Twenty-four hours after the Bulls suffered their second-worst loss in franchise history, a sellout crowd of 22,638 packed the United Center.
The Bulls’ strong home attendance is one of those great mysteries in life, along with their abysmal road record of 3-35 and Richard Simmons’ celebrity.
The Bulls rank fifth in the league with an average attendance of 19,492 and have had 17 crowds of more than 20,000 and 10 sellouts, all to watch a product that is long on potential, not to mention puzzlement on nights such as Friday when they lost by 51 points.
That didn’t happen Saturday against Sacramento, as the Bulls coughed up an early 12-point lead and “only” lost 107-92. That’s 66 points shy over two nights.
Needless to say, the marketing department has outperformed the team.
“I think people don’t want to be left behind as this potential unfolds,” said Steve Schanwald, the Bulls’ executive vice president of business operations.
“Obviously we’re spending a lot more in advertising than we used to, we offer 11-game season-ticket plans now in the upper level, and we are putting a greater emphasis on group ticket sales as well. But I think people sense that something special may be starting to brew here.”
People also sense a strong opponent. The crowd support proved strong for Sacramento, which has won six straight and 16 of 19. Peja Stojakovic’s 27 points topped the Kings.
Sacramento played without speedy substitute Bobby Jackson and still had its bench outscore the Bulls’ reserves 18-8 in a decisive second quarter. Jay Williams went 0-for-7 and came up short on a dunk attempt late in the first half.
“What a tall task it is playing these guys,” said Bulls coach Bill Cartwright, a Sacramento native. “How this team plays offensively is how you’d like your team to play. They’re unselfish, with passing, moving, sharp cuts. It’s really fun basketball to watch.”
That said, Cartwright isn’t convinced the Kings can topple the three-time defending world champion Lakers.
“I don’t feel they match up well,” Cartwright said. “They rely so heavily on their outside shooting. Shaq and Kobe are real bad matchups for them. But if they can get by the Lakers somehow, I think they’ll win it all.”
The Bulls are playing for much less lofty goals. Saturday night they merely tried to rebound from Friday’s debacle in Indiana, a loss that Cartwright feared might have lingering effects.
Tyson Chandler and Eddy Curry scored 22 of the Bulls’ first 26 points as the Bulls showed early energy. But much like the mysterious ailment that Chandler is battling, the Kings wore the Bulls down.
Chandler is experiencing chest discomfort that is affecting his food intake and has yet to be diagnosed. He underwent tests late Saturday and was diagnosed with esophagitis.
“It feels like a knife sitting behind my chest,” Chandler said. “Whenever I drink or eat anything, it hurts going down my throat. I haven’t been able to eat much.”
Chandler, Curry and Jamal Crawford all had double-doubles for the Bulls.
