Bulls v Knicks, the beginning of something?

Watching the Chicago Bulls beat the New York Knicks was actually fun for me. This year hasn't gone how the Bulls expected from the beginning. Sure they usually get off to a slow start, but not like this. Key players missing way too many shots, no inside presence and the defense was nowhere near what it should've been. These were major concerns watching from the beginning of the year. 

But against the Knicks on December 14th, the Bulls really showed signs of what they can be capable of. They had decent perimeter shooting. Good hard nosed play from some key guys. Andres Nocioni has been improving his game each time he steps on the court. And Kirk Hinrich has been getting more towards what has been expected out of him. All around it was not like watching the drubbing they got from the Raptors at the United Center earlier in the year.

They looked like they were starting to understand how to win as a team. They don't have a sure fire star. Or even a sure fire scoring threat. They have guys that can really play well together, as long as they believe that. The one thing the Bulls really need to do is play to their strengths. Helping each other out on defense in the correct moments is one thing I saw against the Knicks that helped them. It would help any team, but the Bulls really need that.

Passing, driving to the lane and pulling up shots that can be made is what led them to where they were last year. They looked like they forgot how to do that this year. Which made their weaknesses seem much more apparent.  The lack of a low post scoring threat to make easy baskets became a huge issue. Their inability to have a consistent rebounder on both ends of the court was making single bad shots turn into good opportunities for whoever they were playing. 

But after watching them last night, it seems that they might be really starting to figure this out. While they aren't blowing people away, they are playing better as a team. There are new people stepping up to help out. Key players are finding their rhythm again. They might not ever be a lock to win, but they can provide some good, tough wins with some good teamwork. If it stays like this, they might be fun to watch the rest of the season. Something a lot of Bulls fans weren't sure they were going to get.