| 26 April 2009
Whether it was back before David Stern altered the rules to make sure the Lakers made it deeper into the playoffs for TV ratings or after all first round five-game series were changed to seven games, Game Five was always the most pivotal game of a playoff round. A series that was tied at two games a piece heading into the fifth contest is always one of the most exciting and deciding games in every post-season series. And it will be no differently for the Bulls-Celtics series after these two have both split their home game stands 1-1.
For the Bulls, they're trying to slay the giant who wears a championship ring the size of a Mini-Cooper while trying to prove to their owner and fans that this current roster is on its way to a playoff run. And they evened up the series at two games a piece by capitalizing on sloppy play, challenging jumpers, and executing well enough offensively in the second overtime of this game after receiving a huge break in the first extra period.
Once again, Paul Pierce missed a big free throw that could possibly won the game for the Celtics. Once again, the Bulls stupidly left Ray Allen open far too many times (see: more than zero = too many). And once again, the Celtics allowed Ben Gordon to prolong the game when Chicago should have been finished. We saw a lot of things in this game that have been big turning points throughout the first three games. Derrick Rose dominated the fourth quarter and kept Chicago in this game. Tyrus Thomas
A couple of the key plays in this game:
- One the Bulls final possession of the first overtime, the Celtics allowed Ben Gordon to catch the ball despite the fact that he's now compiled a lengthy YouTube video of game-winning or game-tying shots. Bulls ran Gordon off of a couple of screens and the Celtics tried to go through them and under them instead of overplaying and going over them. The result was a slow Paul Pierce eventually have to chase Ben Gordon after a late switch and Gordon getting the ball beyond the three-point line. The result was another huge made three-pointer because the Celtics defended conservatively.
- At the end of the first overtime, the Celtics had the ball with the score tied and looked to be in perfect position to win this game. They inbounded the ball to Rajon Rondo who was supposed to attack the basket but instead settled for a 20-foot jumper. Curious decision for a guy that thrives off of his ability to get to the basket and shoots 50% from the field because he doesn't typically take shots like the one he attempted.
- And on the final play of the game with the Celtics down three, they opted for a Paul Pierce three attempt instead of trying to get the ball to Eddie House (Kirk Hinrich guarding him) or Ray Allen (Ben Gordon guarding him). Pierce forced up a tough attempt with John Salmons all over him and Salmons blocked the ball for the win. I know the clutch history of Pierce and how well he does in these situations but when you're down three and have two of the deadliest players in the game from three-point range, I don't understand why you don't run a play to get either House or Allen an open look instead of letting Pierce take a "hero shot."
Why the Bulls Won This Game
The Bulls won this game because they survived during this game as long as they could and outlasted the Celtics in the second OT. They held the Celtics to just eight points in the final period and had more free throw attempts (five) than Boston had scoring possession (just three). The Celtics scored just a Big Baby dunk in the first 4:33 of the last overtime until Paul Pierce's three-point play and by then they had tired legs trying to play catch up with a team that scored decently. Sometimes, you don't need a knockout punch in as much as you need just finish the fight.
Why the Celtics Lost This Game
The Celtics lost this game because Kevin Garnett is out and Big Baby and Kendrick Perkins didn't step up the way they had in the previous three games. Kendrick Perkins was effective in the post and on the boards but fouled out in regulation, which caused the Celtics to have to play small with Brian Scalabrine in the lineup. As for Big Baby, despite his fantastic acting job in trying to sell that Brad Miller threw a punch at him, he didn't have a very good game. He shot 4-16 from the field and scored just 10 points. With Perkins fouled out and Davis struggling from the field, the Celtics needed KG's offensive patience and production more than anything.
Heading Into Game Five
Even though it was a back asswards way to get to this point, the Celtics have no problem going into Game Five on their home court with a 2-2 series standing right now. They're going to have to speed up the tempo and force the issue in the paint to get the Bulls guards in foul trouble like they did in Game Two. The Bulls need to continue to be physical inside and try to thrive off the energy of Joakim Noah and Derrick Rose. If they can keep the game close, they like their chances with Ben Gordon in the chamber.
Prediction: Celtics take this game and a commanding 3-2 lead in the series.
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