Too many turnovers
In Game 5, Chicago played hot potato, coughing the ball up 16 times to Boston. Boston turned those 16 turnovers into 23 points.
Isaiah Canaan and Wade both had four turnovers and Lopez had three. Canaan didn’t register a single assist. While that isn’t his role in the offense, it would still be nice to see an assist in 36 minutes of playing time.
You’d think you’d luck into one at some point, if anything.
This turnover at the beginning of the game was my absolute favorite. Canaan frantically reaching for the ball while it’s just out of his grasp, then flailing down flat onto his stomach in utter defeat was prime Shaqtin’ material.
Sometimes, NBA players really are just like us.
The Celtics committed six turnovers, which the Bulls converted into four points. While that low turnover count will likely balance out closer to the 13-16 range it’s been at all series, the Bulls do need to make an effort to force more turnovers. The defense will need to be more locked in.
Chicago had a couple turnovers in the fourth quarter that helped Boston regain the lead and regain momentum. It’s frustrating looking back at this game because it’s a game that was right there for the taking, but the Bulls couldn’t make the plays they needed to.
If the Bulls can hang around in Game 6 and value the ball more, they might just walk out with a victory.