Well that game deserves a comment. What was that? I know it was "just" a regular season game, but I thought this game would have playoff-type intensity and atmosphere. It didn't. Don't get me wrong, It was very enjoyable. Very. I guess this was partially because the Bulls were in clear control of the game even though they didn't pull away until near the end of the 4th quarter. But even when the game was still in doubt the Celtics seemed disinterested. I thought this had "statement game" written all over it. The Celtics could've looked at this game as an opportunity to tell the Bulls that the Eastern Conference still goes through Boston, regular season record be dammed. Rather, they almost seemed to just want to get through the game and go through the motions - definitely not what I would expect from a championship team clinging to perhaps the waning weeks of a 3 year run. Imagine if Boston came in to Chicago and dominated. That would have to send a message. They basically gave in to Chicago however. The Bulls were clearly in control from the opening tip. It's pretty easy to tell who the better team is during the course of a basketball game: the team that gets more, consistent good looks at the basket. Tonight, it wasn't even close.
D-Rose was so far and away the best player on the court that sometimes it looked as if he was toying with Boston. Does Boston miss Perkins? Let me think...Yes! Sure, Green came in and scored a few points, but Perkins provided that intangible that is so crucial come playoff time: toughness. For at least tonight, Chicago not only was the better and more skilled team, but they were also the tougher team. That's a pretty good combination. Perkins provided great defense and that toughness swagger that is hard to find. Boston resorted to their typical limb-flailing desperation. Glenn Davis weighs 900 lbs, but he somehow ends up on the floor more than anyone else. There were moments in the 2nd and 3rd quarters where the Bulls were on the brink of blowing the game open but the sadly patented Pierce drive-run into someone-throw your head back-throw your arms-up and look disgusted play kept them in it. And ditto for Rondo. Wow is he painful to watch. A point guard that not only can't shoot but won't shoot even when baited is a starter for a championship team?
Somewhat ecouragingly, the Bulls didn't even play that well. I haven't looked at any stats, but just watching the game, the Bulls appeared sloppy at times, missed some open jumpers, and failed to capitalize on a lot of fast breaks. I suppose you can always nit-pick, but they just blew out the defending Eastern Conference champs and wrapped up the #1 seed.
They hang their hat on defense, which will never slump.
Boozer: uggh. You've annointed yourself as the most infuriating player, but if Jeff Green or Big Baby is going to spend any time at all guarding you need to dominate.
No Asik?
All in all, the Bulls proved they are the best team in the East. Tonight was no fluke. The playoffs is gonna be a blood bath and I can't wait!!
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