The Bulls beat Lebron James (and the Cavs) in a 103-92 overtime victory Thursday night, in what seemed like the most frustrating yet exhilarating ride of the season. But it renders more questions than answers.
Why can't Luol Deng play defense like that more often--like a real NBA player?
Why does Derrick Rose have his worst games on national telecasts? Six of 20 from the field? Stepping out of bounds in a crucial series? Missing two clutch free throws?
Why can't Tyrus Thomas look like he did Thursday--a day where didn't look like he had peanut-butter-and-jelly reflux? It was a day where he not only made an impact as a role player, he became crucial as a defender and rebounder down the stretch. In one highlight, Thomas came over and helped to block James who came free while driving down the lane.
Why can't Deng play the passing lanes like that more often?
Where has been Ben Gordon gone on offense?
Why can't the Vinny DelNegro game plan like that more often? He allowed Mo Williams to rack up 26 points, but kept James off-balance and off his game. He looked frustrated, and sometimes, disinterested.
Why is Rose's jumpshot so flat?
Why can't Joakim Noah run the floor like that more often?
So many questions and so few answers. The Bulls outhustled and outdefended--did I type that?--the best team in the NBA on one of the coldest nights in this Chicagoan's memory.
(Someone tell Al Gore that we need to start firing up the hairspray and bug repellent during January in Chicago.)
- Here's one of the most interesting facets of the game: The Bulls played better defense than offense and still managed to win. This is what good NBA teams do when they need a win on an off night. And even more impressive, is that the team's top two scorers--Gordon and Rose--were having off nights.
That's creativity. That's hustle. That's basketball.
The team is at its worst when they isolate any other player except for Rose, and at their best when they cycle the ball and help out on defense.
Cleveland made it easier by having a miserable offensive night themselves, mostly deferring to James on the perimeter, turning the ball over or letting the clock run low. But good things are on the way for this defensive juggernaut. They have size, defense, a solid point and a Hall-of-Fame-esque superstar--a familiar formula for winning in the NBA.
If we've learned anything on Thursday night is that the Bulls are capable of winning games on defense, and Deng is not as inept as it as I thought. Hey, even Thomas might turn out to be a real NBA defender.
It could salvage his career. Hopefully, someone tells him.
1 comment:
It was probably the best game I've watched all year. The Bulls were the better team that game, and like you said, Luol Deng looked like he really wanted to play defense. THink only if they did this all the time.
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