"Classic" Bulls? Go figure

I don't think they'll win the series, but I am proud that they've made a valiant comeback. That alone shall serve them well in the off-season. We can't forget that they had virtually no chance to take this series even with KG out. So, given that expectation, what has happened should be inspiring for the future.

I still think they can't let Ben Gordon leave. Guys with that ability to score with ice in their veins at key moments of the game consistently are just too valuable.

Bulls have proven they can not only be very competitive in Boston, but they can win there too.

After having a great game in game 3, Pierce started to look a bit..old. That three that Salmons blocked to end the game would never have happened to a fresh PP.

I agree that a game 7 win is difficult, but I also believe that the longer the series goes, the more it benefits the younger team.

Celtics are living and dieing by the end game three attempt.

I won tickets from Comcast Sports Net. First playoff game ever. I sat way way up in the rafters and never was more happy and excited at a game. PLAYOFFS are different I see! That crowd was rowdy where we sat and that game had me on the edge of my seat the entire game. Especially since I told my entire section how both overtimes would unfold! High-five and chest bumping all afternoon. Those guys I was there with were CRAY-ZEE!!! And sharply critical of those free throws. I wonder if you guys at home could hear that Noah chant! I rang like freedom through the upper echelons! Then he jagged the second one! I was cracking uppp!!! And yall should have heard his post game comments. Sounded like a scene from Rocky 1 with Noah (out of breath) calling out for his Dad over the PA System! I was cracking up!! Noah said "3 months ago nobody would have given us a chance and now we are on our way back to Boston for another game"!!!! Adrenaline was flowing. He was hyped and the UC was rocking big time!! Now I don't know what hockey is like, but it was almost impossible to get louder or rowdier than that!

John Salmons is cool as a breeze. He and Miller put us over the top. They made us a winning team in stead of a below 500 team. We are still very far away because we have glaring weaknesses, but a lot of it is just maturing the talent we have and improving in the offseason and free agency. I knew the Bulls were done after game 3. They are still too young to execute two more wins against Boston. They are talented enough to do it, but both Vinny and Rose are the two most important components and they are inconsistent. I am pulling for them though. Go Bulls!!!! Ben Gordon Baby!!!!!

Stu if you recall I had predicted prior to the first game the Bulls in 6. I still stand by that. I think game 3 was a combination of being distracted by the award hoopla and being the first play-off game infront of the home crowd jitters. The Bulls have battled the Celtics hard in the other 3 games and game 2 got away from them for a miriad of reasons including officiating. Yesterday I believe Brad Miller sent a strong message that they aren't going away just because the Celtics are the defending champs. A couple years ago they sent the defending champs home in the first round and they are determined to do it again. Pierce is showing signs of wearing down, and the Bulls are gaining more comfidence again. I realize that means the Bulls will have to win 3 in a row to take it in 6 but I also believe Boston is also begining to doubt themselves and if they're not scared of the Bulls they now have a very healthy respect for them. If the Bulls win Tuesday evening there is no way they are going to allow Boston to beat them on the UC floor Thursday.

I predicted the Celts in 7 even before the series started and I predicted the Blackhawks in 6 games while losing 2 at Calgary, all written down in FCP, so for me, I’m still on par with my predictions. With the Bulls, I’m hoping that I’m wrong, but with the Blackhawks, I just hope that Khabibulin can get over that hump playing poorly on the road.

Gig, regarding Ben Gordon, unfortunately re-signing him will not be simple. It all depends on dumping salaries and then managing the salary cap. It’s not about how good he is or his obvious flaws to his game. By now, we’ve heard it all and I’m sure Paxson knows what he has in Ben Gordon, a sharpshooter with the ability to hit some clutch shots. The only way that PaxDorf will be able to re-sign him and hope for any chance of acquiring a Chris Bosh or an Amare Stoudemire down the road is if they get rid of undeserved salaries like Kirk Hinrich, Luol Deng and other pointless salaries on the team like Tim Thomas (I have no idea why he hasn’t been used more in the playoffs). The Bulls will just have to find some takers and I don’t think it’ll be that simple, especially when you know that BG will be commanding a fat contract in the offseason. I think his strong series so far has pretty much vaulted him out of the Bulls price range. For me, I’d like him back on the team, but not at the expense of losing out on someone like Bosh or whoever in the 2010 sweepstakes. As a fan, understand the salary cap position and then pick your poison.

Great win yesterday though. You stink, Keith! I was at the UC stinker last Thursday and you went to the better game yesterday! Do us a favor and buy some Game 6 tickets and go to that game please! ;-)

I'll tell you, that was one hell of an entertaining game. Talk about rollercoaster! I enjoyed that game so much I watched it again later that evening. With additional focus on the happenings surrounding this game via slow motion and pause, I had a chance to scrutinize an awesome, yet deceiving game.

First off, let's hit on the one obvious; our free throw throw shooting almost cost us this game. We have no room for error in this area if we want to move on.

Second, as stated above, somewhat, we should have never gone to overtime. Not because Allen had a chance to shoot the three, but because Tyrus refused to get the ball into his point guards hands after his last regulation rebound. Granted, Rose may have not hit two, but I'll take those odds.

Third, and Keith you can hoot and hollar all you want, but until Ben Gordon starts displaying some team ball at the end of regulation and overtime, we are going to lose more close games than we will win, and the playoffs are usually tight knit.

I was probably one of the few who didn't put the whole victory dance on Gordons' shoulders. His shot was big, no doubt, but he displayed an act of selfishness at the end of the fourth and the start of the second overtime that hurts more often than it helps. With 1:19 left in the 4th and the Bulls up by one, the Junkie refused to pass the ball, dribbling for 10 seconds, then pivoting for a possible forced shot for an additional 3 seconds before finally forcing a pass to Miller that was stolen. Big! He forced 2 shots in the first overtime AND missed a key FT before his heroic three. Big! Then, after starting the second overtime with a bucket, he goes, All Star Game like, one-on-one basketball for his next three shots, ne'er looking in any other direction.

Noah and Hinrich played big in my assessment, and Salmons ended up locking the game with stellar play, on BOTH sides of the ball!

There's no doubt in my mind we can beat these guys. The KEY thing Boston has going for them is the rest between games, otherwise it may not be close.

I hope to the basketball gods someone from the Bulls is reading this, because Vinny needs a little help.

If we're going to play a little one-on-one with Rose and Gordon to take advantage of Allen and Rondo, SPREAD THE DAMN FLOOR!

Our bigs are TERRIBLE on switch defense away from the bucket during the pik-n-rolls. If they can't get to the spot in time to cut off the dribbler they need a quick drop angle, not directly left or right. Miller fouls EVERY time on this, Noah and Tyrus get caught standing straight up and the dribbler runs right past them, and this particular aspect of their game accounts for over 33% of Bostons points. WAKE UP!!!

Someone needs to bring to the refs attention that Big Baby is driving his picks. He had at least FIVE visible illegal picks, and Allens tying basket was no exception.

Boston isn't likely to have many more 42% shooting nights, and Ben and Tyrus are going to have to do a better job on defense. They give up too often on plays, and disappear on others. Our vets have to keep the turnovers down and Derrick needs to remember that every dash down court is not a break opportunity.

Game three was an abborition. This series is a hell of a lot closer than anyone anticipated, and my foreseable future has the victor wearing horns.

Bawston won't be so amused.

Edgar,

I hear ya regarding the salary cap. However, it does seem to beg the question "Who would we rather have? Ben Gordon or Luol Deng?"

ANTHONY - Gordon is the most scrutinized guy on the floor - ALL THE TIME. The guy makes mistakes...YES, but he delivers like Dominoes. There is one name on the lips of every player and reporter today - and its not your hero (unless they are trying to figure out a way dump his salary). Kirk sneaks in a lil jab in the fight and now you won't to say he was a hero like he was Braveheart or somebody. Rose had a triple double, Salmons drained all of those free throws, Noah secured the ball, Miller scraping with Big-baby and Gordon sucked up ALL of that Pressure and sank that shot. BUT KIRK was the Hero??? Thats even too hard for Ripley to believe.

Keith wrote:

"ANTHONY - Gordon is the most scrutinized guy on the floor - ALL THE TIME. The guy makes mistakes...YES, but he delivers like Dominoes."

You are absolutely right. Gordon does get a ton of grief for his play style. But sometimes he deserves getting some of the grief for selfish play or a questionable act.

At the time, I was so happy that Gordon hit that huge three that I probably couldn't care less what he did immediately afterwords, but not that I've had some time to digest, looking back, it was incredibly childish and embarrassing.

Of course I am referring to the "crotch-grab" post shot celebration.

If I was David Stern, I would immediately level a warning and possible fine. Seriously, what was he thinking?

Not only a battle of Bulls vs. Celtics, but a battle of the "crotch grab" vs. Garnett's MF bombs

I'm not the biggest Gordon fan - he does try to do too much at times, and his D is spotty, but they have Rose and a bunch of other "guys" - who else can score when they really need a bucket? You can't assume Rose will get a foul call (and he will get fouled) if he drives in a key spot. Every time I see Salmons dribbling around the key I get heart palpatations. Who are we left with...?

Keith, I said Noah and Kirk played 'big'. Never in that statement did I call him a 'hero'. If so, than you should have included Noah. They just played solid basketball, overall. Actually, Salmons was the hero in my eyes.

It's up to the media to play into the moment; that's their job. It's up to diehard old school 'real' players, coaches and referees to break it down like it is. Even the announcers were knocking Gordon throughout the game for his lack of workmanlike effort on defense. Those constant one-on-one maneuvers; even Stevie saw that!

Hey, you may not believe this but I'm glad we have Gordon. We need his scoring. I just know how much rhythm and teamwork help to make a TEAM, and he has his disruptive moments, and to be totally honest with you, if this guy would just show a LICK of defensive intensity, I wouldn't be half as hard, but yesterdays replay showed me the true colors of this man, in a PLAYOFF GAME, no doubt.

Believe it, or not!

Keith, I think Gordon gets enough credit and praises for his accomplishments and clutch play as well as his equal or less share of criticism. It's just that with you, it's as if you want EVERYONE to just flat out say that he's the best Bull ever and react so strongly against any little or big flaw someone brings up to BG's game. That's really what it comes down to because if you ask me, I think there's a lot more love and respect thrown towards BG than there is negative. Again, as I explained with Gig regarding Ben Gordon in the offseason, pick your poison. You think that this Bulls team will eventually get to the promised land with a flawed defensive starting backcourt of Rose and BG (I don't see Rose ever developing into more than an average defensive guard) or would you rather have the Bulls save their money to get one of the top tier free agents in 2010? YOu can't have both. That's the position that Bulls management will face in the offseason when they try to re-sign BG. Keith, you cry that BG doesn't get enough love from the fans. I cry that many don't understand that the Bulls might not have a choice but to let him walk in free agency, which leads me to answer Gig's last question... Of course most people would rather keep Ben Gordon over Luol Deng, but with Deng just finishing up the first year of his 5-year contract that was signed last Summer, the chances are slim to none that any team out there will be willing enough to take over his contract via a trade. That's the dilemma. Find a taker for the Hinrich, Deng and Tim Thomas contracts and then this BG re-signing won't be an issue. Until then, we'll continue to have to listen to Keith rally around BG as if he's running for Mayor of Chicago.

RPK - yeah, the BG crotch grab was rather distasteful, especially when caught on the tv slo-mo highlight reel, but to BG's credit, you never know, there might have been some serious jawing from the Celtics bench led by the star in street clothes, KG. I wouldn't put it past KG at all so as they say, there are 2 sides to every story....

Ben deserves equal credit and scorn. Dude's D is no longer awful but it's still mediocre. He can be a ballhog. Costly turnovers.

To me, though his clutch shooting equals his faults out. Dude is top 10 as far as taking clutch shots. That means something to me. Salmons can't replace that. I don't give Ben a pass for his faults but to me the positives outway the negatives. Also regarding the crotch grab, was it in bad taste....sure it was...I will give it a pass because it happened in the heat of the moment. Two teams battling back and forth will get emotional, I'm sure Ben wasn't thinking "oh snap, I better not do this, someone might complain". B-ball is a passionate game. Look at KG, he's always like MF this, MFer that. Kobe does the same thing, it's not good for kids to see but this isn't Sesame Street. This is playoff f'n basketball.

Also Salmons is a total ballhog...dude rarely looks to pass. But he gets a pass..no one minds that.

Bulls better hit the boards hard in Game 5 and spread the ball around.

My thing is WE LOVE an underdog like Kirk - who did NOTHING worthy of being mentioned yesterday. He played a little D and made a few shots. He is the TEAM CAPTAIN and FRANCHISE PLAYER (we think its ROSE but its KIRK the HIGHEST PAID GUARD ON THE TEAM). He is OVERPAID, and rarely criticized. Now the guy with the little paycheck gets all the criticism for STEPPING UP and having confidence. And God forbid he actually show some passion for a change!!! In his own house???? And that is out of character for Gordon btw. Its not easy to perform with the lights on. Ben Gordon does that while others are spending all the MONEY. Now those are the FACTS. Gordon has to be Cuba Gooding Jr. for his money!!! He's got NO ONE in his corner but his agent Jerry McGuire. This is his time and he is making the most of his moment. So excuse him if he has to INTERVIEW for his check!!!

Kirk is going to be alright, because God forbid if the Bulls ever suit up without the CAPTAIN!!! MELT DOWN MICHAELS STATUE IF THAT EVER HAPPENS!!! But as EDGAR pointed out many times, Gordon is the odd man out on the gravy train. I give credit when its DUE. The man is playing for his money, he is asked to take ALL the big shots (EVERY BULLS PLAYER INTEVIEWED SAID SO YESTERDAY). He is a SHOOTING guard and a sixth man, not a POINT GUARD. His job is to SHOOT. We don't HAVE a two guard because WE HAD TO DRAFT A POINT GUARD!!!! The two guard we traded for - has to do the job of the other gold-bricker!!!! Yall got a lock on Kirk's jock like a pit bull. Contrary to popular belief #23 did NOT play the best defense on the Bulls 72 win team. He was the 3rd best defensive player on the team and arguably the 4th. What that two guard did better than any other 2 guard in history was shoot the ball. What a novel idea for a two guard???? SHOOTING!!!! OMG!!! BALL HOG! The ROOOOKIE is doing Kirk's job!!! Rondo is doing KIRK's JOB!!! Everyone and anyone but KIRK the BENCH WARMER!!! I don't like bullies, and I certainly don't like piling on. Folks speak as if Kirk played a flawless game, but other players made mistakes. The section I sat with at the game cussed him out several times down the stretch. Especially missing serveral - not just one - free throw. See - I don't pick that man apart after every game like folks do Ben Gordon. Ben Gordon was RESPONSIBLE for that win Sunday and to see him scrutinized was just unfair. But then to hear someone mention Kirk's name was just - INJUSTICE. There were several heroes yesterday, but Kirk, come on man. Um throwing a flag on this one.

Keith my mman, relax a little, pop a valium before you have a stroke on us bud. For starters not all of us have given Kirk a pass or completely trashed BG. I've said how many times I love BG's instant offense and he should have gotten the contract Deng got. Kirk may well be over-paid but even you have to admit he has accepted coming off the bench and overall has done well in that role.
Tonight's game is pivotal for the Celtics. The pressure is on them not the Bulls. It is now a best 2 out of 3 series
they are the favored team and BG is a queation mark. I'm sure he will olay but how effectively may be the question. Tim Thomas may likely see some playing time tonight as a result. The Bulls need to come out of the gate fast and strong and make Pierce and Allen press their game early, make them feel that pressure. Tyrus and Noah have to hit the boards hard find ways to keep Perkins and Davis off them and someone has got to keep Rondo from snagging more offensive rebounds than Perkins or Davis.

Looks like Ben Gordon is not the only one who wears blinders! Keith, you're out of control! AGAIN you only mention Kirk and not Noah. Can you read the words that are coming out of my print!!! 'NOAH and Hinrich played big in my assessment'. Maybe I should rephrase it, seeing as you mentioned Kirk, ONLY, about 50 times in your last post. Kirk Hinrich and Joakim Noah played all around solid ball Sunday. Joakim played within himself, had several key rebounds, shot well and had a key block at the end. Kirk played aggressive defense, and along with Salmons, forced Pierce into a 9-24 day, to go with three steals and 2 key assists in the overtime. Both Kirk and Joakim missed throws; hell, everyone did, but one shot doesn't a star make. Same goes for any other sport. Ben's like the third baseman who goes 0-4, has two errors, and then hits the winning home run in the ninth. Who gets mobbed by the media and fans? Not the pitcher who holds the other team to two UNEARNED runs to lead to the heroics. Not the 1st baseman who goes 4-4 with 2 key two out ribbies. Nope, it's Joe Shmoe who hits the winning homer. Paleeeeease! The thing that Gordon has going for him is he pretty much ALWAYS takes that shot. That third baseman doesn't have that luxury. Funny thing is we never talk about all the OFF-BALANCE, FORCED SHOTS that didn't go in at the end of, how many games? You go ahead and ride the Gordon wave, that's your perogative. I too like his clutch shooting and iced veins. I just look at the total picture and see the man for what he is. That's my prerogative. I do know one thing. Ben Gordon didn't handle the ball the last two minutes of the second overtime, and that's when we won it. Take it for what it is. I know I did!

Mick, you're right, Salmons doesn't pass the ball; but the guy plays consistant deny defense, blocks shots, anticipates steals, and hits clutch shots himself.

KIRK HINRICH FOR MAYOR!!!

Did I say that?

Keith - Jordan the 4th best defensive player on the 72 win team??? How can anyone read the rest of your diatribe after that comment?

OK...Pippen 1st - no issue there. Who was 2nd and 3rd in your mind? Harper...come on..old man river could play but sheesh. Rodman - rebounder yes, D good but not great when he would go out of his way to lay off his man in order to get the rebound (yes Jordan did the same in the lane to pick off passes). Who does that leave...Luke? Kerr? Kukoc? You're killin me...

Tommy - Pippen, Rodman (Guarded Shaq), Harper (just my opinion), Jordan. Mike was a beast and you don't post 72 without great defense, but Harper even gave Mike fits on defense. That doesn't take anything from Mike. Thats just my opinion. Even if you discount Harper, there is no way you can put Mike in front of Pippen or Worm. You just cant.

Tim is right - I needed my medicine!

Anthony - just agree to disagree. Noah earned your praise, thats why I didn't take exception to that portion of your comment. Noah is an incosistent young player that has improved vastly. Now he was pivotal in that game. BTW - Noah credited one of his teammates.... I know I know, Noah isn't as keen on the nuances of the game. He is just not good at watching the captain out there. If he only knew. If the refs and the crowd only knew how wonderful the captain is. Paxson should just keep building around him. Rose who??? Just trade that guy. Move all of those guys and see if Kirk has a brother or something.

Mick is right as rain. Salmons and everyone else gets a pass but GORDON. This team has a ton of problems we NEVER discuss. But I will say this of the captain...he is valuable off the bench. And ROSE recognized him as a mentor. Not bad for a guy not asked to match Rondo with a triple double or score 40 and duel with Pierce and Allen down the stretch. Not a bad gig at all. No negative press, no criticism. Captain of the team, cashing the biggest Check. Must be heaven. Nice for him and Deng! Somebody get Phil Collins cause its just another day for Kirk and Deng in paradise. He might as well run for Mayor. Cause he got some FCP votes. Obama who? Kirk for President!!

Better go take another pill. Mad all over again! :(

Keith...CoolBreeze was one of my nicknames in College!

Cooler, Coltrane were the others...

Keith - I feel like we're at the end of "A Few Good Men"....

JUST SAY IT!!!! We CAN handle the truth! JUST SAY IT. You KNOW you want to say it...JUST SAY IT!!!!

TOMMY - DYING Laughing! Best medicine!