Bulls 106, Pacers 91: Pacers Hurl Up an L

The Bulls shot many open shots and made most of them as they cruised by the short-handed Pacers, 106-91. The Pacers played without JO (hammy), Jack (mouth/suspension), Al and 'Quis (blowing chunks). Surely, the Pacers aren't covering up a pending trade are they? Tinsley was hurling earlier in the day but managed to suit up and give it a try. His "gutty" performance (I'm killing me) was needed early as he poured in 16 first half points and finished with 21. Read the game recap here. Other observations:

• Shawne Williams saw the first NBA action of his career. He looked comfortable on offense scoring 13 points including a three and throwing down a beautiful, driving, one-handed dunk. He was out of position a few times on defense and didn't seem real interested in mixing it up on the boards. But, overall a very impressive debut from the young rook.


• The Pacers came out scrapping in the second half led by the assertive play of Danny Granger and Maceo Baston. They kept battling but could never get the lead below nine points as the Bulls hit shot after shot to keep the Pacers at arms length.


• Seemed like Ben Gordon had 50 points in the second half. Every time the Pacers scored, Gordon would answer by draining a jumper.


• The Pacers had high hopes heading into Cleveland on Saturday with three straight games against the teams ahead of them in the Central. Through two games things couldn't be going any worse. It is possible the Pacers will be at full strength against Detroit on Wednesday. They'll need it since the Pistons have won 8 of 10 and always cause match up problems with the Pacers.

UPDATE: Here is Mark Montieth's article on the game with more info on the upchuck outbreak.

Either there's a serious bug going around or this is the best trade cover up ever.The curious thing was that some people in the traveling party who went to different restaurants also got sick. Tinsley, Harrington and Daniels went to the same restaurant. Jermaine O'Neal, who was going to sit out the game anyway with a sore left hamstring, didn't join them, but became ill Monday afternoon. Joe Smith, a member of the security team, also missed the game. So did Jamie Berns of the broadcast production crew.

(Photo: AP Photo/Brian Kersey)