C.J. Watson: A Rose by Another Name

For a game, anyway. C.J. Watson slung an improbable three-pointer that saved Chicago's night. When the ball went through the net, an overtime escape hatch opened and the Bulls jumped through it, knocking the Heat aside. 

I loved Watson's game back when he was mired in Golden State oblivion, as he was often the only player attempting any kind of defense during Don Nelson's horrifying career nadir. C.J. had quick hands, and what scouts would call a "motor."

That term never quite made sense to me, because machines that lack an energy source should just stay completely still. If you're deeming energetic players as those with "motors," then it indicates that a whole swath of the league is listlessly planted to the floor, waiting to be animated by some Battlebots Geppetto.

Anyway, C.J. was a joy to watch when the games meant absolutely nothing, and it is all the more enjoyable to see him get 16 points and nine assists in this context—especially considering his initial struggles in his better digs.

For Chicago, Watson fits a certain scoring backup point guard archetype that works well for both him and John Lucas III. The Bulls may have to lean on C.J. more than they would have liked, however. Derrick Rose did not look well last night versus Miami, going 1-of-13 and seeming less capable of driving than an upside down car in a lake made of glue. His playoff health is a concern. 

But Chicago is that strange team that could actually win without its superstar. We might see C.J. Watson hero ball or John Lucas hero ball on the biggest of stages. In a very March Madness way, the Bulls have the potential to turn the obscure into the wildly famous. Just something to watch for.