Game four turned out to be exactly the wake up call the Bulls needed. It took a loss for them to realize they couldn't get away with playing the way they did, but it was worth it. Had they made that incredible comeback and won on Saturday, it would have only reinforced the bad habits this team had been playing with all series long, and likely would have resulted in quick loss in round two.
Unlike games one through four, in game five the Bulls were able to go on sustained runs throughout the game without answers from Indiana. Give the Pacers credit though, they played a hell of a series. It's unusual in the NBA to see a team that talent-deprived come to play the way Frank Vogel's squad did, and I think it's a reflection of their coach. They were a confident bunch, and they came up with a great game plan that nearly worked in four out of five games. This Pacers team is very similar to pre-Rose Bulls, but unfortunately for them and their fans the league is much deeper and more talented than it was five years ago.
Great effort Pacers, but in the end it wasn't enough. Maybe you'll be one of those teams who after the season you can brag about how tough you played the eventual NBA champions.
Game notes:
- The Bulls made 14 threes in the game, second most all season.
- The Bulls are now 11-0 when Keith Bogans has 9 points or more. He had 15 tonight on five threes
- Joakim Noah is awesome.
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