The main theme of the Bulls/Cavs series is that the Cavs are a lot better. Monday night’s game is about as good as the Bulls are going to do; still, it wasn’t good enough. This isn’t going to change just because the games are in Chicago. The same pros and cons have stuck with the Bulls all season long, and they were there last night, as well. They’ll be there for the rest of the series, too. So instead of repeating them all, here are a few notes about Game 2 (Disclaimer: Some season-long pros and cons will be repeated).

• Joakim Noah was great. Noah is complimented for his passing, intelligence, other non-effort related basketball skills, but not nearly enough. Feelings for Reggie Miller’s color analyst skills aside, this was one broadcast that I thought went beyond the usual effort, energy, spaz compliments that are borderline insulting — like no one would believe Noah is actually good at basketball. Noah’s skills were there on Monday — maybe not a refined post game — but Noah did demonstrate his passing ability and was tremendous on the boards. Sometimes this goes beyond effort, Noah shouldn’t have an 18% offensive rebounding percentage or a 24% defensive rebounding percentage against the Cavaliers’ bigs; he’s rarely out of position though. That’s being smart, not just trying hard.

• The Bulls had 4 turnovers. It’s going to be hard to beat that. And with defeat inevitable and my focus on Derrick Rose, it’s even better that he only had one of them.
• Here’s the season-long positives and negatives (also known as the Four Factors). The Bulls don’t shoot the ball well (46.2% effective field goal percentage); they make up for it with offensive rebounds (29.5% OR%); however, they would make up for it more so if they could get to the free throw line (18.2% free throw rate). And when they don’t turn the ball over, they have a chance (4.4% turnover percentage).
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• Rose had only one turnover, so that’s nice. And his offensive rating was over 100, so he wasn’t horrible. However, I’d still like to see more from Rose, at least in terms of efficiency. I’m happy that Rose is taking more shots, but making 10 of 24 shots isn’t good enough. Same with Game 1: Rose had 28 points, but it took 28 shots to get it. Although there is video evidence that shows it wasn’t all Rose’s fault.

With all the pushing, shoving and controversy surrounding the Bulls these days, Rasheed Wallace was nice enough to give everyone a good laugh when he scored in the wrong basket.

But don’t let the video fool you: Tuesday night’s game against the Celtics was not like last week’s win over the Cavaliers. The Celtics needed the win to potentially get the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference.

Still, the Celtics couldn’t keep up with the much more desperate Bulls. Derrick Rose had 39 points, 7 assists, just turnovers and 3 blocks. Kirk Hinrich wasn’t bad, either. He had 30 points and some huge 3s down the stretch.

To the Chicago media and bloggers’ credit, no one has suggested the Bulls won this one for Vinny.

Read more to see how the “Four Factors” played out.

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Until the results of Derrick Rose’s MRI are announced, there is nothing to take away from the Bulls’ loss in Orlando. With Rose playing the Bulls hardly had a shot at victory; without him it was impossible.

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Even after Rose’s injury, I was still a little curious about how the Bulls defense would play. Rose isn’t a big part of the defense anyway, and the Magic regulars remained in the game for much of the second quarter; after the last few games, I wanted to see how the defense looked.

But this feeling disappeared because it didn’t take long for this lineup to appear: Chris Richard, Hakim Warrick, Flip Murray, Jannero Pargo, and Acie Law. And on second thought, I really don’t care about this lineup’s ability to defend.

So a game against the Magic, again, shows how valuable Rose is, not only to the Bulls, but to fans’ enjoyment of the Bulls.

And it’s not a coincidence that Rose has been injured twice against the Magic, and it’s not because Dwight Howard is a dirty player. Howard is a wall with deltoids, and when the smaller Rose gets even lightly touched by him, that high in the air, bad things are somewhat likely to happen. Rose has shown a tremendous ability to maneuver around people, even while he’s in the air; Howard is just too big to glide past.

But this is no reason to be upset at the Bulls because they haven’t “stepped up” or because no one has “undercut the thug.” As bad as the falls have looked and as bad as the results have been, a bruised hip and an injured wrist, the contact in the air has been rather light.

I just don’t see any bad intentions coming from Howard. His biggest detractors say Howard’s biggest flaw is his lack of a mean-streak. And if you watch both plays, how is Howard at fault? In the game in February, he hardly touches him; Rose is just so high when he losses his balance that it’s an awful fall.

And last night, (watch Howard) he is stumbling back from the contact Rose made with him. However, Rose uses his hand to break his fall, and because of this, he hurts his wrist. Doing anything to Howard, just to retaliate, would be a huge overreaction and a good way to make enemies around the league real fast.

The Bulls managed to stay afloat, until the end of the third quarter, on the strength of their offense. But if you follow the Bulls or have pay attention to Vinny Del Negro’s coaching, you know, that there is hardly ever a reason for their good offense, beyond Derrick Rose or guys just making shots.

Simply, the Bulls aren’t a team that outscores people; eventually, they were going to have to make some stops. They never did. Besides a stretch early in the third quarter where the Jazz became careless with the ball and the Bulls generated some turnovers, they never could slow down the Jazz.

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Offensively, the Bulls were efficient en route to 108 points. Four guys – Brad Miller, Hakim Warrick, Flip Murray and Kirk Hinrich – reached double-figures, while also keeping their effective field-goal percentage (eFG%) above 60%. Miller was particularly good in the first half, when he was three of three on 3-pointers.

And not that anyone is surprised, but Rose had a great showing against Deron Williams, on offense. Rose had 25 points and tied a career-high with 13 assists against someone who is gaining support for the best point guard in the game.

It was another story on defense. Rose’s stat line was good, but Williams’ was bigger: Williams had 28 points and 17 assists. With the game out of hand in the fourth quarter, color man Stacey King called out Rose for his defensive play, and said that he’s too good an athlete to struggle the way he does. I don’t know if this is the first time he, or Neil Funk, has done this, but it’s the first time I remember.

Rose’s failure to defend doesn’t make him different than anyone else on his team. And even though the Bulls have struggled lately, the Jazz deserve a lot of credit for the Bulls’ inability to stop them. They just run their offensive sets so well. And they pass the ball so well, especially in the paint, defense is almost impossible.

It gets even more difficult when C.J. Miles hits six of seven shots from behind the arc. On the way to scoring 23 points, Miles had a 100% eFG%. Without Noah, the entire Bulls roster has to help in the paint, but they didn’t do a good job closing out in order to get a hand Miles’ face; and really, it was his shooting in the third and fourth quarter that put this game out of reach.

But more important than one loss to a far superior team is news that Luol Deng will have an MRI on his calf today. Also, Taj Gibson continues to be bothered by plantar fasciitis.

Joakim Noah and Luol Deng are great for games against the Hawks, and other teams this athletic and long. The Hawks’ never-ending list of long-armed, athletic, 6′9″ guys need to be shadowed by similarly built defenders; without Deng and Noah, the Bulls didn’t have their two best. Especially defensively, this was an issue; it didn’t help matters on the boards, either.

Explanation: not necessary. The Bulls aren’t talented enough to lose two of their three best players. Few teams are, but the Bulls definitely are not.

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Things against Atlanta could have been worse. In the first quarter, Derrick Rose banged knees with Mike Bibby and left the game. So, beyond Rose returning — and looking fine — in the second quarter, the Bulls managed to keep things competitive for about three and a half quarters. The Bulls kept it close despite losing Rose for an extended period of time, on top of other injuries.

Atlanta’s size and athleticism were just too much, though. The Score’s Jason Goff perfectly described what the Hawks did to the Bulls: “The Hawks played a basketball version of the dump and chase.” Atlanta didn’t often score on their first chance, but when you get the ball back for a second (or third) chance over 40% of the time, things will go well for you.

In Joe Johnson’s (assuming they don’t meet in the playoffs) last appearance in Chicago before the summer, he struggled. It was an unimpressive shooting display from Johnson — he had an effective shooting percentage (eFG%) of 33% and his true shooting percentage (TS%) was 21%. And people who only see Johnson a few times a year may be wondering what the fuss is about.

First of all, this was my first extended look at the Bulls’ new additions. They definitely weren’t the biggest problem in the loss, but they also don’t improve on any of the team’s current problems: consistent offense; someone to replace Joakim Noah’s rebounding, as he continues to play limited minutes; coaching, etc. The issues switched jerseys numbers, but didn’t change.

In fact, just based on this game, you can say the Bulls’ added a problem: The Bulls aren’t as athletic in the front court, and the Wizards took advantage of this.

On the brighter side, a new player — Flip Murray — did provide us with this move. (Go to the 1:22 mark to see Flip’s dunk.)

That play got Neil Funk and Stacey King talking about this play. (Kirk Hinrich, Flip would like to introduce you to Lil’ Flip.):

Whether the Bulls are better with the new players or not, the Bulls looked bad in Washington because they reverted back to the November Bulls. Offensively, when the Bulls were struggling, there was too little Derrick Rose. The Bulls scored only 16 points in the third quarter — if you watched the third quarter, you’re probably surprised they scored this many. Between 10:56 and 4:47 in the quarter, Rose only took two mid-range jump shots and the Bulls scored 0 points.

Randy Foye, who guarded Rose for most of the game, has something in common with about 95% of the league: He can’t guard Rose. In the six minutes drought, it was very November Bulls-like not to isolate Rose at the top of the key. Given space to maneuver, Rose gets to the basket.

The Wizards’ bigs are big and athletic, so they may create a problem for Rose at the basket, in terms of blocking shots. But I’d rather take my chances with the Bulls’ best player doing what he does best. It’s far better than the alternative of watching the team try to run a “offense.”

After figuring out, Rose with ball equals good early in the fourth quarter. The Bulls slipped again. Rose took over the fourth quarter — at least, some of the fourth quarter. Rose looked like the guy we’ve seen in recent weeks: The one comfortable dominating the ball and taking over.

Then, with about 2:00 left and the Bulls down by 2, he stopped. He managed, only, one 3-point shot for the rest of the game. And even that shot was more of a desperation heave with time winding down, than it was a shot set-up for him to take.

New players or no new players, the Bulls need Rose to go on offensive rescue missions; tonight, they didn’t really give him a chance.

Tomorrow, or after 2 p.m., we can all go back to pretending the rest of this season is important; however, until then, not giving John Salmons the option to ruin the Bulls’ max contract plan is top of mind.

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I guess, the Bulls and Bucks are still in discussions to figure out which two expiring contracts the Bulls will receive in return, but this acknowledgment is important: no matter who it is, it will be expiring contracts.

And according to K.C. Johnson, should this be all the Bulls do, the Bulls have accomplished their goal. Even the Bulls are pretending this season matters. Although, I guess every team can use the playoff ticket revenue.

In the game preview, I suggested the Bulls game for people who needed a break from all the trade rumors, well, I guess I didn’t need a break. At best, I watched this game with one eye, and the other one trying to figure out what’s going on with Salmons.

Since I was only half paying attention, it was important to check StatSheet and make sure Brad Miller was as good as he looked on TV. He was. Miller had an offensive rating of 131, an eFG% of 53%; also, from what I remember, he played a big role in the Bulls’ second half comeback.

Derrick Rose continues what has become standard operating procedure: scoring well over 20 points (27 points with an eFG% of 52% on Wednesday night).

Interesting game recaps will resume as soon as the trade deadline is over. Until then, join OTC and i94 Sports to discuss the Bulls’ latest move and rumors.

There’s no point in investing too much thought in the Bulls’ 118-85 demolishing of the Knicks; they’re fully capable of doing it again tonight. Clearly, the Bulls are better at basketball, and they were a lot better on Tuesday night. What really matters is if they are better at making cap space. Reportedly, the Bulls and Knicks are going head-to-head in a match-up of expiring contracts, draft picks and assets for the biggest expiring contract of them all — Tracy McGrady.

ESPN.com reports Houston will decide today whose package is better. Both Marc Stein and Adrian Wojnarowski report the Rockets are leaning towards the Knicks’ offer, which is:

The Knicks would swap first round picks in 2011, plus include their 2012 first round pick; Jared Jefferies’ $6.9 million contract next season; rookie Jordan Hill; and Larry Hughes. This would be in exchange for McGrady, Joey Dorsey and Brian Cook.

Basically, the Knicks, in an effort to get rid of Jefferies’ contract, will give up two better draft picks. Stein and Wojnarowski also say the two teams are in a disagreement over the level of protection on the picks.

Chicago’s offer, on the other hand, is a litter harder to figure out. Stein says “the complete specifics of the Bulls’ proposal could not be immediately confirmed.” Wojnarowski, says the Bulls’ deal includes Brad Miller, Tyrus Thomas and either John Salmons or Kirk Hinrich. Though Stein says that Houston has resisted the inclusion of Salmons and Hinrich, so who really knows?

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While these teams discuss their differences, the Bulls had one of their better performances of the season. So good, in fact, I’d be remiss not mentioning a few things, even though all the important things are occurring off the court.

Derrick Rose reminded everyone, that if all this trade stuff or 2010 free agent shopping spree falls through, you still have him. In 27 minutes, Rose scored 29 points, and simply, couldn’t be guarded. Rose attacked the rim on a few occasions — nothing to worry about — and he was perfect from inside 15 feet.

But it is his jump shot that continues to impress: Rose shot 70% from 16-23 feet. Defenders, especially bigger guys like Jefferies, are continually on their heels, and Rose just keeps shooting over the top of them.

More positives: The Bulls’ starters (minus Kirk Hinrich) didn’t have to play a lot of minutes; Hinrich and John Salmons had one of their better offensive games, both players were over 70% effective field goal percentage (eFG%) and true shooting percentage (TS%); and Tyrus Thomas got a lot of minutes, although I think possible trade partners have already made their decision on him. Defensively, the Bulls held the Knicks under a lot of their offensive averages, though some of this has to do with the deep bench Mike D’Antoni was playing in the second half.

Not a whole lot to complain about after the Bulls’ first game back. Now, go make some cap space.

The only valuable piece of information to come from last night’s loss to the Magic is this: Bulls trainer Fred Tedeschi said, “The X-rays so far were negative. I’m not saying we’ve completely ruled out a fracture. It looks unlikely.” Of course, he was talking about Derrick Rose.

Once Rose went to the locker room, the game became CNN: just an outlet for news updates. All Derrick, all the time.

It would have been nice if the Magic didn’t go on a 32-11 run, post-Rose leaving the game, but none of it is surprising. The Bulls were going to have enough trouble without Joakim Noah, and more depth to throw at Dwight Howard, obviously, removing Rose too didn’t help.

Magic coach Stan Van Gundy summed it up nicely, ”Quite honestly, without Derrick, they’re a little easier to defend.”

This game, pretty much, followed the numbers. The pace was fast; the Pacers couldn’t help themselves from constantly fouling, as the Bulls went to the line 33 times; and the Pacers’ struggling offense failed to get good shots when it mattered.

Outside of the Pacers’ defense, that struggled even when they weren’t fouling people, and the Bulls getting beat on the offensive glass by one of the worst rebounding teams in the league, everything went according to plan. Based on the Bulls’ high effective field goal percentage (eFG%) on Tuesday, they not only hit their jump shots, but were also comfortable playing the Pacers’ up-tempo style — the Bulls had 20 fast break points to the Pacers’ 12.

Derrick Rose — obviously — was especially good for the Bulls in transition.

“You can’t guard him one-on-one,” (Pacers coach Jim) O’Brien said. “There’s no point guard in the league that can guard him one-on-one.” [Indianapolis Star]

Rose got a lot of one-on-one opportunities while the Bulls were in transition.

Though, the Bulls won the fast break battle, it doesn’t mean their transition defense can’t use work. Whether it was preceded by a made field goal, a turnover, or a missed jumper, Indiana’s guards got the ball and ran. Most offensive possessions, when T.J. Ford or Earl Watson received an outlet pass, they dribbled it to, at least, the free throw line.

In transition, especially, Rose couldn’t slow them by himself. The Pacers’ penetrating guards forced the Bulls’ defense to collapse. Trailing the play for Indiana were Danny Granger, Troy Murphy, etc. — bigger guys who can all shoot. Through this, Indiana got a lot of wide-open shots, early in the clock, on kick outs to the trailer. Good for the Bulls, these quick shots stopped going in during the Pacers’ 15-point fourth quarter.

On offense, when Mike Dunleavy was in the game, the Bulls’ plan was to attack him one-on-one. Neil Funk and Stacey King did everything but start a “Dunleavy sucks” chant to make their point..

Against Dunleavy, John Salmons was particularly effective, at least compared to Luol Deng. One-on-one with Dunleavy, Deng was able to get a couple of jump shots with some room between him and his defender, but wasn’t nearly as good driving past him. Besides one driving lay-up by Deng, the Pacers would double Deng when he put the ball on the floor, and take away the mismatch.

Salmons, however, was able to get pretty much where he wanted against Dunleavy. Since the Devin Brown trade (who continues to struggle), Salmons getting more time at small forward seems to be improving his game. Against Indiana, Salmons was super-aggressive, taking nearly all of his shots from within 10 feet. Only one 3-point attempt, while being isolated with Dunleavy, in the third quarter was a bad shot, at least in my opinion.