Oh, what a night!

As I type this the game is not yet over.

Bulls by one with seconds left in the SECOND overtime ... and I take back anything negative that I might have said about this series.

Win or lose; I've more than gotten my money's worth. (and I didn't pay a dime)

Greatest series I've ever had the pleasure of watching!!!!

By Villano on April 30, 2009 10:06 PM
UN-BULL-EVIBLE!

If they don't win another game ... if they don't score another point ... I'll go to bed happy with what I've watched this evening.

THIS is entertainment!

It's also torture.

Who would of thought it be a DEFENSIVE play by Rose to win the game!

A great overall team effort. Noah, Miller, Salmons, take your pick.

Have to give credit to Boston, especially Ray Allen. That was one amazing three point display he put up there.

John Salmons -aka- Wesley Snipes, really carried the Bulls late.

Miller had some huge shots.

Hinrich was this close to being the goat of the game. Even though it showed his shot being goal tended after the replay.

Will Rondo finally be suspended? Not only did he throw Hinrich to the ground, he swung his elbow at him. The league's integrity , more specifically Stu Jackson, is on the line here.

has got to go down as one of the most exciting playoffs and its only round one!! the baby bulls are all grown up and scrappy too!! now lets just get rid of chubby barkley who has nothing good to say about the bulls.. why is he an analyst anyway? GO BULLS!!!

If the NBA had !@#$% (of course, I don't believe it does), Rondo would be suspended one game. He should have been thrown out as I believe it was a clear intent to injure.

Back the the victory. Wow!!!

Someone said on the chatroom that he thought Noah's breakaway rampage down the court to poster someone was ugly. O.K., I suppose you could argue that everything he does is ugly, but I, for one, thought it was beautiful!

Oh, by the way, the Rose block wasn't too shabby either!

Go Bulls and go Hawks!

Damn!
This series is insane.
I believe in Noah more than Thomas it this point.

Did anyone notice the hopelessness shown on John Salmons' face every time DRose made the recurring bad passes into the crowd and turned the ball over? Just frustration. Why didn't anyone pull him aside and teach him to learn from his mistakes. Rookie mistakes is one thing, but no learning from it is .... just hopeless.

I watched the Rondo replay about 20 times. He grabbed Kirk by the wrist and threw him into the scorers table. If the NBA looks at this and doesn't conclude that Rondo needs to sit for a game, something is wrong!

Watching Noah dribble the length of the court after his steal and jamming on Pierce was impressive!

Just curious, why does Barkley hate the Bulls. Does it have something to do with the way front office forced Jordan out? Or maybe the way Jordan and the Bulls cost his best shot at a ring? Just curious as to why he finds it almost impossible to compliment the Bulls.

Barkley is fine. He knows what the rest of the league knows but can't say it: With a solid coach Bulls would have already won the series. Del Negro is learning and he's pathetic at this point.

Bulls are talented and just some muscle and disciplined coaching away from being a top contender.

Being a Celtics fan, I've had a lot of amazing basketball to watch ever since I was a little kid. But I truly believe this series is the BEST playoff series in NBA history.

I'm so impressed with the young Bulls, they deserve their well earned respect for these gritty performances and showing so much heart. And remember, I'm saying this as a CELTICS fan.

It's just unbelievable. I can't even speak to any specific play, or any specific player. The entire series has been full of everything that makes basketball great.

The only thing that could possibly make this series better, is just one more OT performance from these two teams. I'm crossing my fingers, it would add such an improbable and amazing exclamation point to all of this!

ralph, you are right. for the life of me i don't know why you walk the ball up the floor and play their game when the celtics don't match up with us now. when del dumio said the playoffs are a half court game i knew then we would struggle to beat boston. when we get leads we run them off the floor and then the coach has rose walk the ball up the floor. that's why we loose our leads. every team in basketball knows to defense our outside game. that's why it get's stalled at times. if we use the inside to medium range game it
would draw the defense in so our outside game would be more effective. this series would have been over by game five if you run the celtics, who don't have the bench we have. we only gave them one game the rest we could have and should have won. of course you get what you buy,if you shop at the five and dime store for a coach
you'll get a five and dime coach. the talent on this team is better than the coach now. why you get a coach with no coaching experience is beyond me. i now wish we could have gotten doug collins or anyone
with coaching experience. the bulls should still win this series but
it looks like the winner won't have anything left for the next series. but with the draft and free agency and the development of the young players who are not playing and the return of deng so salmons can play shooting guard also, and one inside offensive
player this team will go far in the future.

Bulls and Celtics are evenly matched teams. And once in a while Sports deals out a match like this for the ages. This reminded me of the Mickey Ward and Arturo Gatti trillogy!!! Two fighters with heart that made eachother great. They werent the best fighters by a stretch, but they gave us a show that I will NEVER forget. Forget Rocky and Hollywood, this was real guts and glory. After those fight Ward and Gatti were never the same.

Now I firmly believe these games came down to their two greatest factors. Coaching and Point Guard Play. And this time - Rose got the best of Rondo by the slightest razor edge. Rondo's overly agressive game cause him to play with more caution. Refs were watching him. After that Kirk slam he should have NOT been on the floor. But the refs are NOT going to help us. And I thank God that Kirk set the tone by standing up to Rondo. I wish Kirk would have fired on him, but was glad he didnt. Kirk looked like Eminem from eight mile standing toe to toe with Papa Doc. LOL!!!

STU - Thank you for mentioning Brad Miller - because this time he manned up and hit his free throws. The REFS aint gonna help. Forget acting and baiting and all of that. HIT BACK with your GAME! Brad Miller went to that line, blocked out the last game and sank those free throws like a VET. Stock up baby!

Ben Gordon was a complete non factor last night and hopefully he can give the Bulls a lift on Sat. like Ray Allen gave the Celtics last night. Ray scored 51 points on the Bulls and Ben Gordon wasn't guarding him. A great scorer can will himself on you - despite your good defense. You just have to give credit where it is DUE. Allen was great last night.

Kryptonite finally got to Gordon, but John Salmons arrived like Neo in Matrix Reloaded!! Salmons got his mojo back and dealt with Pierce! Salmons put the pressure on him on both sides of the ball. That droopy-eyed Wesley Snipes drove around Pierce like he was listening to headphones while he was dribbling!!! Rocking and dancing, crossing and spinning with pentamic symetry.

Then there was Jokim NOAH!!! Interview after the game showed me that Noah has it between the ears also. He gave careful insightful answers and kept his emotions in check. His steal and dunk on Paul Peirce took gigantic onions!! SHOULD HAVE BEEN A CLEAR PATH - but the REFS are not going to helps us. I inparticullary loved that it fouled Pierce out who was COMPLETELY embarrassed. Noah left him in the dust and dispatched him with a flush!!!! That play introduced NOAH to the NBA and cemented his spot on the team and in the fans hearts. From the doghouse to the big stage in one season. This guy has a flair for the dramatic and has the heart of a champion! THIS game as KC Johnson wrote yesterday - is indicative of why a team must choose to go into the post season vs tank it and get a lottery pick.

And its time to once again salute JOHN PAXSON!!! Thank you John for this team, season and for not quitting. Somewhere in the clouds, Norm and Red are smiling and glad this team is back for years to come! We can build from here. If I was a post player, I would be on the phone with my agent after last night.

I have a new post on my blog. Please comment here or on the blog http://jojoj921.wordpress.com

I have to disagree with the naysayers on Vinnie. There may not be a better coach out there to get this kind of effort from this team. You may disagree with methods and philosophy, but something is working. I hated some of the game moves or lack of them by Phil Jackson when he was coach, but he had the players respect and got results. Let's give Vinnie the same rope.

Amazing Game.

I almost want Rondo in game 7 so that the win is that much sweeter.

I heard on Sports Center this morning that Garnett may SUIT UP and RE APPEAR on Saturday.

BRING IT.

I hate Boston more than I hated NY and Detroit combined.

The only thing better than last nights win, would be going into the Garden and BEATING THEIR A&&#$ by 50PTS!

oh and Noah's Dunk, rates up there with the best DUNKS OF ALL TIME!

I had to wrestle the remote away from my sister to see the end of the game. WOW!
Anything can happen now - anything -

UN-FREAKIN-BULLIEVABLE!!!! First and foremost Rondo should have been ejected. If that was not a flgrant 2 I want to know what is. There was clearly intebt to injure as far as I could see. But given Stu Jackson's cow dung explaination of why Rondo's foul on Miller in game 5 was not a flagrant foul I'll be shocked if he's given anything more than a fine. I expect to hear later today that Rondo gets fined 10k for the foul and Hinrich gets fined 5k for his retaliation. I doubt Stu has the cajones to suspend Rondo in such a tightly contested series. Now onto bigger things.
Keith you were ready to stick a fork in the Bulls after game 3, I told you it was premature to do that. I would also point out to you that Kirk (whom you despise) played big last night although I'm sure you're going to point to the missed cripple at the end (replay clearly showed it was goal tended)but you won't say anything about Gordon once again missing the possible winning shot at the end of regulation. Also those posters that have given Miller and Salmons grief throughout the series what have you got to say this morning?
Ray Allen was unconcious last night and even though Pierce put in 22 he was nicely defended when it came down to the wire. As the game wore on Boston looked desperate to keep the series from going to a seventh game but the Bulls looked more determined to force game seven.
Noah's steal and subsequent drive the length of the court for the jam and Pierce's 6th foul had me on my feet and I'm sure my neighbors wondered what was going on as I screamed OMG!!! HELL YEA!!
First round or not this has been the most nail-biting series I have ever witnessed. Win or lose game (and all the pressure is on Boston and I'm looking for the Bulls to pull it out) the young Bulls, Rose, Noah and Thomas have gotten two post season's worth of experience in just 6 games. If they do win game 7 I would expect a close series with Orlando also.

I'm still shaking my head this morning! One of the most exciting, see-sawing, breath-taking, nerve wracking, crazy games I've ever witnessed.

Ray Allen has a 'blur' of a release. There's a picture in the Sun-Times of him shooting over Kirk, and if you analyze it, that is one of the sweetest, most relaxed releases you'll ever see. Look at that mans face. He looks like he's bored, standing in a long line at Dunkin Donuts; not like someone who's trying to shoot his team out of an exhausting marathon.

Too many heroes to pick out just one, but this I can assure you. The turning point was Rondo missing those two throws in the fourth, with the Celts up 99-91. BIG!!!

That said, Rajon, you got my vote.

One last thing. I hate to put a damper on a fantastic game, but somebody needs to tell Vinny these plays he's calling to finish off a game; they're NOT PLAYS!

Damn, just shook my head again!

This playoff series is hands down, the best 7-game series I've ever witnessed and that includes even the Bulls Championships and playoff runs in the late 80's and 90's. It's going to be hard to top this one for a LONG time. Even if there is a LeBron/Kobe Finals matchup this season, I don't see how that will eclipse this series in terms of entertainment value and drama. Alright then, onto your other questions, Stu:

1. Yes, the NBA should suspend Rondo for game 7, but regardless of what the ruling is, I'd rather see Rondo AND Garnett both play just so that it gives the baby Bulls much more credibility should they go on and win game 7 somehow.

2. Game 6 star of stars - Brad Miller, Ray Allen, Joakim Noah and John Salmons. Honorable mention: Derrick Rose (despite a myriad of rookie mistakes again), Kirk Hinrich (despite the blown layup which I was almost ready to drive down to the UC to slap him silly) and Ben Gordon because his presence on the court alone gives the Bulls a chance to win all the time (this one’s for my man, Keith).

3. You betcha I’m glad I tuned this in over the Cubs pathetic loss last night! I would always tune into Chicago basketball over baseball any day. Blackhawks lost also, but I forgive them more for their loss over the Cubs. ;-)

I take back and apologize to this team for questioning their heart! WHAT A GAME !! J.Noah is for real, if Vinnie can get Rose to protect the ball instead of turning it over so consistantly,he'll be an all star for years to come. Will it take a career ending injury to someone before the league steps in and puts a collar on this PUNK Rondo ? Trips Kurt = stitches in the forehead ; rakes B.Miller across the face = 7 stiches ; THROWS Kurt into the scorers table with CLEAR intention to injure. League office is a JOKE, we should call for Stern's resignation !

First, I agree Rondo should of been ejected, but the NBA doesnt want to let somebody being ejected in a game decide a playoff game. But this is some of most thrilling games I've ever seen in the NBA playoffs. I dont even know whats going on with the cavs or lakers! The NBA shouldnt suspend anyone in game 7, this game needs to be fair and we need more dramatic plays whoohoo.

MC says "the NBA doesnt want to let somebody being ejected in a game decide a playoff game. First, MC, I want to make it clear that I agree with you. This isn't a knock against you for saying it (although you do seem to agree with the NBA with your later statement).

Having said that, this is precisely Reason A-1 why I hate the NBA. Decisions that are the RIGHT ONES are very consistently prostituted. Decisions based on ethics, morals, or whatever you want to term them are given a backseat--or no seat at all--in favor of $$$$ or "the event" or as you say "it just wouldn't be a fair game."

If I'm commissioner, what's right is right. Moreover, I feel very confident that my league wouldn't suffer much from such decisions as I believe a great wealth of otherwise full-fledged fans would come out of the woodwork in full support. Still, it's an unknown by the powers that be and unlikely in their eyes. They may also feel that such fans wouldn't have quite the same enthusiasm to spend here and there as the woodworkers. Nevertheless, the fact that the status quo is so widely accepted is a big reason that such NBA actions, or lack thereof, remain status quo.

I don't even buy into the idea that the presence of both Rondo and KG would legitimize a possible Game 7 win by the Bulls simply because a "higher road" must be taken over any other consideration.

Having said all this, I admit that I'll continue to follow this team and rooting for their success. However, my fanaticism could be much more if the NBA were I league that I could admire.

These comments do not necessarily convey the views of Full Court Press, the Chicago Sun-Times, or any of the newspaper's subsidiaries.

For anyone who thinks Rondo should not be suspended for the next game, that sets the wrong precedent. I won't blame Joke-ey Crawford for no immediate heave; that would have been a tough call for most referees at that particular moment, but if Rondo isn't suspended for what was, blatantly, a flagrant 2, this league lacks credibilty, big time.

Timing is no excuse.

Im also curious about barkley, does anyone know the reason why he has nothing good to say about the bulls when the whole league is just admiring these young bulls and the whole series. I still have to hear something good from him about the bulls, or maybe I just missed it. Anyways not like it really matters but I just felt that he has some kind of personal dislike for the team eversince. I have a lot of respect for both teams, it's really a torture watching the overtimes. I need a paramedics outside my house on game 7 LOL! Bird and Jordan should come out of retirement to settle this for good. The best i've seen so far, I never thought it could get more exciting after Jordan retired. This makes the other teams in the league looks boring to me.Go Bulls!Go celts! I'm loving it.

Regarding Charles Barkley, while I sometimes enjoy his off-the-wall humor and respect his ability to speak his mind, he clearly plays favorites to the established superstars of the league and is NOT a very good basketball analyst on TV. He'll always kiss up to the elite teams and to the superstars of the league. Just because he's one of the best NBA players of all time doesn't exactly mean that he's a great commentator, just like MJ as the greatest player of all time, but can't head coach a team worth a lick and he apparently is also not a very good GM/personnel manager. Even if the Bulls win Game 7, you know Charles will always go back to the Celts missing Kevin Garnett before he gives any credit this Bulls team. That's the way he is. You either live with it or change the channel and watch the local coverage on Comcast Sportschannel instead.

Just when you think that this series can’t get any more riveting; the boys from Chicago come from a double digit deficit late in the fourth quarter to pull a triple overtime win, and force a game seven. Clearly, both of these teams deserve major credit. Plain and simple: the Chicago Bulls and the Boston Celtics are clutch.

That being said, the star of last night’s game six was, hands down, Joakim Noah. How many guys are going to (in the third overtime mind you) steal the ball, drive the length of the court, hammer a dunk, get fouled (a foul that benched Paul Pierce), and turn a three point play all within four seconds? This guy was explosive last night.

A close runner up to Noah, of course, was Brad Miller who more than made up for his bricked free throws at the end of game five. He got his payback with interest in this one.

I think that Chicago has given Boston all they can handle in this series, and I believe that game seven belongs to the Bulls. Chicago has the drive and determination to take this series, and have clearly proven that they refuse to stay down. I predict a close Bulls win in the eighth overtime of the series.

-Mr. Will

http://mrwillssports.blogspot.com

Ok it's 2:20 pm here in the east and no word yet of any ruling on Rondo'sambush of Hinrich last night, not that i expect anything to be done mind you. And I do agree with you Navarro the league front office has little to no credability.
As far as KG suiting up Saturday goes, bring it on big fella. Let the young Bulls run your knee into the ground and end your career if you're that stupid.
Yes Keith it was great to see Kirk go after Rondo and make a statement that the Bulls are no longer going to be bullied. And of all people to do that Kirk surprised the hell out of me. I was also proud of Tyrus when he got between Mikki Moore and Kirk then laughed when I saw Joey Crawford grab Mikki Moore and shove him out of the way. Kudos to Gray for settling Kirk down along with Vinny. Don't kknow if anyone else noticed but I loved later in the game when Rondo drove the lane and Miller took a swipe at him and knocked him down and no call was made and the shot was missed. Small measure of pay back but I believe Rondo got the message.
As far as the series losing meaning if Rondo is suspended for game 7. I don't buy it. They have a bench of so-called professional players, if they can't step up (especially starberry) then that's their own fault for having players that unequal to the task. Glen Davis has made KG's absent all but a moot point. Davis's averages infact in the series are better than KG's career stats.

Chris Hooley - great post and very classy. Wish there were more Boston bloggers like you!

I really soured on the NBA over the last 10 years (it felt like the games were manufactured)But, wow! - this was better than the NCAA tournament. It has been Bears and Cubs all the way - but the Bulls have made themselves relevant again!

Anthony, Rondo’s body whip of Hinrich out of bounds didn’t appear as flagrant as the head shot, or excuse me, the “hard foul” on Miller, but the fact that he’s a REPEAT OFFENDER 2 games in a row on similar plays involving a "hard foul" now would make me think that the NBA should do justice and suspend him for game 7. However, that being said, you already know that the NBA’s integrity has always been questioned every year since for as long as I can remember, the referees included. Joey Crawford has ref’d big games before and he’s been the center of controversy as well, especially that Tim Duncan debacle a few years back, so I wouldn’t exactly exonerate him just yet either. I actually think Crawford tries to “control” the game more than he “officiates” a game, but that’s just my opinion. Bottom line, the league is going to do what they want to do “in the best interests of the game” over setting a precedent, so for me, it does no good to complain about it and cry foul. The Bulls should expect and continue to prepare as if Rondo will suit up and Garnett pulling off a “Willis Reed”. If the league ends up actually following the true “letter of the law” for once, then great, it should work out in a favor of the Bulls and they better pull off a victory in Game 7, but I just wouldn’t hold my breath on it and hope for the easier road. I’d rather see the Bulls shove a Game 7 victory back at Boston at full strength anyway. Go Bulls!!

I agree TIM. Big Baby is tougher than the big ticket right now on offense, but defensively Garnett is better. But like you said - it wont matter because the Bulls are DETERMINED. And now that the entire team has that steely expression and unshakable confidence (forged in battle), I expect them to climb the summit and plant their flag right in Boston's house! The Bulls have grown up fast. And this series is their coming out party. From here on out...we should get 48 minutes of INTENSITY every night from the Bulls. And NOW they have earned the right to bear those patches on their sleeves for each one should be stained with the sweat and blood of battle. I am so happy for this team. I CANNOT THANK PAXSON ENOUGH. He could run for Mayor!

....Late December back in sixty-three

You saw Jersey Boys, didn't ya Stu?

Bulls walked like a man...I'll give ya that

and quit snappin your fingers..

Tim, it's what I've been saying all along about Rondo... all they had to was knock his a** down (within the rules of course); continually put a body on him (like Hinrich did on the box out); play him tight (which Rose did on the pivotal blocked shot) and I guarantee that ANY slick and skinny point guard in any level of basketball will ALWAYS think twice before driving in the lane at will like what Rondo has done to the Bulls in games 1 through 5. For those who have actually played the game, tell me I'm wrong. Did you see how much Rondo was taken out of the game last night? That was classic. Sure, he had 19 assists, but that was an accumulation of stats from 4 quarters and 3 overtimes. Thank you Miller and thank you Kirk Hinrich! And kudos to Rose for the big block. That's what I'm talking about when playing TOUGH! These kids are getting it and growing up fast! It's beautiful to watch. Absolutely Tim, bring on KG! I hope he plays and if he does, drive in and attack the rim at will and force him to keep playing defense on that bum knee! Game 7 Saturday Night baby!! I can't wait!!!

First of all Edgar, FOLLOW THROUGH. Rondo had no release. He held his motion with a total follow through. Intent. Flagrant 2.

Joey Crawford 'loves' to blow his whistle. That's his niche. Call it wanting to be the center of attention, or just feeling in control as head ref, but the man blows his whistle more than most refs. Steve Javy is right behind him.

The foul Rondo delivered to Miller could easily be disputed. The player is up in the air, swings and smacks his head. That was a tough determination, though it looked intentful, but a controlled move like yesterdays was a little over the top. I'm sorry but, depending on my angle, he's gone there, and then.

Odds are he stays, but I won't be the least bit surprised if he sits. Can you see the league letting this question mark slide back to back? Tough.

As many illegal picks as they're letting Big Baby and Perkins deliver, the refs are becoming too much of a distraction in this series. Hell, I saw Salmons and Rose strongly bumped on numerous drives to the basket, WHILE IN THE AIR, and nothing was called. Boston, hands down, is getting the benefit of the calls, but all that does is make the Kiddabulls that much more impressive.

I just hope my pulse calms by tomorrow.

It's no surprise that the league didn't upgrade Rhondo's foul and make him sit out game 7. Bad for the ratings.

But I doubt that he'll be as effective in this final scrum, because he'll be walking on egg shells the entire 48 minutes. (barring the inevitable OT)

I have no doubt that the league office has informed him and his coaches that if he even thinks about taking another cheap shot, after mugging opponents two games in a row, he'll get a quick trip to the locker room. This will have a definite impact on his agressiveness.

Agressive play from your point guard is a critical component, especially in the type of pressure cooker game they'll be playing tomorrow evening. Rhondo is going to feel hand-cuffed knowing that what normally might be considered a hard foul, will now be viewed as a Flagrant 2, and get him tossed.

I hope the Bulls are able to take advantage of his handicap.

BTW ... I can't remember the last time I was as excited as I am about an NBA playoff game. Looking back, I think that I took those last few championships for granted. Time puts things in a better perspective.

I hear what you're saying, Anthony, but it's still subjective and open to controversy. And regardless, we're not talking throwing a punch or using an elbow (ahem Dwight Howard), so say what you will about the intent and follow through, but that kind of foul is just not treated in the same avenue as a punch, an elbow or any strike to the head area. When it goes to the League Office, it becomes political and under the circumstances, I'll be surprised if Rondo gets suspended for game 7 even though he deserves it in my opinion. Do I see the league letting that question mark slide back to back? Heck yeah, but that's all on them to decide. I'm sure the Bulls are planning on Rondo playing and Garnett possibly making an appearance in uniform as well just to inspire the teammates and rile up the home crowd. I would be disappointed if they didn't prepare for that, but I say bring 'em on!

And yes, Boston is clearly getting the benefit of calls in the entire series. Salmons gets body checked almost every time he drives in. Rose also, but he's been getting non-calls all season long. I look at it this way though.. It won't be long once Rose and co. establish themselves as one of the elite teams in the NBA down the road, they'll be getting these same calls their way. Fair or unfair, the team right now just has to play through it all.

Stu,
You got it right. No matter what the outcome of game 7, this is an incredible match at a time when the NBA is sorely lacking in drama. As a Pacers' fan (yes there are still a few of us around), I find it disturbingly odd to cheer for an overachieving Bulls team. But cheer I must. Good luck closing it out in Boston in front of all those chowderheads.

Mr Navarro you now have your answer...yes the league is willing to allow another question mark to linger on their decision process. But I expected nothing less than yet another wimp-out on a decision over a foul that did involve a punch throw or an elbow to the head regardless of the fact the any number of serious injuries could have occured from being slung into the scorers table. There is no specific mention in the rule about buggy whipping an opponent into the scorers table therefore no upgrade in foul or suspension. So I suggest Miller pick the little twerp up at some point in game 7 and slam dunk him through the hoop. That wuold by definition only be a flagrant 1. But in the mean time shut him down like they did in game 6 and put the biggest hurt on them by winning game 7 inspite of the home cooked officiating and boston's bullying tactics. Take it to them and drive the lane and make the officials make calls and if Rondo gets in the paint make him pay for it.

GO BULLS LET'S PARTY IN BEAN TOWN TONIGHT!!!

Stu Jackson, you are officially a 'Wimp @$$' in my book. Are you people serious about grabbing a guy with BOTH hands and then WHIPPING him 270', and HARD, into the scorers table. I've seen multiple punch attempts in the NBA that were minor compared to the hit Hinrichs' hip took. The more I watch the replay, the more I see TOTAL INTENT to injure. Dude even gritted his teeth. I'm sorry, but he was pissed, out of control and should have paid through his butt. Damn right Tim, slam dunk that punk through the rim, alongside the ball to make it tighter! It's weird, but the more I see the replay, the more inflamed I get. That was more vicious than the PUSH or SHOVE described in multiple publications.

I just hope we don't lose a player to retaliation, but somebody has to let this kid know there's no room for that BS on the court, ESPECIALLY in Chicago!

Go Bulls!!!

The best player in this series is Garnett, and he is just sitting there watching. I guess this is exciting if you like watching bad basketball. It's not much different than watching a pick up game where the teams don't want to give up the court so they are just milking it, neither team wanting to win it by two, just going back and forth. The good team, just jacking up shots to keep it close and the poorer team making hustle plays and jumping around like allstars instead of mediocre journeyman. It's sad people can't tell the difference between good basketball and bad basketball. And some even think this is a great series, diminishes all the really great series and games by really great players, oh well, sells alot of popcorn.

Hey look it's tied up again, what a great series!!!

Raymond, if you're not enjoying this series, then you don't even like the sport. Of course these 2 teams are not playing perfect basketball and of course they are not among the elite teams in the NBA without the megastar players, but the REAL difference in bad basketball is the game you probably play at the park. Stick to your Lakers snobs if they're your cup of tea! Doggone joykillers.. always one in every crowd!