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

By Dru Berry

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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Paul Zipser, SF/PF, Chicago Bulls
Apr 16, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Paul Zipser (16) blocks a shot by Boston Celtics center Kelly Olynyk (41) 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 /

Paul Zipser puts on a show

Bobby Portis, Boston’s kryptonite during Game 1, came back down to Earth in Game 2. Portis played nine minutes and only shot once, which was a made 3-pointer. Instead, Paul Zipser, everyone’s favorite German NBA player, rose to the occasion.

Zipser scored 16 points in his 29 minutes of playing time on 6-of-8 shooting from the field. One thing I’ve always liked about Zipser is that he doesn’t look timid on the court. If he feels he has a mismatch and can attack the rim, he will do so.

I loved this play even more than his dagger 3 at the end of the fourth that put the cherry on top of the blowout. There is no way Amir Johnson has a chance at closing out on Zipser and also slowing a drive. It’s nice to see Zipser recognize this and attack Johnson immediately. While it may seem obvious, it’s something I’m not sure Jerian Grant has a good handle on.

Who will step up next off the bench? Will it be Grant, who was unplayable in Game 2 to the point that Michael Carter-Williams got minutes? It would certainly help the Bulls if any backup point guard could just be serviceable in the time Rajon Rondo is not on the court.

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