I missed the first half of this game, but was there to see the Bulls effectively blow a 21-point lead. After Charles Barkley predicted at halftime that the Cavs would come back and win the game, the Bulls came out gangbusters to start the third quarter, and at one point I actually convinced myself the game might be over. Well, all it took was a 13-0 Cleveland run to make it a game again.
It was obvious watching this game that the Cavs (LeBron) is just too talented for the Bulls, even though they won. Chicago played almost a perfect game (except for the missed free throws) and still almost lost, mostly due to LeBron ability to do whatever he wants. I still think Chicago's best chance to win is to bait LeBron into shooting jumpers, but if he's going to make off-balance, fading away, hand-in-the-face threes like he did last night, I'm not sure what we can do. I'm just glad he didn't play with that intensity for the entire game.
So this tells me that it's clear the only way the Bulls win games is to not make the LeBronster angry. When he feels challenged or threatened, he either makes ridiculous shots, gets to the basket, or finds open teammates EVERY TIME. What the Bulls did last night was build up enough cushion that the Cavs simply ran out of time to make a comeback. It also helped that Rose was doing his best to match baskets with James.
Which brings me to a fun moment in last night's game: LeBron James guarding Derrick Rose for the last four minutes. Over the last month, we've seen Rose tear up just about every point guard in his path. Mo Williams was no different, so LeBron took it upon himself to guard Derrick. Even if #1 hadn't blown by James on more than one occasion or drain a jumper in his grill (I know, he air balled one too), it still would have been a defining moment in Rose's short career.
Not enough can be said about what Derrick Rose is doing. He's averaging 27 and 8 in the three games, and is going toe-to-toe with the league's premier player. It's become about more than just the dunks or the highlight-reel plays with him, he is really becoming a go-to guy. Remember, we are only in Year 2 of the Derrick Rose era and we are already witnessing something special. I expect as much improvement in Year 3 as we saw in Year 2 (a la Kevin Durant) and this guy becoming a true superstar. If you are a Chicago Bulls fan, you need to appreciate what you are watching.
I'm not sure we'll win Game 4, but it'd be nice to keep it close at home. Let's save the blowout for the clincher in Cleveland. I am worried that the Cavs found something with the smaller lineup they threw out there (Williams, West, Parker, James, Jamison) which forces us to make decisions (oh no Vinny!). I actually think we can match up with their bigs, but they have the best transition player in the league and if they surround him with shooters, we have no answer. I know we have Derrick Rose, but the fact is their superstar is better than ours. Here's to hoping they join forces next year...
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