The Bulls suffered a tough loss last night in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals, 106-104 in overtime.
The Celtics took a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series, and this loss had to frustrate Bulls fans to no end because it didn't need to happen. Chicago had an 11-point lead in the fourth quarter and let it slip away. And some really boneheaded coaching by Vinny Del Negro and his staff contributed to the unnecessary defeat.
Take the end of the overtime session, for example. Score tied 104-104, Boston ball. Celtics star Paul Pierce (26 points, 15 from the start of the fourth quarter on) was red hot on midrange jumpers down the stretch. Time and time again, the Celtics were able to isolate Pierce near the top of the circle against a smaller defender. On at least four occasions, Pierce knocked in the midrange shot.
Coming out of that final timeout, I was yelling at the TV, imploring the Bulls to make someone other than Pierce beat them. No sale. Once again, the Celtics isolated Pierce (left) at the top of the key against a smaller defender. Once again, he hit a midrange shot -- a game-winning jumper over John Salmons with 3.4 seconds remaining.
Is Del Negro comatose over there on the bench? Ray Allen was fouled out and on the bench. That meant that Pierce was option A, B and C for the Celtics in that situation. You HAVE TO force someone other than Pierce to make a play to win the game. Deny him the ball, double-team him, do SOMETHING, ANYTHING. You can't just allow the Celtics to do whatever they want with the season hanging in the balance.
That's just terrible coaching, and it's a shame because the Bulls really do have a chance against the beat-up Celtics in this series. Unfortunately, Del Negro is clueless under pressure.
I am no Vinny Del Negro fan, and I think he is way over his head at his job, but with that said, even if you double team, Pierce can still make his shots. He is that good. Also, the Celtics have very good role players that can score so what can Vinny do?
I guess you can foul him.
It should have never come down to that anyway. Da Bulls needed to play better defense in that fourth quarter, and they didn't so now they are fighting for their season tonight.
I expect this series to be over tonight. The Celtics have the hammer, and championship teams know how to finish a team off once they have the hammer at 3-2.
It's all over now. A good run though.
Well, if you double team and Pierce makes a great shot or makes a play for somebody else, you live with that.
You don't just single cover him with a smaller player and let him have exactly what he wants.
It's not over yet.
This is a great series, and the Bulls have fought like hell. I'm impressed with the effort by these players, although I'm not fond of the head coach.