Strong night for Bulls’ Boozer
Through the first four games, Bulls forward Carlos Boozer averaged 11.8 points and 7.5 rebounds. He was shooting 50 percent from the field, so it’s not as if he played poorly.
But the Bulls probably expect higher numbers.
Center Joakim Noah also got off to a relatively slow start, averaging 10.3 points and 7.8 boards.
Coach Tom Thibodeau, however, voiced no complaints.
“The last two games, I think they played very well,” Thibodeau said before the game. “Carlos is running the floor, Jo’s running the floor. Their rebounding is coming around.
“Defensively, our whole team’s got to do better. I like having a balanced attack. We’ve got a number of guys scoring and they’re sharing the ball with each other. That’s what you have to do to win.”
Boozer turned in an impressive first half Sunday against the Grizzlies, piling up 15 points and 11 rebounds. He didn’t play much after halftime, obviously, and finished with 17 and 11.
“He’s gotten plenty of touches,” Thibodeau added. “I think he’s making the right plays. That’s what I want him to do. If you cut, he’ll hit you.
“He’s making good decisions. Sometimes he’ll get more shots. But if (defenders) are helping, he’s got to make the right play, and that’s what we’re concerned with.”
Another Pargo takes floor:Jeremy Pargo spent plenty of nights at the United Center, watching older brother Jannero either hoist 3-pointers or sit on the bench for the Bulls.Now it was his turn. With point guard Mike Conley sidelined by a sprained right ankle, Pargo started for Memphis on Sunday in his hometown of Chicago. Asked if this was a dream come true, Pargo kept things low-key.#147;I don#146;t think I#146;ve ever sat back and thought about that,#148; he said before the game. #147;Just getting the opportunity to help a team is all I#146;ve thought about.#148;Pargo attended Robeson High School and even though he grew up about two miles from Derrick Rose in the Englewood neighborhood, Pargo said his only previous head-to-head matchup with Rose was a Memphis-Gonzaga game in college.Sunday#146;s meeting didn#146;t go well for Pargo, who hit 2 of 13 shots for 4 points and 1 assist.Bull horns:Derrick Rose said one reason he wears the oversized knee and shin pads is tendinitis in his right shin. The pain doesn#146;t seem to be slowing him down. #133; The Bulls won their fourth straight home opener. #133;Asked how the Bulls can cut down on turnovers, coach Tom Thibodeau said, #147;I think trying to make the simple pass. Usually when your turnovers are high, it#146;s the risky passes and maybe holding on to it too long, dancing with it #8212; things like that.#148;