Chicago Bulls vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

It's only the first game of the season.

The only thing that kept sounding off in my mind as the Chicago Bulls made countless turnovers that could have been prevented and played less than stellar defense. However, there were a lot of good things that were evident throughout the game and the reminder that we are missing an all star from our starting line up keeps a smile on my face.

I wasn't really too sure what to expect from the Bulls in this game, or for the season. With a couple key off season moves to improve their stock value and appearance on paper this team could be anywhere. After what I consider the luckiest first round draft pick we could have asked for, we're putting together a supporting cast around D Rose. New coach, new center, new shooters, and developed players that remained on the roster.

From the tip off of this game it was evident how much of a talent Rose truly is. The Bulls ran a couple great pick and roll sets, had a couple fast breaks, and played some defense on the Thunder. Obviously I don't know what Tom Thibodeau's game plan was before the game, but I hope it was limit the points of the big 3 for the Thunder. Durant is going to get his upper 20/30 points without a doubt, its the players around him that you need to try and limit and really squeeze when they have the ball. As we saw in the game tonight that was not one of the Bulls' priorities. Westbrook grabbed rebounds and had quick put backs that really took the air out of the quality defensive stops the Bulls had. On top of that they out ran us on the fast break. I was a big fan of the Thunder last year and really think they have a great group that can only improve with their age since they are all such young players, but man are they long. I don't know how to explain it other than that. Every player seems to have a longer wingspan and longer strides than the other players on the court. This was partially the reason as to why the Bulls kept making such elementary turnovers, but a simple pass fake could have solved this problem.

A few things that were evident towards the end of the game:

Rose floater shot - It fell a couple times early and is a really pretty shot when it goes, but towards the end of the game he continued to use it when it wasn't hitting. The way the Bulls got into the lead was through drawing fouls to slow the Thunder down and not allowing them to stretch the floor. Its great to use that shot when its working, but towards the end of the game he needs to take the ball to the hole and draw some fouls.

Brewer - Thoroughly disappointed in his play tonight. I know hes been injured throughout preseason but he looked really lost out there. Again, it's only the first game of the season.

Referees - Must have been bit by the Durantula before the game because they were sick. It appeared early that Durant was going to be getting the "superstar" calls. I'm really starting to get tired of these, mainly because the Bulls do not have anyone to get these type of calls.

Korver - Did not play a lot, but came off the bench with six minutes left and hits a big bucket. I think as he feels more comfortable after this injury and Boozer takes his place on the court Korver is going to be a really solid piece to the Bulls puzzle.

Derrick Rose foul trouble affecting us early and late. In the first half when Rose got taken out the Bulls had no identity on the court. They were attempting to run everything too fast, and didn't have any one on the court that really wanted to take control (despite Watsons great baskets after the timeout).

Really great to see Deng developed a 3 point shot. I've been waiting for this for as long as we've had Deng. He has always had a great 15-18 foot jumper but for some reason it never worked for him from outside the arc. Now he's hitting it, which gives him the option of being a threat from outside and opening up the lane for others.

Taj Gibson played like a veteran. I really like Taj, for one because he was a late addition on my fantasy team, but also he plays well. He takes his time underneath the basket and he doesn't rush. I would really like to see him develop a more consistent jumper so when Boozer gets back they'll be able to run and inside out game.

Joaquim - Mr Consistent Double Double. Nuff said.

D Rose off season 3 point work not showing in season opener.

When it came down to crunch time the same old bulls showed up and crumbled. It is only the first game, but we still don't have a player that is reliable with it on the line. I only say this because of the way Durant can help his team out and if he wasn't on the court Westbrook or Green could. Rose is starting to step up and I think he could really fit that role well, but he's not fully there yet.

Towards the end the Thunder just had that extra bit to help out, when Boozer gets back I'd like to think the bulls have an edge on them. The Thunder don't really have a great inside force and Boozer's combination of power and an outside shot the Bulls are going to have a really different look than what we saw tonight.