2011 NBA Playoffs: Chicago Bulls vs. Atlanta Hawks Game 1 Reactions

Fans of the Chicago Bulls are left with a number of questions following the team’s loss to the Atlanta Hawks in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference Semifinal series. Why aren’t the shots falling? How do we contain Joe Johnson? How did the Hawks keep Derrick Rose off the free throw line? What is happening to this team of destiny?!?! 

Everybody just take a deep breath. Yes, Derrick Rose turned in a spotty performance against better than expected defense, and the MVP finished the night on a rolled ankle. But there are actually several positive takeaways for the Bulls despite falling behind in the series and losing home court advantage. 

Defense! Defense!

First of all, Atlanta simply isn’t going to stay that hot for an entire series. The Hawks shot over 50 percent, including seven of 13 from beyond the arc. The Bulls' defense was on point though. They rotated and filled space as well as they did at any point in the first round against the Pacers. The Hawks didn't get a lot of easy looks, and it will be very difficult for them to maintain such a torrid pace shooting the ball if the Bulls defense keeps up this way.

Tom Thibobeau's team will probably not only keep up, but adjust and improve, and the Hawks will find themselves looking for other advantages. 

Put Me In, Coach

They won’t be finding one when the second units come out onto the floor. The play of the bench was one of the major disappointments in the Bulls’ less-than-stellar opening round performance. Aside from those uber-clutch late threes from Kyle Korver, the bench registered a serious minus in scoring differential against Indiana. Quality reserve play was one of the focal points going in, and they made a big contribution in the opener. 

C.J. Watson, Ronnie Brewer and Korver each hit threes during a Bulls run in the second quarter that closed the deficit from 11 points to four. Taj Gibson brought great defensive energy to the game while spelling Carlos Boozer, finishing with three blocks and a steal. Meanwhile, Atlanta had only six players log over eight minutes on the floor Monday night. As the series wears on, that depth will play a key role in the Bulls’ success. 

I'm Ready For My Closeup

Another key role will be played by a certain former 20-and-10 guy from Alaska. Carlos Boozer. Remember him? After being perhaps the most useless starter on any NBA playoff team in the first round, he finally got it going Monday night. Boozer is still battling turf toe, and he clanked a couple during the Bulls’ ice cold opening five minutes. He found his groove though, finishing with 14 points on six-for-11 shooting. 

It’s easy to complain about the man’s inconsistency or his lack of effort on defense. But Carlos Boozer has the kind of post skills that turn pretenders into contenders. Against Atlanta he flashed the hook, the dunk and even the jumper that Bulls fans have been counting on as their consolation in the lost LeBron sweepstakes.

Against the Pacers, this deep Bulls team could dance around not getting any contribution from Boozer. But the Hawks are a much better team, and they have intimidating bigs in Josh Smith and Al Horford. Chicago’s risk of being upset goes way down with Carlos Boozer looking ready to step up to the plate. 

The Chicago Bulls lost Game 1, but the loss came in spite of a quality effort. Any fan looking past this series and already thinking about the Eastern Conference Finals needs to recognize that the Hawks have been at least a little underrated.

Atlanta is a very good team, and it’s surviving series like this one that makes great teams into champions. Derrick Rose will no doubt bounce back with better games. If the Bulls keep getting what they got in Game 1 from their defense, their bench, and Carlos Boozer, the team will soon be sizing up Boston or Miami.