PODCAST: Eastern Conference Finals and Davis explains his unique palate

Well, that Game 1 was as good as it gets.  Two numbers sum it up for me: 19 and 1

Bulls Offensive Rebounds: 19

Bulls 2nd Half turnovers: 1

It's hard not to get too carried away after a performance like that, but....

What is "Miami Heat Basketball"?  What does that mean?  Is it relying on the other team to turn the ball over leading to easy fast breaks?  Fine.  Is it relying on LeBron and/or D-Wade to take over and hit tough, contested shots?  Fine.

I never thought too much of coaching as a factor that might sway a series, especially in the NBA which is so star-driven.  But I have to say, I think there's a real edge here for the Bulls.  I think Spoelstra is in over his head against Thibs.  It wasn't a game changing decision by any means, but I thought when we learned that Spoelstra decided to "go small" (whatever that means) and not even dress Zydrunas, their starting center for most of the season, it seemed like over thinking.  For Miami to win this series, Wade or James need to be spectacular, in fact, beyond spectacular.  This certainly wouldn't be too surprising, but it won't be easy.

Boozer.  I'll take it.  14 pts, 9 rebs, 1 Turnover.  Far from great, but as long as Boozer can give something we're in good shape.

Deng.  wow.  Aric already wrote an articulate article explaining why he's so valuable and such a great guy to root for.  Carmelo or Noah, Deng + ?    Hmmmm....  Part of Deng's post-game press conference caught my attention.  He said something along the lines of, "If you want to win you have to believe you're the best...".  I'm not sure when Deng turned on that switch, but it's been pretty remarkable.  There's a fraction of a second to react during a game, and the slightest hesitation, usually from a lack of confidence will be the difference between making a play and missing the opportunity.  There must be no hesitation, no doubt, and no fear.  Grab victory, don't receive it.

 Lebron, or "Spotlight", as I call him now due to his overriding desire, above ALL else, to find the cameras, look cool, and play for style points, didn't play well.  It's always tough to determine what percentage of a bad game is due to the individual and what is due to the opponent.  After tonight's performance I'd say it was 75% Bulls defense.  LeBron didn't just miss outside shots, but he barely ever drove to the basket.  Then again, why should he?  I mean, it's gotta be pretty easy to stop a runaway freight train that's 6'9" 270 lbs and can jump out of the gym from scoring or at least getting fouled, right?  I don't get it.  But I think the decision to continue shooting jumpers was because there was no room to drive.  Settling for a fadeaway jumper over Asik instead of driving past him?  Ok.  Normally you'd think 30 points is 30 points whether it's LeBron or Bosh.  However, if Bosh is Miami's best player they obviously have no chance. 

Finally, Taj.  What a versatile, valuable player he has become.  He can guard virtually any position on the court, which is especially valuable in this series because if he has to switch onto Lebron after a pick and roll he can hold his own.  He can also run around chasing some of Miami's shooters so Noah and Asik can remain down low.

Game 2 not until Wendesday ?!?!?   Damn you Oprah!