2007-2008 NBA Opener - The New Jersey Nets defeat the Chicago Bulls 112-103 in overtime
October 31, 2007 Attendance 17,342
The New Jersey Nets led by Richard Jefferson, 29 points and 10 rebounds defeated the Chicago Bulls for the 12th straight time in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
‘I don’t know what it is about this place,’ declared Ben Gordon, the Bulls guard who led the losing team with 27 points. ‘We just can’t seem to win here.’
The difference in the outcome of the game was clearly that the Nets made 37-of-41 free throws attempted, while the Bulls hit on just 19-of-26. The Chicagoans completed 38 of 96 field goals attempted, while the Jerseys guys hit on 33-82 shots. Nets Vince Carter had 24 points, 6-of-21 from the field and 12-of12 free throws and playmaker teammate Jason Kidd led both teams with 13 assists.
Antoine Wright, starting at power forward in place of an injured Jason Collins, sunk 8-of-14 from the field, and 1-of-1 free throws, with 3 rebounds, finishing with a career-high 21 points. Center Nenad Krstic scored 10 points for the Nets as did teammate Bostjan Nachbar.
22-year-old Bulls’ forward Luol Deng connected on 9-of-17 from the field and 4-of-6 free throws for 22 points and teammate Kirk Hinrich scored 14 points.
Chicago Bulls 2007-2008
The Chicago Bulls are hoping to improve on their last season performance when they made the second round of the playoffs after going 49-33 in the regular season. General manager John Paxton has signed a few standout all-around players during his first few years.
Head Coach Scott Skiles
The Starting Lineup: Kirk Hinrich pg… Ben Gordon sg… Ben Wallace center… Luol Deng sf… Joe Smith pf
Jameson Curry g… Chris Duhon g… Tom Gardner g/f… Aaron Gray center… Adrian Griffin g/f… Viktor Khryapa f… Joakim Noah f/c… Andres Nocioni f… Thabo Sefolosha g… Tyrus Thomas f
Special sportshistorian.com Award:
Luol Deng chosen 2007-08 NBA Man of the Year
Luol Deng, the Chicago Bulls strong forward, rates 5-stars for his close involvement with the World Food Program, also for his efforts in fighting the dreaded malaria in Africa, and for helping Sudanese refugees. And, he’s on track by constantly taping public service announcements to raise money as well as awareness for numerous other charity endeavors.
New Jersey Nets 2007-08
The Nets are counting on veteran guards Vince Carter and Jason Kidd along with high scoring forwards Richard Jefferson and Antoine Wright and 7 ft, 260 pound center Nenad Krstic to provide an improved scoring team which should result in more wins in 2007-08.
Head Coach Lawrence Frank
The Starting Lineup: Jason Kidd pg… Vince Carter sg… Richard Jefferson sf… Antoine Wright pf… Nenad Krstic center
Darrell Armstrong pg… Josh Boone f/c… Malik Allen pf… Jason Collins pf… Jamaal Magloire center… Bostjan Nachbar sf… Marcus Williams g… Sean Williams center
