NBA Playoffs 2011: Six Things the Chicago Bulls Can't Do in Game 2 Against Hawks
The Eastern Conference Semi-Finals. Since 1988, the Atlanta Hawks franchise has not led this series. Last night, on May 2, 2011, this changed in a convincing performance put on by Joe Johnson and crew.
Tonight, we saw yet again multiple problems on the Bulls' side of the ball. Whether it was a lack of effort on the defensive end (though I have to say that the Hawks got plenty lucky on some of their three point attempts) or a flat start, problems that have reared their ugly head in the past have come to surface once more, and if these trends continue, title hopes in the second city will become dim.
For what it's worth, the Bulls did not play terribly. At times, they looked like a well-oiled machine, and towards the end of the second quarter until mid-way through the third, they looked as strong as they have been. But things unraveled, and a win eluded them. Now they have to go 4-2 in order to reach the next round, a daunting task with the circumstances at hand.
How do the Bulls avoid a disappointing postseason debut as an elite team? Well, simply put, if they do the things on this list, they might want to pack for Hawaii early.
#6: Cannot Start Flat
1 of 6
It is no secret that the Bulls have started out noticeably flat for almost every game during the postseason. If they have any title aspirations, this trend has to buck.
The fourth quarter drama story they love to adhere to is quite frankly becoming old and stale. It is as if the very definition of a "convincing win" has eluded them over time.
Tonight, the Bulls dug themselves into a 9-0 hole that they valiantly chipped away at, and even took a six-point lead in the process, but it was not enough.
The Bulls need to run the Hawks out of the building early, or they might just have a quick exit themselves.
#5: Cannot Turnover the Ball
2 of 6
This just hearkens back to the fundamentals of basketball. Sure, the Bulls did not have the worst night turning the ball over, but nevertheless, they played sloppily and carelessly at times.
Whether it was easy steals or errant passes, the Bulls chalked up 17 points tot he Hawks off these turnovers. Though the Bulls scored more off of theirs (20 points), they still lost, which means that they failed to make ground where it counted.
The Bulls are turnover machines at times, so care needs to be taken if they are to survive in Game 2.
Sometimes, turnovers can be a product of over aggression. However, tonight, the Bulls only went to the charity stripe a whopping 16 times, invalidating this point. By the way, guess how many times Rose went to the line? Which reminds me...
#4: Cannot Elude the Foul Line
3 of 6
How is it that Derrick Rose never got to the line?
Well, because of his injury, he has had to back down his aggression level. However, there is no excuse for the rest of the team to do the same thing. While Joakim Noah and Luol Deng shot six respectively, Ronnie Brewer and Carlos Boozer shot two each, and that was each. Sixteen shots in all, and none from the most important free throw shooters.
Credit goes to the Hawks defensive play, and maybe come blame can be put on the refs, but the Bulls have to draw more contact, going for a dominant inside game a la Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph. They need to put their bodies on the line so free points can be had.
#3: Cannot Get into Early Foul Trouble
4 of 6
The Bulls have had a serious problem keeping their hands off of attackers during the course of the playoffs.
Simply put, if the Bulls get into early foul trouble in Game 2, then they can pack their bags early. Carlos Boozer, Joakim Noah and Derrick Rose are all sometimes over aggressive on the defensive end, which gets them into trouble more often than not.
They instead need to be smarter with their fouls, using them in situations that benefit the team.
#2: Cannot Push Injuries
5 of 6
Derrick Rose is the future of the Bulls organization. If he has a bum ankle because of this series which they might lose, then Thibodeau will always be scrutinized for his decision to continually play him.
The Bulls need to be smart about whether or not to play Rose. Yes, this series is just as important as the last and potentially as the next, but Rose is the superstar on a team full of role players, meaning his presence and status as the leader is unquestionable. Without his prowess, the Bulls are looking at a future that is considerably less bright.
I am not saying the Bulls should sit the kid out for the majority of the game as a precautionary measure. Rather, they should only do it if completely necessary. Rose said himself that he feels fine, but this is because he has to prove to us and to himself that he can play through the injuries. I believe him, but Chicago needs to be smart regardless. One series of sacrifice is not worth a few years of him losing his speed or skill.
#1: Cannot Lay off the Perimeter
6 of 6
Joe Johnson played with fire and in turn burned the Bulls with five three-pointers, a few of which were hotly contested yet still fell through.
The Bulls need to up the ante on their perimeter defensive presence if they are to have a chance in Game 2. Chicago won the battle in the paint by eight points, so they might have this battle won. The perimeter, however, is an entirely different tale.
If the Bulls want to win the next game, they have to try and double Joe Johnson. establishing help defense against him whenever the time comes. If they let him snipe them, then the Hawks will be saying "Mission Accomplished" faster than Obama.
