2011 Eastern Conference Finals: How to stop your MVP and other lessons from game three
by your friendly BullsBlogger on May 23, 2011 11:45 PM CDT
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PrintThe breaks are much shorter for the rest of this series, which is a great thing especially with a few off-court things happening around the team that are best dismissed by an ol' fashioned playoff win. Alright, I suppose it hasn't been that long since the Bulls beat this team, it just sometimes feels that way.
The main story of game three was the relative ineffectiveness of Derrick Rose, as he was unable to rebound from his 'I just have to make shots' lackluster game two. He's been struggling finishing inside all series, and while the Heat PGs have been surprisingly steady as the initial deterrent, Brian Windhorst goes into great detail about the full team effort required:
The Heat are just doing the defensive basics better than anyone Rose has seen in his career. And it is smothering the Bulls' offense so far in the series.
"Atlanta's double-team was different, Orlando's was different," Rose said Monday. "It's totally different, they are way athletic."
What Rose is calling a double-team is the Heat's pick-and-roll coverage on him so far in the series. Just that he's using the term "double-team" speaks volumes because, well, the Heat generally aren't using double-teams. They're just moving so quickly and playing together so well that it seems like they are doubling him.
...
Rose can beat double-teams, but triple-teams in his scoring zone are proving quite hard. Then there are those quadruple-teams, which the Heat are pulling off regularly as well.
Windhorst details a specific play in there that's worth checking out, and notes, as does Kurt Helin at Pro Basketball Talk with a similar play, that this is being more easily achieved by Miami because of the lack of respect they pay the rest of the Bulls perimeter threats.
Rose and the Bulls are going to have to find a way to get the shooters to make the Heat pay, and Rose himself acknowledged in the post-game presser the need to pass more, and in Windhorst's column it's mentioned that Rose wouldn't mind more variety beyond the pick and roll to get him to at least face something different. Bullish Thoughts brings up the point that the Heat simply have the type of roster able to do what others can't when it comes to defending Rose. I think a lot of the mindset from this page was geared towards what the Bulls had going for them as an advantage over the Heat and assuming Rose was unstoppable, but that's proven to not be the case.
On to more and more game three stuff, if you can handle it:
- Maybe I'm being selfish with the desire for fewer days off, am not being considerate of Omer Asik who could perhaps use the rest. Even when healthy Asik's playing time may get more complicated going forward: with the Heat re-inserting Udonis Haslem in their rotation they aren't providing the usual natural foil for Omer, and more mobile bigs could potentially give him trouble.
- The TNT announcing crew talks about Chris Bosh's night, and the difficulty Rose has faced with so little help around him.
- It is the great pursuit of ESPN.com's Tom Haberstroh to point out how silly the whole 'Heat can't win close games' argument is, and game three was another example: it wasn't a close win because the Heat were too good to keep it close.
- John Schumann and the NBA.com StatsCube has been a phenomenal resource all postseason, though the results can provide mixed reactions: Great to see Ronnie Brewer's defensive work acknowledged. Not so much to see that a lot of Chris Bosh's damage is when Boozer's on the floor.
- Another consistent resource: your daily Pruiti.
- And I'm an equal opportunity joke passer-on..er, so even though the victim was a Bulls this was pretty funny. And to even the score, here's jokes against a better target.
To continue to finish on an up note, here's the latest Derrick Rose Adidas commercial. He and the Bulls are facing their toughest test yet, but it's good to know that between Tom Thibodeau and Rose himself, they're as capable as any to figure it out. And if the Bulls win game four the whole storyline changes again.
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Somtimes Rose doesnt need a PnR...he would own without it just as much as he does.
Unless Boozer stop passin the ball once Rose gives him a good look to shoot or drive.
I think Asik being injured may be a blessing in disguise,
What we need right now is some good old fashioned Kurt Thomas, provide some savviness(sp?) down below and doesn’t get called for fouls (hopefully) as often as Asik does. Plus, his mid range jumper may bring Udonis or Bosh out away from the hoop if he is hitting.
Bears. Bulls. White Sox.
I wouldn't mind seeing some Kurt Thomas thuggery out there
If there’s one player in the league who would get intimidated by KT’s unique brand of physicality, it’s Chris Bosh.
Pat Riley is the devil.
by Poloplaya14 on May 24, 2011 11:24 AM CDT up reply actions
With Thomas you have trade-offs
I agree that Thomas’ midrange jumper would be welcomed with open arms, but I also I question whether or not he has the lateral speed to provide help defense on James and Wade.
by chowder on May 24, 2011 12:29 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I disagree
Asik has been outstanding defensively. Even though he can’t score, it’s always a good thing to have a player that is that dominant on the floor, even if it’s just one end
The Playoffs: That magical time of year when I become a fan of every team that Lebron James isn't playing for.
by Juiceboxjerry on May 24, 2011 1:50 PM CDT up reply actions
I said this in another thread and I'll say it again
The high screen roll is a bad idea against teams that deploy this strategy. Rose needs to be worked more off the ball or in isolation. Set some flare screens and back picks for Rose. Run the offense through the high post with one of our big men. And if you are going to bring this double team to Rose, make sure that Rose has a playmaker to get the ball to. Rose has shown to be very effective off the ball. Run him off the ball until you get under 8 seconds, then get the ball back in his hands in isolation. I remember one play where they set a screen for Rose with 5 seconds left on the clock. Why the fuck are you bringing a second defener toward Rose with so little time?! Ugh. It seems so simple. And yes, Kurt Thomas might help as stated above, but only if he’s hitting and only maybe.
"Mental toughness is to physical as four is to one." - Bob Knight
by DRose01 on May 24, 2011 7:31 AM CDT reply actions 3 recs
Yeah it is that simple
We went with the PnR for the specific purpose of getting Boozer going. So in other words, we leaned on our most undependable asset instead of the MVP of the damn league. This is where Thibs needs to adjust. This is still a series despite what some want to make us feel. It’s up to Thibs to change things up on the offensive end. Use Kurt Thomas, use Butler. Do whatever you have to do to win this game.
He’s such a hypocrite. He rails about defense like he’s some kind of mad scientist, but he has no problem leaving the worse defensive player on his team on the court. We’ve seen this story all season and it’s being magnified in the playoffs. Spread them out and give Derrick a chance to be special tonight. Allow him to get guys open and get to the hole. I’d rather go out with Derick putting up 30 shots then watching Boozer get 26 and 17.
Kendall Gill was more correct and more honest than anyone in the media over the last 2 days. What he’s basically saying is that what Boozer can give you, at his best, is a net neutral. Can you imagine what Van Lier would be saying about the approach to game 3 and our insistence to give Boozer the ball? You’re running PnR just to get that guy off?? I’m willing to go down in flames with Rose tonight, I just hope Thibs isn’t as stubborn as he seems.
Hey Rose. I don't see the appeal!
You know.. Just IMO. I don't blame thibs for being stubborn. He may be coach of the year but
He is still a rookie coach. Yes he’s been in the league for a long while but not quite in the position as he is in right now. As for
Boozer… I can’t say how excited I was to have him signed last summer.. Until I saw him play on defense..
If Taj can get that midrange jumper of his on a consistent basis like around 50% I’d rather have him than boozer. (though taj still gets shitted on by the refs :[ )
As I’ve said before I like Derrick best when he runs the pick and pop rather than the PnR. I just wish we still had bradassI don’t care how slow he is.. He just lifts an eyebrow and
He’s going to blow by your ass. Lol
See the most important parts are the ones that are unseen
See the wings don't make you fly and the crown don't make you king
"He is still a rookie coach"
True but the guy has been around forever. Don’t get me wrong, I love Thibs but the stubborn act needs to stop. Lovie Smith gets killed for sticking with the Cover 2 and all he’s done is make a SB and a NFC Champ game. I haven’t seen Rose split a double team since game 1. Part of that is Miami adjustments but a big part of that was Thibs insistence on getting boozer the ball. Where was Kurt Thomas in that game. I’m done with the Butler talk so I’ll just drop that.
In the playoffs the great coaches adjust. Even if it means Phil Jackson going with his bench and leaving MJ on the bench in a game 5 against Portland in ‘92. Thibs up to now is good with the Xs and os, I want to see if he has the instinct to throw away stuff that isn’t working and try something new.
Hey Rose. I don't see the appeal!
What "new" is he supposed to try? Just let Rose isolate 50 times a game? Great, he'll shoot 13 for 30.
Why is Rose all of a sudden completely useless at converting shots at close distance? That was basically the one thing that separated him from every other guard and he’s been shut down. He’s not a great jumpshooter so we’re left with just very inefficient offense. The only thing I could see that might help is let Kurt Thomas get more PT just because he has the threat of a jumper and sets great screens.
by Ozzie Montana on May 24, 2011 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions
Because after you've weaved through 3 defenders
its hard to get a clear shot at the basket.
Why is Rose all of a sudden completely useless at converting shots at close distance?
by Basketball Smurf on May 24, 2011 11:20 AM CDT up reply actions
Well that's one idea. Let's see Kurt Thomas
That’s why we got him right? Rose doesn’t need a screen. Wade and Lebron can’t guard him but for some reason that’s all we saw last game. Spread the floor and let Rose go to work. If Rose puts up 30 shots and shoot 13 for 30…fine. That’s almost 50% from the field you know. Then perhaps he’s getting a few more chances to get to the line or to dish off to open players.
This is where Noah is vital. Part of the Bulls offensive philosophy is to let Rose go up strong and have Noah, Boozer, and others race to the rim for the put backs. Rose isn’t D. WIll and that’s why he’s MVP. Why take away that part of his game and let him run PnR with a guy who can’t finish like Boozer?
Hey Rose. I don't see the appeal!
13 for 30 is not fine
13 for 30 is 43.3%. That’s not good. If Rose shoots 13 for 30 next game, we will probably lose.
Pat Riley is the devil.
by Poloplaya14 on May 24, 2011 11:27 AM CDT up reply actions
It's not about the %, it's about what he's doing with those attempts
Is he able to get in the lane and dish to open players because of those attempts? Is he getting to the line 10 times and ending up with 33-37 points? Take game 5 against the Hawks for example…
33 pts, 10 ast. 11-24 and field 45.8% from the field and 10-13 from the line. So it is doable and it’s probably needed.
Hey Rose. I don't see the appeal!
Oh jeez ozzie cmon
There are more plays in basketball than the pick and roll and isolation.
Ok, this is a simplified version, but it works. Rose passes to the wing. A weakside player comes and sets an up screen for Rose. This could be a big like Noah or a wing like Deng. Rose has two options: flare, or basket cut. If Rose flares, there might be a chance that the screener could slip if their defender overplays. Deng could get an open jumper if Rose basket cuts and both defenders sag to the middle. Even if Rose flares and catches it on the wing isolated, this is not an isolation play. Rose will likely have a room to drive since his defender will be recovering. Through a big man in the corner and have them cut baseline if Rose drives or stay in the corner for an open 15 footer when their man helps off a Rose drive.
There are plenty more plays out there and this one is not even fully diagramed, it’s just the best premade picture I could find. Have Rose go into the post and set some down screens for him off of which he can pop to the wing or curl to the middle.
Finally, if you run Rose through off ball screens, you can’t really double him off the ball without leaving someone wide open.
"Mental toughness is to physical as four is to one." - Bob Knight
Two things here, and they go hand in hand.
1) I don’t trust Rose to get open enough against this Miami defense. His backdoor cuts and the like worked against ATL and IND, but Miami isn’t giving him anything easy. I only see him being able to catch it from the perimeter.
2) I don’t trust the Bulls non-Rose players to make the sharp passes against this Miami defense. Rose might be able to create a sliver of space that a guy like CP3, Rondo or Lebron could squeeze a pass through, but not Joakim, Deng or Bogans.
To me, the bulls best chance to score is when Rose looks for his offense and then lets the chips fall where they may. I’d ask him to take advantage of every isolation situation that presents itself.
That's the thing
If Rose flares to the weakside wing, he will be isolated, but he’ll actually start with some space, instead of having to break his defender down first.
"Mental toughness is to physical as four is to one." - Bob Knight
I guess thats true, but I think you could get Rose in space
with an isolated defender by just letting him dribble over there when he’s got a single defender on him. More than one way to skin a cat, I guess.
They run plenty of sets with Noah in the high post trying to get Rose the ball moving off a curl.
Like Smurf pointed out below, Miami has zero respect for anyone on our team and they continue to sag off and send other guys to collapse on Derrick. And Miami’s defense is so disciplined their rotations are almost always on point, rarely is a guy open for more than a second.
by Ozzie Montana on May 24, 2011 1:48 PM CDT up reply actions
I get this
But as far as I’m concerned, they need to run those plays much much more. How many times did the Bulls run a pick and roll last game? Rarely was Rose able to get a good look of it. If they have those other sets, then fine, run them. There is nothing Rose can do about nobody else on the floor getting any respect. But Thibs should not compound it by basically forcing the ball out of our best player’s hands.
"Mental toughness is to physical as four is to one." - Bob Knight
Derrick is being triple-teamed because Miami has no respect for any of the other guys on the floor.
Boozer is out there because he’s sadly our best shot at making defenses pay.
by Ozzie Montana on May 24, 2011 9:29 AM CDT up reply actions
Nah
Rose is getting triple teamed by default because he’s getting an extra guy or 2 brought to him because of the PnR. If you spread the floor and let Rose work, things may be different. Boozer isn’t stopping anything or making anyone pay. He should’ve had 40 last game. That’s how you make someone pay. Look no further that Bosh going off for 34 because the Bulls let him have shooting practice all game.
No one is scared of Carlos Boozer. He can’t finish strong and he isn’t a heady player. We got out "big’ game from Carlos and we saw the result. The myth that we need Boozer to be great needs to be put to bed now. If he played like a strong PF he would also clean the glass and go back up strong. He does for rebounds what Rondo does for assists…He devalues them. So what he had 17 boards. If few of them were going back strong after misses and getting and 1s so what.
Hey Rose. I don't see the appeal!
People will tell us "U just won't give Booz a break, will y'all?"
My answer is NO. He stinks, and the Comcast crew was right on when they said he gives everything back, and then some. You’re right, he should have had 40 in game 3. He was 8-19 and missed plenty of < 5 footers. I can’t stand him.
Yep
We’re a Zach Randolph away from a damn title and I gotta keep hearing people say to cut Boozer some slack. The guy doesn’t fit and if people get tired of us talking about it so what. What he does well doesn’t fit Thibs philosophy. Hell Tyrus Thomas is more of a fit for what Thibs wants to do than Boozer and I’m being serious about that. I hope the Bulls can dump him after this season.
Hey Rose. I don't see the appeal!
1 Zach, AND 1 useful SG not named Bogans
'Don't believe in you who believe in me and don't believe in me who believes in you, but believe in you who believe in yourself'
The Bulls ideal 4 is a long, athletic big
who can knockdown everything from 18 feet and in, as well as play great team defense. Maybe a 25 year old Kurt Thomas? I dunno what he was like back then, lol. The truth is, Taj is pretty close to than and another offseason could turn him into a very, very good 4. The D is already there and the shot is coming along.
I really wonder if the Bulls can move Boozer to the bench next season
don’t know if they’ll be able to trade him in the summer (pending lockout or not)… don’t know if they can based on his contract… don’t know what that will do for his psyche and does he become a problem…
there are about a million PFs I’d take right now… Love, LMA, Scola, Lil Gasol or Z-Bo, West, Horford, Griffin, Dirk, Millsap… and I might throw in a Hickson or Bass in there in combo with Taj. it’s so bad tor me with Boozer right now that going through in my head all the notable PFs in the league, guys like Maxiell and Humphries seemed for appealing.
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 May 24, 2011 11:40 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Lol Van Lier would kill him lol
'Don't believe in you who believe in me and don't believe in me who believes in you, but believe in you who believe in yourself'
"make sure that Rose has a playmaker to get the ball to."
they’re all wearing Heat jerseys.
BaB on Twitter | BaB on Facebook
"Don't nag, flag!"
by your friendly BullsBlogger on May 24, 2011 9:27 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
"They're all wearing Heat jerseys"
All of the sudden the Heat have this awesome team full of playmakers?
I thought our advantage was that we had better players than them overall outside of the 3, and that we were deeper. Now they have this awesome team?? I thought all the talk was that we had a better “TEAM” and they were shallow in terms of depth?
We have been outplayed for sure, Derrick hasn’t been Derick, And maybe we have been out-coached. They have better “Playmakers” in Lebron, Wade and Bosh, yes, but I think the better “team ball” can still win.
we lack scoring depth...
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 May 24, 2011 12:20 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Yes, you're right. We got no scoring punch
Even when Booz has a good statistical night, and steps up somewhat as our much needed 2nd scorer, we still lose. We need points from CJ, Kyle, Deng, somebody!
I find it hard to believe or accept that Miami is that stifling on D.
We played them soooo well for the first 5 quarters of this series and its been the opposite since. I ’m worried that we are not all there mentally to compete and win.
It's hard to deny the Heat have more playmakers
We have 1, and they have at least 2, possibly three. It has been a known weakness of the Bulls all season. That said, I think (or more accurately, desperately hope) that our better “team” wins the day.
by Brooklyn Bulls on May 24, 2011 12:53 PM CDT up reply actions
Executive of Year GarPaxDorf will remedy Rose's lack of help. LOL
I predict Mr. Cheap Cheap Reinsdorf will partially open his wallet. And then GarPax will sign another overpaid hasbeen.
Rose is very effective off the ball
the problem is no other Bulls player is that effective on the ball. The Heat just sag off everyone to deny Rose the ball. When he comes and gets the ball he is usually 3 steps behind the 3 pt line.
The Bulls tried to run the ball through the high post with Noah last game; they need more of that but they also just need Korver, Deng and Bogans to be aggressive and hit shots. That will space the floor for everybody. The only game the Bulls won they were 10-21 from 3pts range.
by Basketball Smurf on May 24, 2011 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions
Yup
There’s nothing inherently wrong with our offensive scheme. The Bulls are getting good looks both at the rim and out on the perimeter. They’re just doing a miserable job converting on them.
Pat Riley is the devil.
by Poloplaya14 on May 24, 2011 11:30 AM CDT up reply actions
Get Luol Deng rolling tonight and we have game 4
We need him to be hot. It frees up Rose and makes the defense scramble if rose does become double teamed.
Quote from Rose that should give us some hope
http://blogs.bulls.com/2011/05/bulls-facing-vital-game-4/
"That’s not me," said Rose after the team watched film but did not practice. "They are trying to get the ball out of my hands so my teammates can make plays. I saw what they did. I definitely believe in (my teammates). I just want to see now what I can do."
"We’re running the right play to get people open," said Rose. "(Tuesday) I’ve got to be way more aggressive from beginning to end. I have to change right now. Usually when I come out (to start the game), I see how they are playing me. They’ve been double teaming me, especially on the pick and roll with a show high and the bigs staying until they get the ball out of my hands. I’ve just got to find a way. I don’t know how, but I’ve got to do it. I’m going to search out the opportunity and go for it. I just need more space and I have a chance of doing something great."
If there’s one guy in the league who backs up his talk, it’s him.
"4 inches, baby!" --ripped off from Kush
1/27/11 - The day the nerdosphere and their stats jumped the shark, trying to use them to disprove the obvious.
lol, I thought we could officially retire this after game three
he was saying similar stuff after game two, people here ‘predicted’ great things because….I dunno, they wanted to believe it, and he had another relatively poor game.
Rose could have a great game because he’s a great player, not because he’s WILLING it, or whatever.
BaB on Twitter | BaB on Facebook
"Don't nag, flag!"
by your friendly BullsBlogger on May 24, 2011 9:28 AM CDT up reply actions
I don't know
Being determined and making a concerted effort to bounce back from a bad game (or even two!) is part of being a “great player.” It’s doesn’t guarantee he will, of course. But being “great” is more than just the random expression of physical talents and skill. If it weren’t, Vince Carter would be considered “great.” If anyone thinks that the only difference between MJ and Vince Carter is their marginal difference in basketball skill, I’d have to disagree.
by Brooklyn Bulls on May 24, 2011 10:42 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Did you really just say that there is only a marginal difference in
skill between MJ and Carter? Thats idiotic. Of course there are the “intangible” differences between the two as well, but in terms of skill Michael was miles ahead of Vince. You’re confusing athleticism, and even then you’d be wrong, as Michael was quicker and shiftier than Vince ever was, while Vince was probably the more explosive dunker, the best ever in my eyes.
You're misreading the intent of my post
And maybe I was exaggerating to make a point, so I can see why. The point is that there have been lots of players with a very high level of skill and talent that have never approached the level of greatness of MJ. I’m saying that things like “determination,” “competitiveness” — and yes, even “will” — help explain that.
Mostly I’m just taking issue w/ yfBB’s post suggesting that Rose might have a great game, but it will essentially be random. Not because he’s going to really, really try to have a great game.
by Brooklyn Bulls on May 24, 2011 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions
A better analogy would be the difference between VC and Kobe.
Pat Riley is the devil.
by Poloplaya14 on May 24, 2011 11:32 AM CDT up reply actions
Funny, after game 3 he talked about he should be passing more.
I’ve come to ignore all the basketball-related stuff that DRose says to the media, it’s never insightful and is usually nothing more than lip-service. It’s the same way with the entire team, Thibs has programmed to be that way.
And to what he said about how he starts off games, he’s the G-d damn MVP, there’s no reason he shouldn’t be trying to impose his will on the game instead of taking whatever MIA is giving him. Miami is giving what it is giving because it knows thats the recipe for a W.
We have to pass more.
Thibs got his team a chemistry set for Christmas
by livesinnoahsbasement on May 24, 2011 9:38 AM CDT up reply actions
Thibs is going to die with it.
I’m so anti it as well but they continue and insist on going to it nearly 90% of the game. It’s so sad cause it’s exactly what Miami wants them to do.
by Option27 on May 24, 2011 12:57 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Game 4
I think tonight we come out and we Ride the Heat ( No Homo )
We will come out Guns Blazing ( No Arenas )
We’ve beaten the Heat 4 out of 6 times & Not by luck.
Go Bulls!
Thibs got his team a chemistry set for Christmas
by livesinnoahsbasement on May 24, 2011 9:38 AM CDT reply actions
Can I ask why you think that, and I'm looking for a basketball reason, so hold the records.
I like the optimism, I’m just struggling to find reasons as to why the Bulls will play better than they did in games 2 and 3. The only reason is faith in DRose, but I don’t have it right now, despite what my gut tells me.
I think DRose will have a really good game
The bulls aren’t about to lay down and lose. They have to even this up, or the whole season would have been for nothing. They can hang with these heat players, we saw that in game 1, but they got too fresh & lost the next two games. I think they will wake up, otherwise this will be a nightmare.
Thibs got his team a chemistry set for Christmas
by livesinnoahsbasement on May 24, 2011 1:57 PM CDT up reply actions
FYI,
just because if they don’t step up it will turn into a nightmare, it doesn’t mean they will step up. Just saying.
this team isn't a team full of 09-10 LeBrons, who just quit.
They won’t quit.
Thibs got his team a chemistry set for Christmas
by livesinnoahsbasement on May 24, 2011 4:52 PM CDT up reply actions
We need to go back to running the UCLA sets we used to earlier in the playoffs
We need to work the Miami defense off the ball with movement, especially with Rose. We have to know that the PnR is not working at all. This is something we should’ve realized BEFORE Game 3 and adjusted.
No, don't take the ball out of DRose's hands.
Have you not watched the series???? There have been countless possessions where DRose gives it up only to see Miami go into full ball denial mode and Joakim or Booz gets stuck with it at the top of the key with Rose being shielded by 2 MIA defenders, rendering that possession wasted. He needs to dominate the ball and take advantage of every single time he has a solitary MIA player guarding him.
Even when Kyle’s out there, I say run the usual doubles-sided screens, but with no intent on actually passing to him. Those plays suck the life out of the Bulls offense(Rose); Rose just waits there waiting for Kyle to get open, which in reality is still an extremely tough twisting jumper. Let the defense scramble to try and catch Kyle and while they’re focused on that task, DRose just takes advantage of his lone, isolated defender. To make it work even better, have Kyle cut to the three point line, not the elbow, spreading the MIA defense out even more.
Well that's the purpose of back screens and such in those sets
To get D-Rose into space without getting him doubled at the top of the circle.
by CowBearsFan on May 24, 2011 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions
No its not.
If you’ve been watching the Bulls all year you would know that whenever the play sets up with 2 opposite screens for Kyle, the ballhandler, whether it be CJ or Rose, just stands there until Kyle is freed up. If he does get open, the pass is made, if he doesn’t get open, the play turns into a mad scramble.
Aside from Rose pull-up 3s in transition, that might be my least favorite play the Bulls run.
by Ozzie Montana on May 24, 2011 11:30 AM CDT up reply actions
I know, right?
Even when it works, it’s not all that satisfying as it just allows for a really tough two point shot. And there are no real second options for that play either, so it can get really ugly if Korver doesn’t get open. There’s always the possibility of an Omer illegal screen, too.
I like setting them up by not making the pass once Korver comes off the screen
Wade and Lebron attack passing lanes and if you feign that pass you might get them to bite, overpersue, get out of position and give Derrick and the rest of them some more space.
just stop bringing a second defender to Rose with PnR action. as much as it might look like Lebron’s Cavs, let Rose iso, keep the floor spread, and let Rose go 1on1. I take him to win in that situation against just about anyone. if he gets the drive and the defense collapses, that’ll provide kick-out opportunities.
and if Rose does get to the rim and they collapse, go up strong, get some contact, finish aggressive. force the Heat’s hand because they are in a comfort zone right now. I really haven’t seen these missed foul calls people have claimed in replays from last game. I see tough Heat D and Rose and Boozer just not finishing strong to force those calls. plain and simple. the Heat don’t have Dwight Howard out there. I don’t think Rose has to fear getting knocked to the ground in this series.
oh… and I hate Bosh.
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 May 24, 2011 11:26 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Just wondering since we're talking about running plays..
What’s the set play that drose and Lu run it’s like a dribble handoff kinda like a simple pitch to a RB. Ifeel like that play should be implemented more but instead of Lu being the “RB” of the play Lu should be the point forward and let rose cut agressively.
See the most important parts are the ones that are unseen
See the wings don't make you fly and the crown don't make you king
Yeah, they just do a little wave/hand-off,
but that play is usually reserved for end-of-quarter situations, for whatever reason.
I would love to see every starter
hit their shots tonight. Too much to ask for?
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
well, for starters...
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 May 24, 2011 11:44 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
ugh
joey crawford and bennett salvatore tonight.
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
More imcompetence
Can’t get enough of it
'Don't believe in you who believe in me and don't believe in me who believes in you, but believe in you who believe in yourself'
Why even play with referees? Every single one in the league is against us.
"And thank you to God for making me an Atheist." - Ricky Gervais
by MichaelClutchtree on May 24, 2011 1:26 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
Or they all just suck
really really bad
'Don't believe in you who believe in me and don't believe in me who believes in you, but believe in you who believe in yourself'
I love it. Crawford hates superstars
by Option27 on May 24, 2011 1:33 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
What about Salvatore?
'Don't believe in you who believe in me and don't believe in me who believes in you, but believe in you who believe in yourself'
We did win the first game with him officiating...
The Playoffs: That magical time of year when I become a fan of every team that Lebron James isn't playing for.
by Juiceboxjerry on May 24, 2011 1:52 PM CDT up reply actions
I remember winning a couple games with him reffing
'Don't believe in you who believe in me and don't believe in me who believes in you, but believe in you who believe in yourself'
Yeah, I think he's been good for us, although I'm not totally sure
I think a lot of refs get intimidated by Wade and Lebron’s antics and give them a whistle. Not a problem for Crawford, he thinks he’s bigger than Wade and Lebron
The Playoffs: That magical time of year when I become a fan of every team that Lebron James isn't playing for.
by Juiceboxjerry on May 24, 2011 1:54 PM CDT up reply actions
Hopes he catches the 3 amigos laughing
so he can T them
'Don't believe in you who believe in me and don't believe in me who believes in you, but believe in you who believe in yourself'
playing time
A lot of people keep talking about when to play KK or Brewer. It obviously depends on match ups and what point of the game it is at. KK can spreads the floor..can’t play D. Brewer plays D but hardly spreads the floor. KK can’t do shit anymore, he is really worthless. I do like Brewer but here is my question…why doesn’t Bogans play??? If he is left wide open like Brewer is then he will hit the shot (at least more than Brewer will). He will NOT be left open like that so it will definitely spread out the floor more. Plus, he is a bad ass and not a pussy like KK. I think he needs to play more. If we can get 6-10 pts out of him, that would be huge.
by platinumDeeznuts on May 24, 2011 11:47 AM CDT reply actions
man, how far we come that we possibly pine for Bogans to come back on after he gets subbed
but I kinda agree. I just remember last game (remembering perfectly well that Kutcher hit his 3 attempt in the first half) thinking we needed some of his shooting in the fourth but then thinking to myself “where the hell do they stick him though?”
Bogans isn’t the answer for the future, but for this version of this team, he might be the medium between KK and Ronnie.
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 May 24, 2011 12:02 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
No one from the Bulls has said anything specific about how to get more offense
I don’t think Rose or the Bulls coaches have any idea of what they can change at this point. They are up against a good defensive team and the thing they have done to create offense all year (bring in Korver) has failed miserably so far.
I doubt the Bulls win another game at this point. They lack the offensive talent they need to compete with the Heat, and I don’t see any coaching magic fixing that.
I think if they watch games 2 and 3, they will find lots of open looks to be had.
Korver had about 10 open threes that the big men didn’t find him for, and I can see that the first time through. They’re experts, and have been slow to change things, despite knowing what things they could change.
i hate u shitlesswonder
at the buzzer
by twothree on May 24, 2011 2:05 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
This is truly a must win
Not just for the Bulls, but for my psyche. Each loss as been like an emotionally draining roundhouse kick to the head. I’ve had to completely abandon every sports related show, be it radio or tv since the game 2 loss.
The Playoffs: That magical time of year when I become a fan of every team that Lebron James isn't playing for.
After game two, I had my wife change my password to this site so I wouldn't sit on here and complain all day
"Mental toughness is to physical as four is to one." - Bob Knight
by DRose01 on May 24, 2011 2:01 PM CDT up reply actions 4 recs
I spent 1 full hour trying to hack it
"Mental toughness is to physical as four is to one." - Bob Knight
by DRose01 on May 24, 2011 2:01 PM CDT up reply actions 4 recs
haha
Yeah I pretty much did the same thing. I completely stayed away until game 3 just so I could collect myself and avoid saying dumb shit. That was about as low as I’ve felt after any sporting event.
The Playoffs: That magical time of year when I become a fan of every team that Lebron James isn't playing for.
by Juiceboxjerry on May 24, 2011 4:37 PM CDT up reply actions
lol
@swirsk054 @WaddleandSilvy “I’d rather see donald trump on the $5 bill than see the miami heat win this championship” -Rick Reilly, ESPN
by trig on May 24, 2011 2:12 PM CDT reply actions 2 recs
Whichever way the ball falls, it should be an interesting Blogabull tonight!
If we win, happiness all around. If we lose, the blame game and roster discussions for next year.
Ugh, I REALLY want this game.
never forget...
1.7%
anything is possible...
by wrigleyrocker12 on May 24, 2011 2:52 PM CDT up reply actions
Let's hope we win.
I don’t know if I’ll be able to stand it in the game threads if they don’t. And please Derrick for all our sakes have a good game.
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
Mo matter what happens tonight, Derrick is still mazing
but I think his next step of development is not something he can hone in a gym over the summer. It’s that mental aspect of the game. The thing that makes Chris Paul so special (among other things). He has to play more of a thinking man’s game on the court. You don’t beat teams like that Heat just trying to out-athlete them. It’s not gonna work. He has to use the way they’re defending him against them, by exploiting matchups and weaknesses (not like I know what they are, but still, it sounds good :))
The Playoffs: That magical time of year when I become a fan of every team that Lebron James isn't playing for.
by Juiceboxjerry on May 24, 2011 4:42 PM CDT up reply actions
*No matter what happens tonight
The Playoffs: That magical time of year when I become a fan of every team that Lebron James isn't playing for.
by Juiceboxjerry on May 24, 2011 4:42 PM CDT up reply actions
I just meant for him
to have a good game so we don’t have to hear the whining about him.
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
Yeah, I know what you meant
I’m just kinda riffing on that idea :)
The Playoffs: That magical time of year when I become a fan of every team that Lebron James isn't playing for.
by Juiceboxjerry on May 24, 2011 6:50 PM CDT up reply actions
so true
sportsguy33 Bill Simmons
Bulls/Heat rant 1/4: If Miami is better, so be it. But go down swinging, Chicago. Turn it into a streetfight. You’re bigger and tougher.
Bulls/Heat rant 2/4: Thibs needs to walk into Chicago locker room, show the McHale clothesline 20x straight on a loop, then storm out.
Bulls/Heat rant 3/4: Kurt Thomas needs to play big minutes tonight with the instructions, “We will pay any and all fines.”
Bulls/Mia rant 4/4: By 4Q, if DW/LBJ aren’t thinking “I hope I don’t get popped” on every drive, Bulls deserve to go home. Make ’em earn it.
The quest for seven is on.
by sin on May 24, 2011 3:29 PM CDT reply actions 5 recs
so mother f ing true
17'$ h4pp3n1n9!?!?!?
by lexmarklover on May 24, 2011 3:31 PM CDT up reply actions
i especially like 3/4
but the odds of jr paying for anything he doesnt need to is laughable
The quest for seven is on.
it's funny that my twitter timeline, full of the truly enlightened, all make fun of Simmons.
ok, that’s not especially funny. Simmons is wrong though, of course.
BaB on Twitter | BaB on Facebook
"Don't nag, flag!"
by your friendly BullsBlogger on May 24, 2011 4:00 PM CDT up reply actions
I like Simmons to be honest
He actually likes sports and watches them and isn’t a total Boston homer. He tells it like it is.
never forget...
1.7%
anything is possible...
by wrigleyrocker12 on May 24, 2011 4:02 PM CDT up reply actions
Just curious, why is he wrong?
I mean, if you accept that the Bulls are less talented, what’s so crazy about trying to get an edge in the non-talent department? Especially with a couple of guys that have been as mentally and or/physically soft like Bosh and Bron.
I personally don't think Simmons is right
I’d be worried about getting the Bulls out of their game. That’s not really their thing. With game 1 (and to a lesser extent, the regular season), the Bulls have shown they can beat the Heat. Play tough, but I think blatant Pistons-Pacers tactics smacks of panic.
Granted, we might lose anyway. But I say go down playing the best version of the game you know.
by Brooklyn Bulls on May 24, 2011 4:16 PM CDT up reply actions
why is he wrong?
you dont let lebron and wade walk all over you.
if theyre going to call fouls for phantom fouls anyways you might as well make them count.
The quest for seven is on.
Haha, before I saw any of the responses to that comment
I was gonna type: “Here comes yfbb to shit all over this in 3…2…1…”. I spend way too much time on here.
Regarding what Simmons wrote, I kinda agree and kinda don’t. I’m actually in the camp that believes hard fouls and physical play can help you win a series. My problem is that the Heat haven’t really been driving to the basket all that much anyway, and we’ve already been pretty damn physical. They’re just hitting a ton of really tough shots, and we can’t score for shit. I think it’s more important that our guys take extra shooting practice than hit Lebron harder in this particular scenario
The Playoffs: That magical time of year when I become a fan of every team that Lebron James isn't playing for.
by Juiceboxjerry on May 24, 2011 4:48 PM CDT up reply actions
Is that really wrong, or wrong as in Nixon's "that would be wrong"?
I’ve always thought that if you are going to get physical, the last thing you do is advertise your intentions. Thomas never says he plays physical, he just does it.
I'm so very happy that everyone is talking like the Heat have already won the series
Just like when the series began. I am so nervous for tonight it’s not even funny. Our whole season just about boils down to tonight.
never forget...
1.7%
anything is possible...
by wrigleyrocker12 on May 24, 2011 3:31 PM CDT reply actions
i want to see Kurt Thomas get some burn on Bosh
yes bosh is quicker and more athletic, but I want to see how he’ll react to physical D. I hope Thibs is open minded and try Kurt on Bosh and Noah/asik protecting the rim. Noah guarding and offensive player and letting Booz “protect” is just too easy for lebron and wade.
I also want to see less noah/rose pnr and maybe add some korver/rose pnr in the few minutes that he’s in.
And please stop making stupid touch fouls on fast breaks and they gotta make their free throws. Our offense is like gasoline, every drop counts
I think I've found a new way to cope with any loss from here on out
Say I put 175 dollars on Miami to win tonight. Bulls win, I’m happier than I’d be winning 100 dollars. Miami wins, I win 100 dollars. It’s kinda a win/win. To sum it up, I’d be happy with losing 175 dollars for a Bulls win and no one can ever be mad at a free 100 dollars, right?
This might be the stupidest, yet most genius idea I’ve ever had in the idea of coping with a potential loss
After re-watching the Bulls vs C's series
can you believe that I miss Salmons? Even though the jab steps are annoying he can create for himself unlike some of the guys we have
'Don't believe in you who believe in me and don't believe in me who believes in you, but believe in you who believe in yourself'
We could have had him for nothing at the deadline, along with Stephen Jackson (or Mayo for Taj)
Think it woulda been nice to have one of those guys right now?
BUT, That window is WIDE open, right? No need to rush, we should be contenders for the next 20 years. Gotta maintain that famous financial flexibility. Don’t worry, the Bulls are hard at work planning on getting that next big piece. At least that’s what Sam Smith and KC tell me.
The Playoffs: That magical time of year when I become a fan of every team that Lebron James isn't playing for.
by Juiceboxjerry on May 24, 2011 4:54 PM CDT up reply actions
Nothing=Taj or Asik, but yeah let's go down this road of just making shit up when the Bulls hit a roadblock.
by Ozzie Montana on May 24, 2011 6:09 PM CDT up reply actions
What?
We absolutely could have had Jackson or Salmons for NOTHING. That’s according to a few different reports at the time. Obviously I don’t have a link right now, but if someone else wants to vouch for this, please do so. The Bobcats and Bucks would have given those guys away in a second to get their money of the books. Shit, the Bobcats basically did with Gerald Wallace, so that tells you all you need to know. And with Mayo, I said “for Taj”, which obviously isn’t nothing, but I was just pointing it out. That would’ve been a tougher decision to make, but I probably would’ve done it still
The Playoffs: That magical time of year when I become a fan of every team that Lebron James isn't playing for.
by Juiceboxjerry on May 24, 2011 6:15 PM CDT up reply actions
This is actually really funny
Come on, Chris Bosh. I thought you weren’t supposed to dive near legs.
by Option27 on May 24, 2011 4:48 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Rose needs to have a big game tonite.
It would be a real bad look if lebron outplays him 3 games in a row, goes on to win the series,and he puts up little resistance. There might be a backlash against his mvp worthiness & whispers of how jordan would have went out in a blaze. Even if we lose he still needs to drop 35+
by #1humblebot on May 24, 2011 4:48 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
Unless we win a title, the backlash is gonna come, and come hard
It’s been the one real certainty. The media needs to craft a narrative around Rose so that they can determine for everyone when we should be collectively pleased or angry with him.
If he loses this year, so begins the “Derrick Rose: Guy who can’t get it done in the Playoffs” story line. (along with all the “worst MVP ever?” discussions)
The Playoffs: That magical time of year when I become a fan of every team that Lebron James isn't playing for.
by Juiceboxjerry on May 24, 2011 4:57 PM CDT up reply actions
it happened to LeBron once too, so it's only fair
BaB on Twitter | BaB on Facebook
"Don't nag, flag!"
by your friendly BullsBlogger on May 24, 2011 5:06 PM CDT up reply actions
Not sure it's "fair", but yeah, it wouldn't be unprecedented
The Playoffs: That magical time of year when I become a fan of every team that Lebron James isn't playing for.
by Juiceboxjerry on May 24, 2011 6:16 PM CDT up reply actions
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