“Blowing a 2-0 lead” isn’t exactly a thing, but we can believe that that’s what the Bulls are about to do. All of their momentum from last week has been lost and they are now the ones that are on the hot seat.
They got ragdolled at home in Games 3 and 4, where they got outscored by an average of 13 in points (91 PPG to 104 PPG), shot a woeful 22.4 percent from three (11-for-45), and ran countless unnecessary isolation plays for Jimmy Butler and Dwyane Wade. Such were a symbol of the team’s 2016-17 season.
Butler had more free throws than the entire Celtics team (23 to 22) in Game 4’s 105-94 loss, and they were still unable to capitalize.
Having a solid floor general, of course, is the number one problem, since the main catalyst in their pair of wins in the series, Rajon Rondo, is sidelined with an ill-fated thumb injury.
The Bulls are failing to get any positive contribution from backup guards Michael Carter-Williams and Jerian Grant, who have only combined for eight points and five assists in the last two games. In Game 4, it was third-stringer Isaiah Canaan that had the most productive performance among all Chicago PGs, which is still not that good since he only had 11 points, two rebounds, and three assists.
Unless Rondo pulls a Willis Reed in any of the remaining games, don’t expect the Bulls to get any more victories in this matchup.
What the Celtics have showcased in their last couple of performances are great poise and coaching. Although they indeed caught a break in the Rondo injury, there’s also no denying that Brad Stevens has outcoached Fred Hoiberg.
The Celtics’ small ball lineup, which can run, defend, shoot, and rebound effectively, are taking over – 104 points, 28 assists, nine steals, and 13.5 threes per in their last two. Their versatility is proving to be too much for the Bulls defense.
Isaiah Thomas was relentless in getting to the rim in Game 4’s 104-92 win, scoring 33 points and dishing out seven assists, while also toying with Bulls center Robin Lopez in the pick-and-roll battle. Al Horford, meanwhile, benefited in the Bulls’ attempt to counter the small ball, as he double-doubled with 15 points and 11 rebounds.
More than that, though, is the great production of two unheralded guys – Gerald Green started for the second consecutive game and scored a playoff career-high 18 (16 in the first half) in 23 minutes, while Kelly Olynyk shot 4-for-4 for 10 points in 16 minutes.
The Cs are in a prime position to take a 3-2 series and weirdly be the first home team to win in the playoff matchup.
