I had this awful feeling leading up to this game that the Bulls might come out flat and nervous and they did both. The media spent a good four days talking about how great they are and loving them and picking them make a Finals run. Today they had to live up to that and I think that got to them a bit.

They looked tight and nervous in the first few positions of the game. I think everyone did besides Rose who seems to never be rattled. What really surprised me was how they played as the game went on. Almost like they were waiting for the Pacers to suck, back off and let them take the game. That never came until 48 secs left.  Before that I pretty much mailed the game in after the Psycho T and one dunk.

@dabullcrapRyan

When you shoot like this you win. Bulls just got a reality check.

Then Rose pulls yet another rabbit out of his hat and the Bulls win. This is the one worry I had going into the playoffs. Are the Bulls like Lebron's Cavs where you stop everyone else and let Lebron or Rose do their thing. I hope not because we won't get close to sniffing the Finals if thats the case. I'm glad they figured out how to win but the holes are there and lets hope they find ways to plug them.

Deng late to the party.

As well as he played in the 4th he was late to this party. Doing nothing to help Rose in the first half. He played Granger great on defense but he needs to be the other guy to fill it up when Rose is resting. Lucky enough Deng hit some big 3s in the 4th and even grabbed a tech as he stood up for Rose. It was bizarre to see Deng grab a tech and get the crowd going. Not always in his nature. That leads me to the next thing.

Tough

I asked this question during the season. How tough is this team? We know they are easy to like and love but can they step on peoples throats? Can they get down and dirty? I really thought they were a bit soft today to be honest. The Pacers played physical ball while the Bulls didn't. This team needs to get tough and fast. People are now gunning for you. Bums like Foster want to knock knock your block off and "Goon" it up. And you better not back down like you did today for 3 plus quarters.

The Booz

I have supported him for all season. I know his short comings. I know his d sucks, I know he struggles vs bigger defenders but today he had terrible day. A melt down really. Boozer is one of those players that when things get tough or don't go his way(foul trouble) he goes into his shell. He gets worse. He won't forget it and bounce back. Thats what he did today. Gotta hand it to Thibs for sticking with him. After the and one dunk I would have pulled his ass. There were also mind boggling moments when he had guys like Rush on him in the post and he would pull out a fade away to the corner jumper when he could have pounded the dude for a lay up. He gotta be smarter and tougher if the Bulls are gonna do this thing. He gotta get to the hoop.



The Good
-Rose is with out a doubt the MVP
-Noah finding some bits of his game
-Korver was huge

The Bad
-The bench wasn't great
-CJ went back to Warrior CJ
-Rose's three point shot
-Pacer shooting %(I don't think it lasts)

The Ugly
-Carlos Boozer
-Brewers fear
-Don't let Jon Berry near a mic.
-Overall defensive effort

The Players

Noah: He wasn't great all game but he looked more like Noah. He got his normal double double and brought us energy. I think he is getting closer.
Boozer: A day he needs to forget. When shit its the fan he needs to respond better.
Deng: His inner emotion awoke. He had a few clutch shots.
Bogans: No where to be seen. Missed all three shots.
Rose: The only Bull to not get rattled. Hung in and showed how to lead.

The Bench Mob

Korver: His shot was on today and without we lose. He had some bad TO but he saved this teams ass.
Brewer: He almost made me eat my TV remote when he stole the ball at the end of the 3rd and could have attacked the rim on the fast break, he got scared and kicked out to a trailing Rose who had to take a tough three. If you don't want to score then get off the court. Nothing makes me more pissed then a hesitant player. Rant over.

Thomas: Was tough and kept the Bulls going with some hard plays. He was a huge signing.
Gibson: Shy and was nervous. Needs to shake it.
Watson: For whatever reason CJ went into jack a shot mode. This was the CJ I couldn't stand in the start of the season.
Asik: Didn't get much of a run.

Leave you with Noah overload....