Jan 19, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) stands between Chicago Bulls forward Pau Gasol (16), guard Jimmy Butler (21), guard Derrick Rose (1) and forward Taj Gibson (22) in the first quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
After the Chicago Bulls Game 6 obliteration of the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round, one might be led to believe that this Bulls team has turned a corner. And in many respects that may be correct, but it’s who lies in wait around that corner that presents a familiar challenge – LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
This James-led band of Cavaliers is comprised of some old foes and some new and has many pundits predicting that they will dispose of the Bulls and their Finals hopes along with them. So what do the Bulls have to do to get through or around LeBron and Cleveland? That’s a question I’m sure Joakim Noah hopes to answer in the games ahead. Starting the series on the road and winning four out of seven games will be no easy feat; however, a deep and healthy Bulls roster will be aided by the loss of Cleveland’s Kevin Love for the series duration and the absence of suspended guard J.R. Smith for Games 1 and 2. Can they finally remove the king from his court? Time will tell.
For now, let’s not get too ahead of ourselves, and (in true Thibs fashion) turn our focus to the task at hand as we take a look at five keys to a Game 1 victory.
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1. The Handling of LeBron James
Let me be clear, you don’t stop LeBron James. You can only attempt to contain him, slow him down and halt his output, and that’s exactly what the Bulls need to do. Saying a little pre-game prayer and bringing a lucky rabbit’s foot along might be a good idea also. The Bulls expect James to fill in at the power forward spot with Love out, and this is where the play of Taj Gibson will prove crucial. Of the Bulls front line, he is best equipped athletically to match up with LeBron and possesses the defensive prowess to be bothersome in the post. When James decides to put the ball on the floor, he’ll be met by Jimmy Butler, who will be doing his darnedest to terrorize him on every possession. I expect Butler to shadow LeBron on the perimeter, and he will attempt to funnel James into the paint where he will be met by a swarm of defenders. Physical play will be essential to success; expect some next level trolling from Noah thrown in for good measure during his further attempts to rattle the King’s cage.
Next: Joakim Noah