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As the Chicago Bulls prepared to make way for the ice show that is set to come to the United Center, they put the visiting Charlotte Bobcats on ice Monday (Jan. 28). Jimmy Butler had a career-high 19 points in the 93-85 victory that extended the Bulls home winning streak to a season-high four games.
Coming attraction: Part of the Chicago Luvabulls poster that is to be handed out at the Bulls game Feb. 11 at the United Center.
Butler also had a career high in minutes played coming off the bench with 31:14, as Luol Deng (12 points) returned to the starting lineup after a hamstring injury but played only 31:02.
Center Joakim Noah led the Bulls in rebounds (18), assists (seven) and blocked shots (five) while scoring 13 points. Nate Robinson had 15 points and a career-high three blocks.
“Joe is an all-star,” Bobcats guard and former teammate Ben Gordon (18 points off the bench) said. “He does it all out there for them. He does the dirty work that very few others will do. He does whatever it takes to help his team win.”
“He was terrific,” Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said of Noah. “It was a terrific all-around game by him.”
Butler had 10 points in the second quarter when he played the entire 12 minutes and eight points in the fourth when he was on the court for 11:30.
“He is a big part of the team,” Thibodeau said of Butler. “They [Bobcats] were small, and I like Jimmy’s quickness.”
Which explained why Butler was on the court and starting guard Richard “Rip” Hamilton played only 14:57.
“It was because of the matchups,” Thibodeau said. They were real small. We had to match up with their quickness. I wanted quick feet out there, and I thought that was the best matchup tonight.”
Butler had been starting during Deng’s absence.
“It’s all the same to me,” Butler said. “Just come in off the bench with energy, rebounding, guarding, making open shots, getting to the free-throw line. That’s what my teammates need me to do. So when I’m out there, starter or off the bench, whatever it may be, I’m still the same player bring the same things to the table.”
* For those interested in such things, the Chicago Luvabulls dance team poster will be the promotional item for the Bulls’ next home game, Feb. 11 for fans 21 and older (while supplies last). Something says before then, this site will feature photos of all the Luvabulls — and possibly the poster.
* Speaking of dancers, Chicago Slaughter Dance Team tryouts will be Saturday (Feb. 2) at Durty Nellies in Palatine (180 N. Smith St.) from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. More information can be found on the dance team Facebook page, which you can access by clicking here and also on the Chicago Slaughter’s site at here. Registration is $25 in advance and $30 (cash only) day of tryouts. The finals begin at 12:30 p.m. and are open to the public. There also is a prep class Tuesday (Jan. 29) from 7:30-9:30 p.m. at the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates.
* Still speaking of dance teams, the Chicago Soul FC Soulmates not only will be performing at the indoor soccer team’s game Thursday at 7 p.m. against the Wichita Wings at the Sears Centre, they will be signing their poster. Photographer Evan J. Thomas stated on Facebook: The big reveal for the Chicago Soulmates poster will be Thursday night at the Sears Center! Come and check out the photos, design & layout by yours truly on Thursday! I’ll even autograph a copy for you as will the Soulmates!” Who can refuse an offer like that?
Still speaking of dance teams, here is some video of the Luvabulls, plus some postgame interviews with coaches and players:
Random video, anyone? OK, maybe not random. But still worth providing, according to the highly esteemed video-research department at elliottharris.com. One of this site’s favorites is April Rose; here she is with Rampage Jackson:
And some swimsuit attire is always welcome around here:
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