Steve Mitchell-USA Today Sports
The Chicago Bulls showed a glimmer of hope when they shocked the NBA by stealing Game 1 of their second round playoff series against the Miami Heat. The Bulls looked to carry that momentum into Game 2.
They instead endured a shellacking leaving questions if this team can make a competitive and compelling showing against Miami.
Chicago suffered a 37-point beating at the hands of the Heat on Wednesday night. It was a contest that was never in question. The Bulls seemed out of sorts and outmanned by the favorite. This was evident when multiple technical fouls were handed out (nine, most in a game since 2001), and with a handful of fourth quarter ejections. Joakim Noah was tossed, followed shortly by Taj Gibson, for arguing with referee Scott Foster. Expect Gibson to be dealt a suspension for his tirade.
The Heat took any momentum Chicago had rolling and squashed it. Even having gained home court advantage in the series, the Bulls look out of control and lacking the poise it takes to beat the monstrous attack of Miami.
The Heat got solid production from their group of superstars, with LeBron James cashing in for 19 points and nine assists. The stat line didn’t stop there as Ray Allen chipped in for 21 points, and Dwyane Wade tacked on another 15.
When the Heat are playing this brand of basketball, they are truly unstoppable. Look for Miami to win two on Chicago’s home court and head back to Florida with an opportunity to close out the series in Game 5.
Miami’s Game 1 loss to the Bulls is looking more and more like just a bump in the road on the journey to another NBA title.
Jason Weingartner in an NBA and NFL contributor for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @JaWeingartner or add him to your network on Google.
