The flair and form that gave the Bulls 47 victories last season returned Saturday night at the United Center.
Almost from the start of the Bulls’ 116-97 exhibition victory over Boston, it was clear they had made a rapid turnaround since floundering in losses to Memphis and Detroit.
“I was pleased with the way we started the game,” Bulls coach Scott Skiles said. “Our overall effort was very good. I feel like we made progress and took a step forward. We played similar to the way we played last year.”
The Bulls sank eight of their first 12 shots and hit from the perimeter early, getting a lift from three-pointers by Luol Deng and Kirk Hinrich.
Hinrich was even better early in the second half, hitting three straight shots that included back-to-back threes to put the Bulls up by 16. Eventually they led by as many as 27.
“The Bulls just outhustled us all night, especially to every loose ball,” Boston’s Paul Pierce said. “They were just a step ahead of us all night.”
Hinrich led the Bulls with 21 points, going 8 for 9 from the field with three three-pointers.
Ben Gordon, who had struggled last week, showed flashes of the brilliance for which he became known in his rookie season, going 3-for-3 on threes and finishing with 16 points.
“I guess any coach in the league will say they are a much better team when the guards make shots,” Skiles said. “For us, it is very important. [Hinrich and Gordon] both looked like themselves tonight, relaxed. They really had their offensive games going.”
Without a doubt, the Bulls looked more comfortable in their surroundings, though it probably helped that Chris Duhon, Andres Nocioni, Darius Songaila, Jannero Pargo and Tim Thomas–all sidelined at least once last week because of injuries–joined them. Thomas left the game with a sprained left ankle with 6 minutes 55 seconds remaining.
Skiles had said he planned to alter the starting lineup, and he made one change, starting Michael Sweetney instead of Othella Harrington.
“I feel Othella’s been very good in the starting lineup, so it’s no reflection on [him],” Skiles said. “I just want to mix it up a little bit and take a look at Mike.”
Sweetney didn’t disappoint him, scoring 16 points, 12 of which came on free throws. Sweetney is logging heavy minutes early in the preseason. Skiles has praised his work ethic, and it appears Sweetney will make a valuable contribution as the Bulls adjust to the departure of Eddy Curry.
Layups
Boston’s Glenn “Doc” Rivers did not coach Saturday night to be with his ailing father-in-law. . . . Fans roared when a big-screen monitor cut away to Paul Konerko rounding the bases after his three-run homer gave the White Sox a 3-0 lead in the first inning of Game 4 in the American League Championship Series. Sox updates and highlights were met with fans’ approval throughout the evening.
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mxgarcia@tribune.com
