May
16
THE PERFECT OFFENSIVE GAME!
Filed Under Chicago Bulls
Hot Bulls Bury Detroit, Send Series Back to the UC
OK. What were we watching tonight. A replay of the 1985 NCAA Championship Game in which the Villanova Wildcats shocked the Patrick Ewing-led Georgetown Hoyas behind 78 percent shooting from the field.
I know I’m being overdramatic here, but the Chicago Bulls were scorching tonight, playing not only their best game of the series but also their best game in the Scott Skiles-era. Facing elimination in front of a Palace of Auburn Hills crowd that saw Chicago lose by a combined 47 points in the first two games of the series, the Bulls blazed the nets at an amazing 57 percent shooting clip. That number was hovering around 62 percent early in the fourth quarter and naturally went down in garbage time of the Bulls 108-92 victory.
Ben Gordon regained his shooting stroke with his first game of more than 20 points in the series. Gordon had 28 points on 10-for-16 shooting while Luol Deng added 20 points on 8-for-13 from the field. While Chicago’s big two scorers were big time in Game Five, the game turned early as Kirk Hinrich came out aggressive and used pick and rolls to break down the Detroit defense all night. Hinrich dominated the game with 17 points and 13 assists while veteran P.J. Brown proved to be a steadying influence early and often in the first and third quarters, knocking in 15 points on 7-for-9 shooting.
Chicago’s bench was outstanding, with rookie Tyrus Thomas sparking the Bulls in the second and third quarters. Thomas finished with 10 points on 5-of-7 shooting. At least six of Thomas’ points came off dunks. Symbolic of his effort and intensity all night, Thomas had five steals, jumping passes into the post on several occasions. Chris Duhon even got into the action tonight, scoring eight points, while rookie Thabo Sefolosha played a solid energy game as well.
Quiet in the first half as Detroit stayed in the game on the offensive glass, Ben Wallace got going in the third quarter with several offensive rebounds that extended Chicago possessions and helped the Bulls break open a nine-point game with Chauncey Billups on the bench with four fouls. Billups led the Pistons with 17 points and was effective as usual when on the floor. Tayshaun Prince had 11 points and kept Detroit in the game at times, but the Pistons were behind the Chicago three ball all night. The Bulls were 10-of-16 from deep, for a staggering 62.5 percent.
After being seemingly dead after a disheartening Game Three loss, Chicago has clawed back and got the series back home; a scenario that neither the Pistons nor 99 percent of people in Chicago would have figured coming into tonight’s game. Game Six tips off Thursday night and offers Chicago the amazing opportunity to even up this series. If Chicago can jump on the Pistons early, Game Six could be a blowout, setting up a potential Game Seven in Detroit on Monday night. While winning again in Detroit would be a shocker, the Bulls are at least throwing down in the series and showing what they are capable of. It’s about time.
Here’s a breakdown of the key players in Game Five.
Game Five Igniters:
• Kirk Hinrich: This is what he did against Miami in the first two games of last year’s playoffs. Hinrich is finally being aggressive off the screen and roll and being decisive. I’ve never understood why Hinrich can get so hesitant at times. He’s athletic and tricky enough to finish at the basket with a teardrop or at least draw a foul. Hinrich controlled this game from the onset and really had Detroit off-balance defensively. Why was Chicago hitting shots all night? First of all, they were open because Hinrich was getting into the lane and playing the draw kick game. Secondly, Chicago’s ball movement was outstanding tonight, with Hinrich’s 13 assists a testament to this fact. Hinrich has looked hesitant most of the series and tonight he was looking for his shot. A clear example occurred in the second quarter when an undeterred Hinrich hoisted three three-pointers in about a 20 second span without any hesitation. Hinrich came through on the third three out of the corner and showed tonight how valuable he can be when he doesn’t think too much and just plays ball.
• P.J. Brown: Didn’t want this game to be possibly be his last. Came out really aggressive early, popping off the screen and roll game in prime shooting position. None of his shots looked too pretty, but they were certainly going in. Also has regained himself at the defensive end after struggling early in the series. It was nice to see Brown get physical with Rasheed Wallace on the block in the third quarter. Brown seemed to be getting into Wallace’s head a bit. Brown has been very solid and productive in the last three games after struggling in Games One and Two in Detroit.
• Ben Gordon: Was due for a big game and came through. The difference between Ben Gordon at the start of Game Four and Game Five? Gordon came out looking for his shot early and often in Game Five and now seems to believe that the Bulls have a shot here. Still had some foul trouble but was effective enough on defense in that he stayed on the court after notching two early fouls in the first quarter. Give Scott Skiles credit for putting Gordon on Hamilton tonight and letting Hinrich cover Billups. Gordon showed why he is such a dynamic player when he’s got it clicking. He could be such a legitimate number-two scorer in this league with a good offensive big man on his team.
• Luol Deng: Played a very heady game. Just loved his decision making at times. Got in the lane early in the third quarter, put up a beautiful head-fake and spun back for a gorgeous lay-in. Fed Thomas for an emphatic dunk in the third quarter. Got in the seams of the zone and hit the open shot. Also played some great help-side defense, sending back two Pistons’ shots at the rim.
• Tyrus Thomas and the Chicago Bench: Just love this kid Thomas. For as raw as he is, he truly has the ability to be a defensive game changer for years to come with his athleticism. Came in tonight and showed no nerves on the big stage. His post defense was awesome and got a couple of Chicago fast breaks started with his deflections (kind of like what Ben Wallace was able to do in the Miami series). Sparked the Bulls in the second and third quarters at both ends of the court. Chris Duhon played his best game of the series by being aggressive. When Gordon left with two fouls early in the second, there was no drop-off when Duhon stepped in. Notched five points in the first half and a big three early in the fourth quarter after the Bulls struggled in the opening three minutes. Also loved the effort of Sefolosha, who was aggressive yet smart with his shot. Chicago didn’t get anything again out of Nocioni, who was relegated to the bench by the play of Thomas. Nocioni is so due for a big game. Could he spark the Bulls in Game Six?
• Scott Skiles: I’ve been hard on Skiles for his in-game coaching at times, but he showed tonight what he’s best at: getting teams to dig in and play hard. Skiles’ team is not going out like chumps.
Game Five Flame Retardants:
• Rasheed Wallace: Detroit was hit by a Chicago buzz saw tonight. The only player who deserves to be in this category is Wallace, who is losing control of his emotions. Should have been ejected in this game for the amount of talking he was doing in the third quarter. Has been hit with two technicals in the last two games. Of even more concern, has really been settling for the three-point shot way too much in the last two games. Detroit needs to reign in Wallace before Game Six and get him focused. While a giant jerk, I love Wallace’s game. A big game from him could still spell the end of Chicago. It’s going to have to start for Wallace on the block on both sides of the court, as we saw in Games One, Two and Three.
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