Chicago Sun-Times: No clear winner in Bulls' point-guard competition

Celtics 115

Bulls 104

UNCASVILLE, Conn.--To the extent preseason results are meaningless, the most interesting competition Thursday revolved around the Bulls' point guard position.

Coach Bill Cartwright said he started Jamal Crawford against the Boston Celtics partly because Jay Williams has a sore left knee, but Cartwright wouldn't reveal who would have started had both players been healthy.

Neither Crawford nor Williams distinguished himself during the Celtics' 115-104 victory before 8,024 at the Mohegan Sun Casino.

Crawford scored 13 points on 4-of-11 shooting in 26 minutes. He also had two assists, two rebounds and a steal and no turnovers.

Williams scored 11 points on 4-of-14 shooting in 22 minutes. He also had four rebounds, an assist, steal and a turnover.

"My leg hurt," Williams said. "I don't think I was as quick as I could have been.

"But that's no excuse. I couldn't hit a three to save my life (1- of-5). I'm definitely ticked that we lost."

Cartwright's preseason goal is to find players willing to guard, and he'll have to keep looking after Paul Pierce scored 28 points on 10-of-14 shooting in 23 minutes.

Antoine Walker added 16 points in 23 minutes as the Celtics' All- Stars are using the preseason to tune up their games while the Bulls were without Jalen Rose (right knee tendinitis), Donyell Marshall (sore right hamstring) and Eddie Robinson (sore right hamstring).

"I'm not going to focus on the fact we had guys out," Cartwright said. "I don't think that's important.

"What I do think is important is how we defended and the things we didn't do that I'm very concerned about.

"Offensively, we're fine, we scored over 100 points. But defensively, we've set a nice bar for ourselves that we have to cut down to where we're respectable and we defend the way we should defend. I'm concerned with how we helped each other."

Eddy Curry continues to develop into an offensive force as he scored 21 points in 31 minutes. Tyson Chandler scored 10 points before fouling out after playing just 21 minutes. Foul trouble is an inherent problem for young players such as Chandler, 20, and Curry, 19.

"I don't think it's so much foul trouble as it is just learning how to play," Cartwright said.

Marcus Fizer strained his groin with 2:40 left in the first quarter and didn't return. He's doubtful for tonight's game against Toronto at the United Center.

Fizer had an eventful appearance as he and Vin Baker nearly came to blows. Fizer kept going to the basket well after the whistle blew, and Baker wrapped an arm around his chest to contest the shot.

After some words, Baker was called for a technical foul.

NOTES: Eddy Curry believes the Wizards will benefit from the addition of Charles Oakley, who's expected to sign as soon as today.

"He's a special player," Curry said. "He brings a lot of wisdom and made our transition a lot easier."

*The biggest winner in the casino had to be the Celtics' Antoine Walker, who reportedly won six figures playing blackjack.