This OT loss was about as tough as they come, particularly as there were some bad calls that went against the Bulls. Rondo's foul on Miller at the end was clearly flagrant, but the refs aren't going to blow the whistle there against the home team in the playoffs (although Scottie Pippin may well remember otherwise, since he once had a ticky-tack three point shot foul called on him at home that cost the game). And blowing a ten point lead with under eight minutes to play is never a good thing.
Miller looks really bad messing up those free throws, but it must be distracting to be in that position, plus needing stitches in your mouth.
However, we all know the Bulls weren't going to contend for the championship this year, so I'm going to focus on the positive things they can take away from this game:
Rose did not have a good game and we still went into OT and the last shot. He's only going to get better. He has to watch those turnovers while still being aggressive in going to the basket.
Tyrus sat on the bench for most of the second half. Vinny has finally found his best position!
Ben Gordon was clearly hurt, although he was still up for some heroics.
Noah continues to play well. No question he is the most improved player on the Bulls since midseason. Now if he could only learn that a free throw is not attempted in the same manner as tossing a beach ball....
Hinrich is playing well, although he still dribbles too much and doesn't get them into the offense quick enough. Salmons isn't playing as well as he can, but he's hampered by injury too and shows great promise.
I strongly believe that if the Bulls could have swapped Tyrus for either Perkins or Davis, then they win this series. Shouldn't be too tough to make a similar off-season move. Throw Deng in as well and we could well get someone even better down low.
No comments:
Post a Comment