May
7
BULLS-PISTONS GAME TWO PREVIEW
Filed Under Chicago Bulls
With Game Two less than an hour away, here are some key things to look for in the opening minutes of the game.
E-Squared — Energy+Effort: Chicago was extremely flat in Game One while Detroit played with a defensive presence last seen when they ran off the feuding Lakers in 2004 during the NBA Finals. While it’s not necessarily a surprise that Chicago lost Game One, the manner in which they did definitely was! Bulls’ teams under Scott Skiles have been known for their effort, and Chicago was outeverythinged in Game One. How will Chicago come out in the opening couple of minutes (expect the Bulls to play harder and act as if Game One never happened), and will Detroit be able to match its high effort once again? If so, Chicago could be in big trouble, regardless of how better they play.
Defending Chauncey Billups & Rip Hamilton: Chicago could not stop Billups and Hamilton in Game One, leaving the question of who’s going to guard them in Game Two? While Kirk Hinrich will obviously guard one of these guys, what about Ben Gordon, who was a huge defensive liability on Saturday night! The idea of Gordon chasing Hamilton does not sound promising as Gordon will spend a lot of energy on defense — energy which is frankly needed on the offensive end. Could Chicago play more of Thabo Sefolosha, who was shaky Saturday as well, employ some zone (not as likely with the way Detroit can shoot the three), move Luol Deng to Hamilton and let Gordon deal with Tayshaun Prince (and get posted on and bring weakside help), or stand pat and see how Gordon does with Billups this time around? It seems certain that Detroit will continue to attack Gordon, who needs to do a better job on the defensive end.
Chicago 1-2 Scoring Punch: Gordon only had seven points on Saturday night and could never get into the game after picking up two early fouls. Deng was strong in the first half but was was nonexistent in the second half during his overall 18-point effort. Chicago needs these guys to be hitting tonight in order to have any chance of evening the series at one game apiece.
The Benches:Detroit’s bench was superb in Game One. Can they continue to get consistent and strong efforts from Carlos Delfino and Jason Maxiell throughout this series? On the other hand, Chicago’s bench was 3-for-30 in Game One with Andres Nocioni stinking up the Palace. Nocioni said yesterday that it was one of his worst games and has shaved his goatee for tonight’s game with the hope of a fresh start.
Rasheed Wallace: Wallace was as focused and concentrated on Saturday night as he has ever been. While he scored in double digits, Wallace’s true presence was felt on the defensive end. Will the enigmatic and sometimes lazy Wallace bring similar energy tonight or be content with his Game One performance?
Game Two Prediction: Detroit by Six.
Chicago will bring much more energy in Game Two, but turnovers will continue to be an issue. Detroit’s experience and savvy will pay off in the fourth quarter en route to a 91-85 victory, with Billups having another great performance.
Related Posts
- STAYING ALIVE IN GAME FIVE?
- FOUR-GET ABOUT IT!
- Chicago Bulls versus Milwaukee Bucks: Game Preview
- THE SIX DEGREES OF GAME SIX
- FORMULA FOR A HISTORIC UPSET!