NBA Playoffs 2011: 10 Stats for a Bulls Game 2 Win and the Series vs. Hawks
While many are panicking over the state of Derrick Rose's ankle and the game 1 performance of Joe Johnson, I'm not quite ready to push the red button. If the Bulls performance was more indicative of what we've come to expect from them and the same could be said for Atlanta, then my concern level would beat a level 8, instead of 5. Here are 10 key stats, sure to lead to a Bulls victory in game 2 and the series.
1. Carlos Boozer 16 Points 10 Rebounds
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The "Big Outburst" showed some flashes in game 1, but he must relax and trust his teammates. Everyone is in his head, from Thibs, his teammates, the fans and the media. A big game can alleviate a lot of this pressure. Including the playoffs, the Bulls are 18-5 when he produces at this level or more. He must stay out of foul trouble and keep his head up on defense to stay on the floor. The production will come, if the minutes are there.
2. Noah 3 Offensive Rebounds
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Noah must go back to his role as pure energy guy. The Bulls are not at their best with him doing anything more than scoring on put-backs or the occasional dash to the basket. He finishes adeptly with his left or right. With Noah playing this role, it gives Boozer the room and comfort to operate as he needs to. It also plays to Noah's biggest strength, as he is an igniter. Garbage buckets and transition plays are his forte.
3. Rose 8 Free Throw Attempts
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When is the last time Derrick Rose didn't have a free throw attempt for an entire game? The answer, December 15th, in a blow out in Toronto. A game in which, Rose was hurt, took only 9 shots and mostly facilitated and the Bulls rolled. There were 2 other games this year where Rose didn't shoot a free throw. All blow outs and he shot 9 of 12 from 3pt range combined-in those games. This kind of output is possible, but not likely. I'll take D-Rose to the basket and on the free throw line anytime. That is, if the ankle can handle it. It's MVP time.
4. Deng 16 pts
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The second fiddle must be heard. Similar to the way Luol played in the 1st half of game 1. Chasing Joe Johnson seemed to zap some steam and aggression from him in the 2nd half. Deng must step up, knocking down big shots. This includes his corner and elbow-three to successively spread the floor for the MVP. 4 or 6 buckets and a hand full of free throws should do the trick.
5. 25 Points Off The Bench
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There is almost no point in trying to match the Hawks' bench point for point. Its as if they are not playing fair with Crawford coming off the bench scoring over 20 a game. The 25 point goal is a solid total and will give the type of boost the starters need, to not have to carry the entire scoring load. Korver 14, Watson 6, Brewer 4, Gibson 2, that's about all it really takes. If the starters do their jobs, it should be more than enough.
6. Hold the Hawks Under 45% from the Field
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Defense, defense, defense, 51% from the field must be an exception in this series. I believe the law of averages will ensure this, if not the defense. Joe Johnson and Jamal Crawford shot lights out. The Bulls must ensure that if one or both of them cool off in game 2, their hot shooting is not replaced by the likes of Jeff Teague, Josh Smith or Marvin Williams. Getting back to the basics of shutting down penetration and adding a few wrinkles on defense, to prolong Atlanta getting into their sets. This should allow the Bulls to improve their defensive effort in game 2.
7. Hold Joe Johnson Under 25pts
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Though JJ can be a dynamic scorer, 34 points on 12 of 18 shooting and 5 of 5 from the arc is blazing hot. While you generally can't hope to completely shut down a good scorer, you can work to make the baskets harder to obtain. I would much rather see the Bulls force JJ out of jump-shots and force him to drive into the teeth of the defense. This is not his specialty or comfort zone. 25 points is a good total, but 25 on 8 of 22 effort to overcome.
8. Hold the Hawks Under 95pts
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This starts with neutralizing JJ, but doesn't end there. It continues with handling the bench, sans Crawford, of whom the Bulls don't have an answer for.Luckily, he can be known to take ill advised shots, that can take his team out of rhythm. I would continue to give Josh Smith any jump shot he wanted and Noah played great defense on his former Gator teammate Horford. To hold the Hawks to this total requires slowing the pace and forcing them to execute in the half court.
9. Bulls under 10 turnovers
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The Bulls must protect the ball, this of course starts with Rose. When he's pressing, he has the tendency to throw lazy passes in the half court, or feed guys in situations that they aren't able to convert, due to their low skill level. Rose must make the smart plays, let the game come to him and use his usual sense of seizing the moment with his offense to limit turnovers. Boozer must recognize the double team and quickly kick it out, while role players must play within themselves, i.e, no Taj Gibson dribbling the ball at half court in transition.
10. 2 to 1 Points in the paint advantage
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The Bulls held a 48 to 40 advantage with points in the paint, the margin must be larger. Not only do the Hawks not have a dominant post player, they also don't possess a ball handler with the ability to consistently penetrate and finish, especially against a tough defense. The Bulls have Boozer and Rose, who when playing well should allow the Bulls to dominate in this category. 44 to 22 is more of an acceptable points in the paint tally.
