Chicago Bulls vs. Boston Celtics, Game 6 Outlook: Can the Bulls force a Game 7?

Apr 10, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Isaiah Canaan (0) reacts after making a three point basket against the Orlando Magic during the second half at the United Center. Chicago defeats Orlando 122- 75. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Isaiah Canaan (0) reacts after making a three point basket against the Orlando Magic during the second half at the United Center. Chicago defeats Orlando 122- 75. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
Apr 26, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Dwyane Wade (3) shoots the ball past Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) during the first half in game five of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 26, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Dwyane Wade (3) shoots the ball past Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) during the first half in game five of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

Where is Dwyane Wade’s defense?

Dwyane Wade scored 26 points, snagged 11 rebounds and had eight assists in game five, which is a nice stat line. He shot 7-of-18 from the field and went 10-for-10 from the free throw line.

However, it’s hard for me to say Wade had a good game.

Maybe, it’s because of plays like this.

I know this is beating a dead horse, but it’s so inexplicable that it is still happening in the playoffs. Wade taking possessions off on defense is a season-long trend, but when you struggle to score as much as the Bulls do you can’t allow any free points like that.

That clip is truly pitiful. First, Wade leaves to help on the Al Horford screen for Avery Bradley. It’s really not needed considering Robin Lopez is in pretty good position to help. But Wade is guarding Isaiah Thomas and leaving him wide open for a 3 is definitely not the gameplan.

Wade looked like he was taking a stroll through the park to get that rebound and what do you know? It didn’t land in his lap. Score two for the Celtics.

Chicago needs Wade more engaged in Game 6. This is what he was brought to the Bulls to do: make big-time plays in big games.

We just need to see the big plays on both ends of the floor.