NBA 10'/11' Thread.
I'm not concerned even though I think the Bulls should be dominating the Pacers. I'm not comparing the Celtics to the Bulls, but in '08 the Celtics went seven games against the eight seed Hawks and the next year they went seven games against the seven seed Bulls. Let's not forget that they are up two games in the series though despite the way they are playing. I see this team getting better as they go deeper into the playoffs.
This Mavs/Blazers tilt is pretty fun so far...
two very tough losses for the knicks. i still enjoy the series because if two or three plays went the knicks way, they would be leading the series. plus two out their three best players got hurt the past two games. i hope there is nothing serious and they are ready for game three.
You're asking me if I'm concerned that a divisional rival, who has played us 4 times in the regular season, is playing us tough? Honestly... aren't they supposed to be? I don't care what division you favorite team plays in, if they meet a divisional rival in the playoffs, it shouln't (and probably won't be) a cakewalk. With all that said, The Bulls are up 2-0, and the same can't be said for the two West top seeds.
It's not like I'm trying to bash the Bulls, but besides the Heat-6ers match-up, I thought this would be the biggest mismatch in the playoffs (and I know I'm not the only one who thought this). I'm very shocked to how close this series has been so far.
I thought to myself, 'Wow, it's a good thing the Bulls have Derrick Rose', because that's really been the only difference between the two teams. I think it's understandable for the first game to be close.... but the second game too? And you're playing at home? To me this is shocking, and I haven't been high on the Bulls all year.
Again, they played us 4 times already! This is pro basketball. In this league, if you play a team 4 different times, you should know more and perform better by the 5th and 6th times. By then, you have figured some things out and can much better prepare. I am in no way suprised that they're playing us close.
BTW: Take a look at the rebounding totals. D. Rose isn't the only difference between the two teams, my friend.
With Rose injuring his ankle, it was really important that the Bulls win that game. He came down bad on his left ankle and went out the game for about two minutes before returning to the court. However he just didn't look the same as he didn't have that burst that you're used seeing him have and you could tell that he was hobbled. It would have been nice for the Bulls to have won that game therefore giving Rose more time to rest before they start the second round.
This is a grand learning experience for Chicago. No other team is going to purposely be this physical with them, nor does any other team have the capability. Learning how to play and win under these situations is only gonna make the Bulls better. We now know that nothing is given in the playoffs. The Bulls will rise from this much more battle tested than future opponents in this playoffs.
Will Orlando, Boston, or Miami play dirty against the Bulls? Probably not, but I wouldn't be surprised if they do. But will they be physical? Hell yeah they will, and most likely even more.
Chicago just isn't a efficient offensive team. One of the reasons why I feel they wont make it past the Eastern Conference Finals. Derrick Rose needs help (a legit #2).
But... the one thing I do like about Chicago is they're very good in close games. I don't see them winning by large margins, but you can certainly count on Rose and Korver late.
None of those teams have expendables like Indiana does.
Dahntay Jones
Jeff ******
Josh McRoberts
Brandon Rush
A.J. Price
Mike Dunleavy Jr.
These guys are very expendable... free to play open and somewhat reckless. All of these guys can afford to foul often and hard and not miss a stride. Boston and Miami can't afford to foul nearly as much as Indiana can and still have a chance to win.
Never mind then.... Orlando, Boston, and Miami have no shot at winning.
You're correct. These guys come off the bench knowing they have six fouls to give. Jones didn't even play until the third game. Teams like Miami, Orlando and Boston don't have to play the Bulls the same way the Pacers played them because these teams have ten times the talent of Indiana.
Of course they have a shot... a good shot, but they can't afford to commit physical fouls as much as the Pacers can. Bosh, Dwight, and KG can't afford to be Jeff ****** or Josh McRoberts and get to 4 or 5 fouls with an entire quarter left. Rondo and Wade can't be Dahntay Jones and A.J. Price, sending D. Rose to the line 15-18 times a game.
The playoffs are about adjustments, and yet, the Bulls haven't been able to make a productive adjustment all post-season. If telling yourself that the Pacers are a very good team makes you feel better, then go ahead, keep telling yourself that. The Pacers have a losing record for a reason. You're the Bulls, supposedly the best team in the NBA, start playing like it and make an adjustment.
C'mon dude, if I talked **** about the Heat playing any team 8 times and winning 6 of them, you'd call me retarded. Why is it so fucking difficult for you to understand that some teams matchup well with others? The Pacers can't beat a lot of teams, but they the Bulls (a division rival) very well. Obviously you can't get a grasp on what a rivalry is.