Bulls-Pacers 2011 Playoff Game One Preview
by Sports2 on Apr 16, 2011 6:56 AM CDT
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Since the overall series has been ably previewed by Matt, Tom Lewis and others, I'm going to use the first game preview to focus specifically on likely strategies and what's changed for the Pacers since our last game. After all, we know what's going on with the Bulls, but how will the Pacers approach the game? As I said back in my mid-March game preview my overall impression of the Pacers is that while they're average to above at every position, they're lacking in stars and don't quite have the killer cohesiveness (or individual talent) to really match up well with anyone.
Of course, the Pacers played hard, promptly demolished my prediction, and squeaked by the Bulls. That game more or less shows the formula for the Pacers to beat the Bulls. In that game, Derrick scored at will, but no other Bull could get it going (in fairness, no Boozer). Offensively, this game, like most Pacers victories, centered around getting one of their bigs (Hansbrough or Hibbert) going off really well. That night, it was Hansbrough for 29 and 12. The Pacers absolutely need this sort of big man scoring because otherwise they tend to be a collection of guys who stand around and shoot from distance without much accuracy or organization. Hence their poor offensive numbers.
Offensively, the Pacers will have a hard time with this because teams have figured out, to a large extent, that Hibbert can be goaded into bad fouls and Hansbrough can be guarded because he passes, literally, as often as Eddy Curry. He's gotten slightly better at passing off instead of diving headlong, pump-faking into the basket at every opportunity, but his mind is usually pretty made up when the ball touches his hands. Front him, don't bite on the fakes, and he'll force up a bad shot.Beyond their bigs, they'll have Mike Dunleavy back, which doesn't sound like a lot, but he's finally recovered enough from his injuries of a couple years ago to be dangerous as a shooter again. Importantly, he's a guy who's experienced and disciplined enough to wait for the right shot, which sets him apart from their younger guys, and Dunleavy replacement Brandon Rush. Still, this is a pretty marginal upgrade.
Defensively, I can see the basic strategy they employed against the Bulls in the past working, but it'll be harder because we've got Boozer back, and we'll pick and roll, roll, rollem. Despite being a good defensive team, the most of the main Pacers players - Hibbert, Hansbrough, McRoberts, Collison, George, have significantly less experience, and especially big game experience than the Bulls. They generally play hard, but they haven't had anything remotely like the Thibs mentality ground into them, with respect to both playing like their uniforms are on fire and having intensely practiced a complex team defense.
So the Pacers keys to the game are:
1. Offensively- get the bigs going.
2. Defensively- Defend the pick and roll and everyone else, let Derrick get tired.
I know this sounds really simplistic, but just remember that it's no different than what Vinny Del Negro actually used to tell the Bulls. Thank God that's over, right? For the Pacers, just because an approach is simple doesn't mean it's wrong. Sometimes simple is right, just very hard to do. And, simple is easier than complex, especially for a young team without much experience. Also, I've scoured the Pacers world over the past couple days, and have read absolutely nothing else from the guys actually on the Pacers. There's no hidden plan to suddenly unleash, they've just got to come out and play hard.
To quote the great Kenny Loggins, "This is it!"
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Slightly OT: anybody know when the MVP gets announced>
The poster formerly known as Freethefro.
ah. thanks.
The poster formerly known as Freethefro.
That is totally off topic.
But, they usually announce the winner after the first round, sometime in the first week of May. For example, Lebron was unofficially leaked on April 30th last year and awarded the trophy on May 2nd in Akron.
16 for 7.
I know it definitely was in the first round a few years ago...
Because I remember Dirk feeling like an idiot having a MVP press conference while his team was already knocked out of the playoffs.
by BoxingHideout on Apr 16, 2011 8:33 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Deng v. Granger is where the game will be won.
This season, every time Deng is the key match-up guy, I have had no doubt in his ability to deliver, so Scottie, I mean Deng, go get him.
I am marginally concerned about Boozer vs Hansborough.
But, his last game against the Bulls Boozer was out…and that was an anomaly. The Pacers have not been good since the coaching change, only less bad. Anything more than a five game series and I will be surprised.
16 for 7.
Yeah, I get what you're saying,
then I realize that the image I’m concerned about is wearing Carolina blue and is taking trip after trip to the foul line. So far, the NBA Hansbrough hasn’t done that, and unless he figures it out this week I’m not worried about him.
This seems to me to be the key.
Deng has been the second scorer for us in many games so his scoring is always needed. But even more importantly with Granger being the biggest threat by far that they have, Deng being very good defensively, if Deng shuts him down or limits him from his average I think it’s over for the Pacers. They just don’t seem offensively to be able to pick up the slack with others. As mentioned in the preview, perhaps Hansbrough goes off a game or two, but that still wouldn’t be enough if Granger is limited.
"Fast Don't Lie"
by Sandberg's evil twin on Apr 16, 2011 7:53 AM CDT up reply actions
Man, I was really hoping I'd sleep in today.
4 more damned hours of waiting.
I’m going to display some homerism; I’m just not worried about this Pacers team. I think they have some great pieces in place to build over the next few years, but the Bulls are just… you know it. Too big, too strong, too fast, too good for them this year.
That said, what I am waiting for is to see how much intensity the Bulls come out with. There’s been so much talk of whether or not this Bulls team has a “playoff gear”, if they’ve been playing down a bit the last month and saving their legs, etc. I’m really excited to see what the playoff Bulls look like.
ASIK AND DESTROY
Yep I couldn't sleep late and I blame the early start for it.
I’m gonna be watching the clock for the next few hours.
"Fast Don't Lie"
by Sandberg's evil twin on Apr 16, 2011 8:39 AM CDT up reply actions
LOL, yeah, always a problem with me
if I have something to do later in the day (like today), then no. but on an off-day… drink with confidence. pretend you’re having a beer by the pool at noon. nothing wrong with that.
From the slums of Thibs, Lu-Deng Clan strikes again. We got the Brewza, the Booza, Ol' Dirty Bogans, InspektAsik, Watson the Chef, U-Taj, Jo-Face Killah, and D-E-R(R)-I-C-K Rose!
by BULLieving in Miami on Apr 16, 2011 10:32 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
You guys don't like Early?
Try 10:00 PDT.
He took his what to where?!
Man I've been up and scouring playoff predictions and NBA news...
And sure haven’t seen anything about him anywhere. Looked through Bulls.com and nothing. Perhaps there’s been tweets I don’t know. Seems like everyone just expects he’ll play hurt so there’s nothing to talk about but I’d sure like hearing how it’s affecting him and I sure hope it’s mentioned in the pregame segment.
"Fast Don't Lie"
by Sandberg's evil twin on Apr 16, 2011 8:41 AM CDT up reply actions
yeah the mybulls email didn't mention it
and bulls.com athletico report says no injuries… so i’m guessing he’s playing?
Look
I didn’t want to offend anyone by saying the "f" word or generalizing my statement to any particular sex by saying "gays" or lesbians" or "bi’s" so "homos" is the most "politically correct" term. I’m just trying to be more tact in a tactless blog.
by Hindut Patrol on Feb 15, 2011 2:51 PM EST
Playoff roster google search had nothing. Nothing on the Trib site I can find.
Not good on finding tweets so that might be the only place I can think of. Yeah I’d say he’s playing since nothing has been mentioned since he hurt his thumb in NY.
"Fast Don't Lie"
by Sandberg's evil twin on Apr 16, 2011 9:32 AM CDT up reply actions
He tweeted:
RonnieBrewerJR: Rise and Grind its Playoff time Bulls vs Pacers SEE RED #Benchmob if u not with us ur against quest to 16 starts now #LEGGOOO #Bulls Nation.
I would guess he is playing.
playing butler over brewer
is a shitty idea
Ben Wallace signing + pissing off BG7 + pretending to trade for Kobe and getting everybody butthurt = 1.7% chance at the #1 pick...which somehow turned into Derrick Rose joining the Chicago Bulls. Garpaxdorf for executive of the year!
by sloantojordantorose on Apr 16, 2011 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions
I don't see how that should have to be a decision.
I can’t find the official playoff roster anywhere but I’d be surprised to see Scalabrine on it over Butler. We haven’t played him enough for the White Mamba to contribute much other than advice which he surely can do without playing.
"Fast Don't Lie"
by Sandberg's evil twin on Apr 16, 2011 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions
I'm assuming Brewer will play with this.
I can’t find any news on him since he hurt his thumb. So I’d assume Brewer may be hurt but should be playing. Butler should just be there if needed.
"Fast Don't Lie"
by Sandberg's evil twin on Apr 16, 2011 10:25 AM CDT up reply actions
butler's been active over scal anyway
so i’m not concerned about either one really.
Look
I didn’t want to offend anyone by saying the "f" word or generalizing my statement to any particular sex by saying "gays" or lesbians" or "bi’s" so "homos" is the most "politically correct" term. I’m just trying to be more tact in a tactless blog.
by Hindut Patrol on Feb 15, 2011 2:51 PM EST
Video from the Knicks game after Brewer got hurt:
http://s875.photobucket.com/albums/ab318/mj234eva/Bulls/?action=view¤t=06097ac6.mp4
Was watching ESPN, so you hear Kobe talking in the background.
The Chicago Bulls....have a young star, Derrick Rose, who must learn to live with the tearing down of his MVP candidacy as rapidly as he constructed it. - Woj
Im sure you slept better than darren collison
Damn I cant wait the d rose show
by @jd on Apr 16, 2011 8:43 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
Heh
I could see Rose nightmares though from what I keep reading by analysts Indiana is likely to have someone else guard Derrick.
"Fast Don't Lie"
by Sandberg's evil twin on Apr 16, 2011 8:44 AM CDT up reply actions
George is the most frequently mentioned that I see.
"Fast Don't Lie"
by Sandberg's evil twin on Apr 16, 2011 11:08 AM CDT up reply actions
wrong
In the past 10 years, just four team owners have not paid a luxury tax and are not on pace to pay one this year: Donald Sterling, Jerry Reinsdorf, Chris Cohen (Golden State), Bob Johnson (Charlotte).
Two owners’ teams averaged an operating income of over +$10 million per year while their teams have lost over 60% of their games: Donald Sterling and Jerry Reinsdorf.
he slept well
In the past 10 years, just four team owners have not paid a luxury tax and are not on pace to pay one this year: Donald Sterling, Jerry Reinsdorf, Chris Cohen (Golden State), Bob Johnson (Charlotte).
Two owners’ teams averaged an operating income of over +$10 million per year while their teams have lost over 60% of their games: Donald Sterling and Jerry Reinsdorf.
With the game thread probably appearing minutes before tipoff
I was hoping it wouldn’t be off topic to ask if BaB members have had luck finding CSN links for the game when it’s nationally televised like this game will be. I’d much rather watch Stacey and Funk myself. And I heard Stuart Scott say a couple of days ago he was broadcasting this game so I really would rather watch Chicago guys announce it.
"Fast Don't Lie"
by Sandberg's evil twin on Apr 16, 2011 8:48 AM CDT reply actions
Geez this appeared as I typed it lol
"Fast Don't Lie"
by Sandberg's evil twin on Apr 16, 2011 8:51 AM CDT up reply actions
Damn straight, I want to hear him!
"Fast Don't Lie"
by Sandberg's evil twin on Apr 16, 2011 8:55 AM CDT up reply actions
Oh one other thing to add...Pippen should be part of the team too. Another reason to listen.
"Fast Don't Lie"
by Sandberg's evil twin on Apr 16, 2011 8:51 AM CDT up reply actions
I was just looking at his playoff bracket on FB. Bulls vs Thunder Finals.
Bulls beat the Thunder for the title. Thats what I was saying the other day. That’d be a good NBA finals.
Man I keep reading more and more NBA analysts
saying the Thunder are likely to be in the Finals. Yep that would be a fun series. Young kids goin’ at it!
"Fast Don't Lie"
by Sandberg's evil twin on Apr 16, 2011 9:34 AM CDT up reply actions
Yeah that makes it more fun to me.
"Fast Don't Lie"
by Sandberg's evil twin on Apr 16, 2011 9:47 AM CDT up reply actions
But if OKC wins, get ready for the Rose/Westbrook argument to take an ugly turn.
People are going to make Westbrook look like the second coming of Jordan.
I live a ways from Chicago but it isn't on ABC in my area.
You need to check online the local ABC affiliate or your cable provider’s listings.
"Fast Don't Lie"
by Sandberg's evil twin on Apr 16, 2011 9:40 AM CDT up reply actions
Thanks, I hadn't thought of that.
Though I’m gonna be looking for a link with CSN broadcasting it myself. ESPN 3 should have good quality if ESPN links are all I can find. Sure would love to hear Stacey and Funk and Pippen darn it.
"Fast Don't Lie"
by Sandberg's evil twin on Apr 16, 2011 9:49 AM CDT up reply actions
Thanks alot guys.
Just got rid of my cable this year. Didn’t figure the bulls would be positioned for a run to the finals this year!
TNT should have it's Overtime broadcast available when they broadcast on Monday.
For NBA you might have to use a firstrowsports link though. If you look in the game threads here there are always links to use.
"Fast Don't Lie"
by Sandberg's evil twin on Apr 16, 2011 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions
OT. I was arguing with my uncle about Oden/Durant who got drafted first (of ourse it's Oden)
then I had to look at other draft in other years. I didnt know Bogans was in the same draft class with Lebron and co. I thought he was already playing in his 9-10th year lol.
Imagine this 2003 Draft Class 1st Five:
Pg- Wade
Sg- Bogans
Sf- Lebron
Pf- Bosh
C- Kaman
I expect the usual today
Close first half, shitty refs, Booz yelling a lot and missing shots, ample opportunity to wonder when Deng got this good, and the Bulls pulling away in the second half to ultimately prevail by 10 or more.
Hope so.
I bet you’re right about it being close in the first half and shitty refs at least. Hmm sure about Deng….though his production in the first half might be a little limited by his playing defense on Granger. The Bulls haven’t gotten their share of calls this year being relatively young and I don’t see that changing until they win playoff series. I sure hope you are right about us winning by 10+. We should be able to do that but nothing is won on paper.
"Fast Don't Lie"
by Sandberg's evil twin on Apr 16, 2011 9:45 AM CDT up reply actions
Anyone know a good link where I can watch this?
Stupid cable has Miami/Philly and Dallas/Por scheduled. No.1 team and they still can’t get first dibs on NBA tv.
Man I sure hope someone finds a CSN link somewhere.
I freaking hate listening to Stuart Scott ramble and besides, I wanna hear Pippen and King broadcast.
"Fast Don't Lie"
by Sandberg's evil twin on Apr 16, 2011 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions
On gameday as soon as you arise.
Just make sure you’re sober enough to see the whole game lol.
"Fast Don't Lie"
by Sandberg's evil twin on Apr 16, 2011 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions
In the midwest
it’s always socially acceptable to drink
I only post cotton candy. Because it's delicious.
Who is ready?
Im so fuckin pumped. WOOOOO! 2 hours 2 hours
needed this preview sports dos
Cuz a mofo can’t sleep and is super geeked…yEeeeeeeeeeeeeee
The Dramas Pitifull - Giddy
I know I should start saying one game at a time but...
Bulls/Lakers finals. Phil’s last coaching gig is going to end where it began.
NBA playoff preview begins at 1130 on ESPN.
ESPN2 has it running now but I can’t find a link that works for it.
"Fast Don't Lie"
by Sandberg's evil twin on Apr 16, 2011 10:38 AM CDT reply actions
I was supposed to be in chicago today...
Emergency appendectomy did me in though. Ill be cheering hardcore from my hospital bed.
Check out my thoughts on Purdue Athletics at http://purdue.big10rant.com/
Seriously, its worth the click.
Just do it.
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/Riles23
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/Big10RantPurdue
Hope you heal fast!
Glad to hear you can still watch the game on TV. Sounds painful.
"Fast Don't Lie"
by Sandberg's evil twin on Apr 16, 2011 10:54 AM CDT up reply actions
Sorry to hear that.
Good that you get to see the game today.
I don't always block shots, but when I do....I block yours.
Kyle Korver is open as soon as he gets out of his car at the UC. -
Stacey King
Recover fast Bulls fan!
Tired of you Deng haters...sigh. Here to show Deng and the Bulls some love!
by ChiTownBallz on Apr 16, 2011 11:02 AM CDT up reply actions
Sorry to hear that.
Wishing you a speedy recovery.
The Chicago Bulls....have a young star, Derrick Rose, who must learn to live with the tearing down of his MVP candidacy as rapidly as he constructed it. - Woj
I'd like to see
this team come out strong and never let up.
I don't always block shots, but when I do....I block yours.
Kyle Korver is open as soon as he gets out of his car at the UC. -
Stacey King
LETS DO IT!
LOCK AND LOAD LOACK AND LOOOAD!!!
Rose: Who in the blue hell are you?
Rondo: Well
IT DOESN'T MATTER WHO YOU ARE!
30 minutes left!! cmoooooon bulls!
let’s make #seered trending on twitter!
let's go bull! let the haters hate
articles like this just convince me more that we’re going to take it all the way! http://chasing23.com/2011/04/brown-mambas-2011-nba-playoff-predictions/
prediction:
Granger w/ 9 pts and 2 assists
Drose and Bench Mob going off
by You Must Be Joakim on Apr 16, 2011 11:32 AM CDT reply actions
i still remember 2 years ago, this early in the morning
bulls upset celtics in OT baby! :) good times. now, hope it’s even better.
now i hope there is no upset
i want a blowout by the 3rd quarter
I dont care what the D.N.A. Says, the Guy wearing number 12 Cannot be Kirk Hinrich, he is definetly Kurt. Kirk can actually play basketball!
by piccolomair on Apr 16, 2011 11:33 AM CDT up reply actions
I wish espn stop talking about the Bulls
Good or bad just stfu
Rose: Who in the blue hell are you?
Rondo: Well
IT DOESN'T MATTER WHO YOU ARE!
These ESPN analysts are just dreadful
"You know what Neil, stop being such a sourpuss." - Stacey King
i actually like jalen
he’s not afraid to speak his mind, which is kind of ironic with him being an ESPN analyst
by You Must Be Joakim on Apr 16, 2011 11:37 AM CDT up reply actions
WHAT TIME IS IT?!
GAME TIME WOOT!!!!!!!!!!!
Biggest matchup for me, Boozer and whatever pf they will have out there with him, whether its short arm Psycho T, or surprisingly athletic Josh Mcroberts…
booze better bring it
And what if rose takes it to another level??
End this in 4, and lets star preparing for the 2nd round….
Also a bit early but, GO HINRICH AND GO HAWKS, if we dont have to face that magic team (which scares me because of how they may injure rose) ill be happy
I dont care what the D.N.A. Says, the Guy wearing number 12 Cannot be Kirk Hinrich, he is definetly Kurt. Kirk can actually play basketball!
Didn't see an MVP Link Thread anywhere, but wanted to share a Flash Graphic I made about the MVP race.
http://dabullz.com/2011/04/16/kings-of-the-court-2011-the-battle-for-mvp/
http://www.dabullz.com | Dabullz on Twitter | Dabullz on Facebook
Chicago Bulls Blog and Forums. NBA Power Rankings.
by Andrew7 on Apr 16, 2011 11:40 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
When does CoY and EoY get announced?
"Did Michael Jordan join the Pistons when he couldn't beat them? No. He dug down deep and went out and kicked their fucking ass."
Does this mean
Rose going to be awesome all playoffs?
Rose: Who in the blue hell are you?
Rondo: Well
IT DOESN'T MATTER WHO YOU ARE!
I dont know if this was posted or not....
Tom Thibodeau doing Charlie Sheen impersonation…“Fun is winning so if you win, you’ll have fun”
Same here.
I don't always block shots, but when I do....I block yours.
Kyle Korver is open as soon as he gets out of his car at the UC. -
Stacey King
I hope we get the Magic in Round 2 and Big Sexy gets some play time.
It’s an epic Eastern Conference run if a Van Gundy doesn’t get punched.
ASIK AND DESTROY
Over or under how many games Dwight gets suspended starts at 1.5
Rose: Who in the blue hell are you?
Rondo: Well
IT DOESN'T MATTER WHO YOU ARE!
Probably will post at noon.
I don't always block shots, but when I do....I block yours.
Kyle Korver is open as soon as he gets out of his car at the UC. -
Stacey King
This is on ESPN right, not ABC?
http://www.dabullz.com | Dabullz on Twitter | Dabullz on Facebook
Chicago Bulls Blog and Forums. NBA Power Rankings.
Bulls intro music in the playoffs still gives me chills.
I feel like I’m watching the MJ Bulls again.
ASIK AND DESTROY
the chicago crowd always does a weak job w/ wearing red
by You Must Be Joakim on Apr 16, 2011 12:06 PM CDT reply actions
Keith Bogans for 50 today to shutup Danny Granger.
http://www.dabullz.com | Dabullz on Twitter | Dabullz on Facebook
Chicago Bulls Blog and Forums. NBA Power Rankings.
Bulls asleep..aaaaaaaaaahhh!
Tired of you Deng haters...sigh. Here to show Deng and the Bulls some love!
ROSE
I'm a New Yorker born and bred. I support my Jets, Mets, Red Storm and Islanders. I also love my Bulls, Clippers, Cowboys & Fighting Irish.
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