Seeing as it’s Valentine’s Day week, RedEye is going to keep the usual Bulls-Cavaliers animosity on the shelf for now. Instead, we’ll keep it friendly(-ish), even when it comes to any Cleveland talk, in the wake of Thursday’s 113-98 Bulls win.
Bulls fans should love …
… LeBron James settling for the outside shot. He’s much more of a threat the the Bulls defense when he’s bulldozing his way to the rim. James finished with 31 points and five rebounds but was just 2-of-9 from 3-point range.
… how Derrick Rose still has an extra gear. He and Kyrie Irving scored about the same amount in their first two meetings (Irving had three more points on Oct. 31, both had 18 on Jan. 19), but Rose was a cut above Thursday. His spin moves and floaters were unstoppable, adding up to a team-high 30 points and seven assists.
… that Joakim Noah keeps his dating tips simple. A clip on the video board showed the excitable center dispensing romantic advice:
1. Use as many candles as possible. “Girls like candles and chocolate,” he said. (Editor’s note: And it saves on your electric bill.)
2. Buy flowers the night before, not the day of. (Editor’s note: Great tip, as stores sometimes jack up the price of flowers on Feb. 14.)
3. Walk on the outside of her when you’re on the sidewalk and give an extra push on the revolving door when she goes through. (Editor’s note: No doubt. You’ve got to absorb any dirty slush that comes her way.)
… that James still gets booed when he touches the ball at the United Center. Who knows, that passion could come in handy when playoff time arrives.
… that the Bulls won without Jimmy Butler. He can rest his sore shoulder (All-Star game notwithstanding) until Feb. 20 at Detroit.
… that the Bulls still have one more matchup with the Cavs. It’s April 5 in Cleveland, and the division title might be at stake.
Chris Sosa is RedEye’s sports editor. @redeyesporstchi More Top Picks Best Green Light Bulbs For Migraine Relief
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