A daily look at the big story of the day in sports as seen through the eyes of writers and bloggers all across the internet.
The Chicago Bulls sliced through the Heat like a knife through melting ice cream in the first round of the playoffs. They did it with speed, defense and energy that the aging, infirm Heat couldn't begin to match often enough to make a go of defending their crown. Entering their series with the Pistons, the Bulls looked to do the same thing to another team built around veterans who weren't exactly known for their quickness. But it hasn't happened and the Bulls have spent 96 minutes looking like the Washington Generals to the Globetrottin' Pistons. Can they turn things around and make a series of it when Game Three tips off in Chicago or will they get crushed under the wheels of the Motown express?
The Chicago Bulls have a roster issue. That being they don't have a circa 1991 Michael Jordan on their playoff roster. It become obvious that having a young, title hungry Jordan on the Bulls would be the only chance they have of taking out the 2007 Detroit Pistons. As far as I know, Mr. Peabody hasn't yet invented the Wayback Machine, so the Pistons need not worry about a time traveling Jordan. (The Wayne Fontes Experience)
There are a few encouraging signs the Bulls can take away from Game 2. First off, Their bench played better than in Game 1. Ty Thomas caused some problems for the Pistons and got to the foul line 11 times in route to 18 pts. Noce had 12 pts, but still could have played better. Another good sign, Big Ben seems to have become more of an offensive threat the last few playoff games. He's looking for his shot more (13 pts) & he's actually shooting his FTs well (for him). Bulls also got to the foul line 52 times, not really sure how, but that's a nice sign for team that's known as a strictly jumpshooting team. (The Painted Area)
Everything was bad tonight, yet again. At least we don't have to read that the team wasn't properly prepared or didn't play with energy. Nope, they're just not as good. Especially worrisome that the 'core' is getting destroyed by their counterparts. Hinrich, Gordon, and Deng have to outperform Billups/Hamilton/Prince, or at least come close. (Blog a Bull)
With that in mind, I’m happy about Detroit’s closing power. They refused to let Chicago save face: not only was single-digits never within sniffing distance, they managed to keep the lead above 20. That doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with how the Pistons will respond to the United Center crowds in Games 3 and 4, but it tells me they’re damn focused right now. Borderline cocky observation I would’ve never made a week ago: If this series lasts longer than five games, I’m going to be ticked. (Detroit Bad Boys)
lots of talk how the bulls are getting rolled, and that the winner of PHX/SA is probably gonna win it all.
but lost in all of this is the fact that Detroit continues to kick ass. six straight, lopsided games (don't quote me on the lopsided part).
detroit has won championships and though Big Ben is gone, they still could easily win this thing...when it's done like in two months.
Posted by: The Big Picture | May 08, 2007 at 10:54 PM