Here’s Hoping It’s the Celts
These are words of beauty and hope to me:
The Bulls, in a refreshing change, fueled the game-changing run with defense. Trailing 90-85, they ripped off a 17-3 spurt that featured two steals from Kirk Hinrich, one from John Salmons, one from Derrick Rose and Tyrus Thomas‘ emphatic swat of a Jared Jeffries shot. (Chicago Tribune)
I’ve made it abundantly clear the value I place on defense. You need Ben Gordons, but you need Ben Wallaces even more. And although Jordan or Pippen will be the first thing out of someone’s mouth when you ask them about the Bulls Dynasty, defense would come next.
If the Bulls can create some kind of defense in the playoffs (yes I think it’s a lock now) then they might be able to win a game or two in the first round.
I hope the first round opponent is the Celtics. They are thuggish and like to play physical ball, cocky and like to taunt their opponent and they are the World Champions. If you value a young team getting “seasoning” and a “learning experience” in the playoffs, it will come from no better opposition than Boston.
The first time Kendrick Perkins tries to illegally lay someone out, I hope Brad Miller or Tyrus Thomas stand up to him and bring it. I’m not advocating fighting. Just physicality and answering the bell. Soft teams don’t win jack. The Bulls are soft.
“We’re going to have to play much better defensively,” Hinrich said. “We weren’t great [Tuesday night]. We have to start building a playoff mentality.”
As us church folk like to say, “Amen and amen”.
[...] by three points late.8th: Bleacher Report. How Twitter is changing our perception of the NBA.9th: Pippen Ain’t Easy. "I hope the [Bulls'] first round opponent is the Celtics." Bold statement, sir. [...]
April 8th, 2009 at 4:27 pm[...] by three points late.8th: Bleacher Report. How Twitter is changing our perception of the NBA.9th: Pippen Ain’t Easy. "I hope the [Bulls'] first round opponent is the Celtics." Bold statement, sir. [...]
April 8th, 2009 at 7:36 pmFunny, I was just thinking “bring on the Bulls”
April 9th, 2009 at 6:21 amOh I’m sure the Celts and their fans are saying that and they should. If you read the post, the whole point of it is that it will be good for the Bulls, just like it was for Jordan’s Bulls to battle the dominant Pistons teams.
April 9th, 2009 at 2:39 pm[...] Here’s to hoping for the Bulls to face the Celtics in the playoffs. Oh, and to play some defense. [Pippen Ain't Easy] [...]
April 10th, 2009 at 6:30 am[...] shot blocker Sporting News Class differences, money management in the NBA Pippen Ain’t Easy Here’s hoping it’s the Celts Sports Central Welcome to the Basketball Hall of Lame CollegeHoop.net Rebound! Basketball, [...]
April 10th, 2009 at 7:47 pm[...] you know what? I’m happy about it. I don’t share Zoner’s reasoning for it, mostly because I think we have a legitimate shot to push the Celtics to 7 and even score an [...]
April 16th, 2009 at 9:03 am