2017 NBA Playoffs: 3 takeaways from Chicago Bulls taking 2-0 series lead over Celtics

Apr 18, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Chicago Bulls point guard Rajon Rondo (9) controls the ball during the first quarter in game two of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 18, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Chicago Bulls point guard Rajon Rondo (9) controls the ball during the first quarter in game two of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
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Apr 16, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Chicago Bulls center Robin Lopez (8) shoots over Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) during the second quarter in game one of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 16, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Chicago Bulls center Robin Lopez (8) shoots over Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) during the second quarter in game one of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Robin Lopez continued his dominance over Boston

Robin Lopez is doing whatever he wants on the glass against whatever big Boston tries to throw at him. Lopez grabbed eight offensive rebounds and played a huge part in Chicago’s win on Sunday. Lopez came out again on Tuesday and did the same thing.

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Chicago did not dominate Boston on the glass in this game the way they usually have this season. While the Bulls still out-rebounded the Celtics, both teams finished with 11 offensive rebounds. Chicago only mustered one offensive rebound in the second half.

However, Lopez was everywhere and will remain in Al Horford’s nightmares. Lopez grabbed four of his five offensive rebounds in the first half, just tearing them away from Horford and Amir Johnson. It continues to be clear that Boston doesn’t have an answer for Lopez and it will be interesting to see what coach Brad Stevens tries to do to remedy that situation.

Moreover, Lopez looked like DeMar DeRozan from the mid-range. Lopez finished with 18 points on 8-of-11 shooting, with six made jumpers in his beloved mid-range zones. The Celtics were content to let him take that shot and he kept burying it.

If whoever is guarding Lopez starts to stay attached to his hip in that mid-range area, it may open up more driving space for Jimmy Butler to attack the rim.