A tough loss, but the Bulls typically play very badly after a big win and they played pretty well this game. Ray Allen is going to look like the hero because he got hot at the end, but the real reason the Bulls lost is because Boston badly out-rebounded them (21 vs 8 on the offensive end) and their big guys were able to score inside. Doug Collins said something to the effect that if you raise your eyebrows at Tyrus Thomas, he will go for the fake, and that is absolutely correct. Tyrus always goes for the block! He did get six in this game, which is great for fantasy sports, but bad in real basketball because he doesn't rebound, and he doesn't stay in front of his man.
At least Vinny was smart enough to keep Tyrus on the bench for long stretches of the fourth. Miller and Noah were both OK, but not as good as Perkins and Davis. Rose was fine, but not great like he was in game one. Ben Gordon was nearly the hero once again, and I'm sure that seeing his fellow Huskie get hot got his pulse up.
For all of the huge flaws the Bulls have in the forecourt, they would have won this one if Allen didn't catch fire at the end. Pierce looks slow and out of sorts during this series so far. Hard to believe that will last, but the Bulls are playing pretty good defense on him.
It hurts to lose a close one, but Boston can't be feeling comfortable going into the United Center 1-1. Salmons, in particular, tends to play a lot better at home, and the Bulls need him to stay in this series.
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