2011 NBA Playoffs: LeBron James Takes Over in Final Minutes, Bulls Look Ordinary

Where did the Bulls go?

After the dominant performance of Game 1, it looks like the Chicago Bulls have returned to form. The sudden onset of three-pointers during the third quarter of Game 1 was uncharacteristic of the Bulls.

Throughout the season, Chicago struggled shooting from the perimeter, and although the Bulls out-rebounded and outplayed the Heat, the game was still close into the third quarter.

While the Bulls had the best record of the season, their Achilles heel has been the lack of a consistent second option. Carlos Boozer was brought in to give the Bulls a scoring punch in the low post, but Boozer hasn't lived up to expectations.

Essentially the Bulls have been surviving on they’re superb defense, meanwhile during the playoffs their offense is steadily declining. The Bulls' regular season field goal percentage is down from 46 to 43, their three-point percentage is down from 36 to 33 and their assists from 22 to 20.

The playoffs is not only the start of a new season, its also a truth serum. 

The truth is, the Bulls need more options. When the game is close and the clock is winding down, if Derrick Rose is covered, who gets the ball? Who takes the shot? Who’s a threat?

If the same question was posed regarding the Heat, you could answer one of three ways: LeBron James, Dwyane Wade or Chris Bosh.

During Game 2, particularly in the last few minutes, the Bulls' offensive flaws were on full display. Though neither team scored for almost three minutes, Miami had a fail-safe—LeBron James. The Heat clamped down on Derrick Rose, and effectively stopped the D.Rose train dead in its tracks.

After the poor showing in the last few minutes, questions should be directed at Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau. The constant attempts at high pic and rolls were not effective, and only drew James and Wade (two of the league’s best perimeter defenders) to the perimeter. 

Thibodeau has turned the Bulls into a well-oiled defensive machine, but in a close game, a huge defensive stop means nothing if you cant score a point.

If the series continues in this fashion, when the game is close coming down the stretch, the Bulls' chances will decrease.