While most of the points for the Bulls whipping of the Heat in the 103-82 Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals came from a predictable source. It was the young Taj Gibson who set the pace for the Bulls. An early two handed slam that resulted in the most devastating posterization of local boy Dwayne Wade the Bulls made one thing clear. "We are glad that you [Heat] got your team together to beat the Celtics because that is as far as you are going." Gibson seemed to be the cornerstone of all the big plays for the Bulls. A nice assist to another young Bull, Omer Asik, led to an and-1 dunk to push the lead. Then it was the nail in the coffin, the look at me, we are here to stay, exclamation point, boo-ya-ka-sha of a dunk by Gibson with a little over 30 seconds left in the game.
The Bulls were out to make a statement, and they did. From the beginning of the season, the Bulls have bought into Coach of Year Tom Thibodeau's defensive strategy. Last night, the Bulls held Lebron James to only 15 points. Nobody for the Heat even scored 20 points for the game.
Offensively, this is a tough match up for the Heat. The Heat have solid defenders at every position on the court with the exception of Boozer at the 4. But, Chicago can slide Noah over onto Bosh, and Boozer can cover the never ending line of centers that the Heat use through the course of the game. Then, when the second team rotates in, the Bulls protect the basket with the NBA's best bench defenders, Gibson and Asik. Gibson showed that last night with a key block of James on a drive to the basket.
Looking forward in the series, the Heat are going to have to find a way to get in transition. Even if they do, they better watch out because you never know when Taj Gibson will be looking to make a statement.
Dunk face.
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