Bulls Continue to Prove They're Vulnerable

By Brady Stiff

Derrick Rose shoots over
Jeff Teague in Game 1.

The Bulls and the Atlanta Hawks squared off in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals last night at the United Center, and the game was eerily similar to Game 1 of the series with Indiana.

The Hawks couldn't miss, and the Bulls couldn't buy a bucket early on.  They got down 9-0 at one point, and didn't take the lead until the third quarter.  Let's take a look at the significant parts of the box score....

FG %

• Bulls: 44.6
• Hawks: 51.3

3 Point %

• Bulls: 8/18 (44.4)
• Hawks: 7/13 (53.8)

Derrick Rose FT %

• 0/0 (0.00)

Rebounds

• Hawks: 38
• Bulls: 37

In Game 1 in the Pacers series, Indiana shot 56% from distance.  I mean, it was like every time they got the ball with an open look, they knocked it down right between the eyes.  Can Atlanta keep this up?

During the regular season, the Hawks shot 35% from behind the arc.  Their best regular season 3-point shooter, Jamal Crawford has been known to be either really hot or really cold.  So, can they keep it up?  The Bulls' defense improved throughout the series with Indiana, and I have no reason to think that NBA Coach of the Year Tom Thibodeau won't have the Bulls playing better defense.

Derrick Rose not getting to the free throw line at all was also big.  Rose has always been a driver and a creator.  We all know of his ability to find a way to get the ball to the rim through the trees.  In Game 1 with Indiana, he went 19/21 from the free throw line, and that was instrumental in the Bulls' Game 1 win.  Rose needs to stay aggressive and get to the line for easy points.

The Bulls were second in the NBA, first in the East in rebounding margin during the regular season at +5.8, yet they were outrebounded by Atlanta.  It could be just one of those games where "all the bounces went their way", or it could be laziness.  Maybe instead of Carlos Boozer screaming "Get that s*$^ Jo", every time a shot comes off the rim, he should go get that s@#$ himself.  That's what he's paid to do.  Just a thought.

While Rose will be named the league's MVP today, that doesn't heal his ankle, which he tweaked again at the end of the game.  No matter what he says, that ankle will be a concern going forward.  He says he's fine and that he'll play.  I believe him, but you have to wonder how effective he'll be.

What the Hawks and Pacers have proven is that the Bulls may be too reliant on Rose's abilities to be a complete team.  Luol Deng has been excellent this season, and other Bulls players fill their roles effectively, but Rose may be the only player on the team who can get his shot whenever he wants it.

Execution will be key, getting to the free throw line as well.  The Hawks won't lay down, and they've proven they can win at the UC.  The Bulls just need to prove they're a better team.