There were two signs that Game 5 was headed for trouble tonight. First, the Bulls didn't have a four-game winning streak throughout the regular season (or losing streak for that matter). Second and more pressing, Kirk Hinrich was ruled out with a bruised calf. He had to wear a walking boot during this morning's shootaround. That was just the tip of the iceberg as to why the Bulls lost 110-91.
Although the Bulls took small leads throughout, it was clear from the beginning this wouldn't be their night. When they began settling for frequent jump shots early in the first quarter, that should have told you we'd be in for a bad night. They were eventually able to solve that problem, but they reverted back to the old form just as quickly. On top of that, their defense wasn't able slow Brooklyn's big players down and they got beat by several role players. Hinrich's presence was really missed.
Leading the assault were Brook Lopez's line of 28 points, 10 rebounds and Deron Williams' 23 points, 10 assists. That made the game feel much like Game 1 except this wasn't a blowout until the final few minutes. Gerald Wallace scored 12, but it was his late three-pointer and transition dunk off a steal that mattered most. Those five points sealed the game. Joe Johnson got some good looks to score 11 and Reggie Evans did what he's paid to do: rebound. He grabbed 12 of them to lead everyone in that category. The bench received solid contributions from Andray Blatche and C.J. Watson, who scored 13 and 11 points respectively. Watson was only too happy to get his revenge for the embarrassment he suffered on Saturday. Whether he gets more of it soon is yet to be determined.
All five Bulls starters scored in double figures, led by Nate Robinson's 20. Jimmy Butler was just behind with 18. Carlos Boozer had his typical double-double of 10 and 10, but none of that could make up for Hinrich's absence. Fatigue set in down the stretch, which made Robinson less than what he could be with proper rest. Plus, Hinrich has been a warrior all series and that's not something you can simply teach to anyone. Even with a bad foot, Joakim Noah can only do so much. You need at least a couple of players to rely on toughness as a primary weapon. Noah and Hinrich have been those throughout this series. Robinson was tapped out, making one wonder why Marquis Teague was called upon early in the second quarter but never saw action again. Most likely because Tom Thibodeau hates to send his rookies into the line of fire. That's what happens when you have to go that deep into your bench.
Yes, it's too bad the Bulls weren't able to close it out right away. You'd much rather get the series over as soon as you can, but this is the NBA Playoffs. The Bulls weren't willing to lose it at home last year and the same could be said for these Nets. It also didn't help that some of the personnel was missing. This was also a grim reminder of how the playoffs can work. Just when you think a team is down, they show signs of life. A dangerous proposition to think about.
On the bright side, Game 6 is Thursday at the United Center. This is as close to a must-win as can be without it actually being one. If the series goes back to Brooklyn Saturday, all momentum shifts the other way. Hopefully, the home crowd will give the Bulls enough energy to send the Nets home with no more basketball to look forward to. Hinrich or no Hinrich, this will be a close game. Remember to wear red if you're lucky to go. That home court is more precious than some might think.
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