That game last night scared me. Not because of the final score or even that now the Bulls are down 2-1 in the series. What scared me was how much that game reminded me of game two. The Heat smothered the Bulls defensively in game two and the Bulls didn’t appear to have an answer for it in game three either. It’s the same stuff they have been seeing since the Indiana series, doubling Rose high off the pick and roll and making him give up the ball early so the other players have to make plays. The difference is that that Heat are faster, quicker and just flat out, better at doing it, than either the Hawks or the Pacers.
The Bulls have to change something going into game four. A lot of people are going to point to the Bulls defense, since it is the strength of the team, and say that it needs to step up which would create easy buckets for the offense. Which is true, but the Bulls, for the first time are playing a team that is on their level defensively. So, in order to win this series, the Bulls are going to have to match up with the Heat offensively. Whether they change the rotations or try some different sets on offense, they can’t just roll out the same thing that the Heat have stopped two straight games.
I personally would love to see the Bulls run some isolation for Rose. He is getting doubled very effectively off the pick and roll and he should have some more room to operate if he is isolated up top. Put him one on one with Bibby, Chalmers or whomever and Rose is going to be able to drive and either get to the rim or find an open teammate.
I am not panicked yet, this series is far from over. Remember after game one the Bulls looked totally in control, but then the Heat won game two and grabbed home court advantage. This is the same situation. The Bulls goal going to Miami was to win one of two games and get home court advantage back. They still have one game to do it, and the Bulls haven’t lost three games in a row all season, so I wouldn’t be bet against them in game four.
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