threat, and NBA All-Star.

As part of the trade deal for former Chicago Bulls prospect Eddy Curry with the New York Knicks, the Chicago Bulls held the ninth overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft. The Bulls drafted the athletic Joakim Noah out of Florida. Noah's long body and energy helped Florida in the team's back-to-back National Championship wins.

The Chicago Bulls also signed free-agent forward Joe Smith. Not a low-post scorer, but a scorer with veteran leadership.

The Chicago Bulls also had to make contract extension decisions on popular Bulls players, forward Luol Deng and guard Ben Gordon. Prior to the first game of the 2007-08 season, the Chicago Bulls were allowed to extend the contracts of both players, of which were set to expire following the upcoming season.

Both players reportedly refused the extended offers with the Chicago Bulls.

Also, many Chicago Bulls players, including Luol Deng and Ben Wallace were often named in trade rumors for star guard Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Critics remark that the combination of the rumors, which led well into the first several weeks of the season, as well as the reported refusal of the players' contract extentions, has led to the downfall of the current Chicago Bulls season.