Thompson: Bulls Facing Pivotal Game 4
By Brad Thompson--
CHICAGO (WSCR) With the Heat holding a 2-1 advantage in the Eastern Conference finals it feels like Miami has the confidence and momentum to win the series, but if the Bulls are victorious in Game 4, the series will shift in their favor heading back to Chicago.
The last two games have been awfully tough to watch for Bulls fans, especially considering how easily they won Game 1. Suddenly Miami's defense has clamped down on a normally unstoppable Derrick Rose. The Bulls can't score in the fourth quarter either – managing only 10 points in Game 2 and 20 points in Game 3.
Chicago has a host of problems. Its usually stingy defense allowed Miami to shoot 51 percent from the field in Game 3. Chris Bosh was primarily responsible for this. He got open looks, especially from the outside, because the alternative is to not provide help on James or Wade.
On the flip side, the Heat are playing terrific defense. They've frustrated Rose by corralling him and used solid team defense to prevent him from driving to the basket. Rose is visible frustrated and seems like he's pressing or trying too hard at times. Chicago's lack of a second playermaker is being exposed.
Rose and the Bulls have been at their worst in the fourth quarter. Rose only scored four points combined in the fourth quarters of Game 2 and 3. Obviously that won't cut it. Deng needs to be more aggressive. He contributed zero fourth quarter points in Game 2 and two points in the final period in Game 3.
As bad as it has been, Chicago's one game away from making this a three-game series with two of them at the United Center. Right now it feels like Miami has control of the series and is starting to impose their will on the Bulls. It also felt like the Bulls might dominate the series after Game 1. A road win on Tuesday could change everything.
It's a tall order – beating the Heat in Miami when James, Wade and Bosh are brimming with confidence, but it can happen. Rose has demonstrated that he's an elite player and worthy of the MVP. As frustrated as he's looked, he's still capable of taking over a game. He might have to in Game 4.
The Bulls' defensive rotations have been a step slow lately, but now more than ever is Thibodeau's chance to show why he earned the reputation as a defensive mastermind. A few defensive adjustments and finding the proper rotation could force the Heat into some bad shots and too many isolation plays.
Beating the Big 3 in Miami in Game 4 is no easy task. It'll take a spectacular performance from the entire team, but the Bulls roster is full of tough, resilient players. Miami might have the talent advantage, but Chicago is capable of returning home with the momentum and the series all tied up.
Do you agree with Brad? Post your comments below.
Brad M. Thompson, a former college football player and coach, made his return to the Midwest in 2009 after fighting wildfires out West. He earned his master's degree from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University and covers the Big Ten Conference and Chicago sports. Follow him on Twitter at @Brad_M_Thompson. Find more of Brad's blogs here.
