2 Observations:

1) It took all of tip-off for Wade to start getting ridiculously soft calls that send him to the line

2) Skiles is pulling a Dolphin and triple teaming Shaq and the Bulls are promptly being for open 3s on the swing or kick out passes.

Bulls are getting a little more into it now, with some better rotation off those double teams on Shaq. Wade did get some questionable calls, but both of Shaq's fouls so far have been extremely dubious, so I don't think the officiating has been that much of a factor overall.

No, I don't think the refs have negatively impacted the game at this point, but Wade does get the benefit more than any player in history.

Also, having Nocioni back is appearing to have a difference, if only mentally, at this point. The Heat might not be doing too much laughing as this series progresses.

Sefalosha showed the veterans how it's done a few possessions ago. The Bulls acted like cowards a couple of times when Shaq was in there, including Ben Wallace giving up a layup to throw a cross-court pass that was picked off. But then Sefalosha, too young to "know" any better, barreled straight to the hoop and drew a blocking foul on Shaq, which was his 3rd.

True, but Wallace not being regarded as an offensive player would get him a charge on that play 9 times out of 10.

I do like how Thabo is doing exactly what you have to do with Wade, back off, don't let him drive and make him think he's a good jump shooter. CHI really picked up and ended the half on a high note. If MIA loses this, I see them doing a lot more complaining the rest of the series.

Hinrich is an idiot. Commits his 4th foul, throws his mouthpiece, gets T'd up. Bulls have been better with Sefalosha out there, but now it looks like he's going to have play most of this half.

With 5 minutes left in the 3rd, the Bulls are really getting it done on D. Heat have only 9 points so far this quarter, and Shaq just committed his 4th.

Bulls up 10 after the 3rd, but they were unable to extend their lead even after Wade committed his 4th foul and joined Shaq on the bench with 3 minutes left. Bulls are in pretty good shape here, but they've let Miami stay in it, which could come back to bite them if the Heat get anything going on offense.

Bulls getting very 3 happy late..looking for the knockout punch too soon.

ah crap...here go the Bulls going dry from the field....bad news....bad timing

AND missing FTs? Lord...

Big Ben earning his money today

...and Wade just tried to roll over and play dead. Man, I can't stand that guy.

Very weird...Shaq and Wade sit down with 5 fouls each at about the 8 minute mark, and the Heat cut the lead from 9 to 3 over the next few minutes. Shaq and Wade return with 5 minutes left, and the Bulls score 5 in a row in the next 30 seconds!

This is a fun game to watch. Physical Eastern playoff game. The NBA has forgotten that it was games like this that made them popular. No one used to watch back in the 70's when it was all high scoring.

I was not sure who I was going to root for as I dislike both teams, kind of find myself gravitating to the Heat. Bulls fans have nothing to complain about with the calls. Lot of questionable calls going the Bulls way and Shaq/Wade has been in foul trouble all game.

Hopefully the Heat can pull this one out. A win here and the series is almost guaranteed to go 6 or 7.

I think that's why +/- stats go out the window...who's going to argue that you want Shaq and Wade on the bench?...lol



...J. Will with shades of Damon Jones

Wow, Shaq fouls out with one foot in the restricted area, on an and one by Nocioni.

I think that's why +/- stats go out the window...who's going to argue that you want Shaq and Wade on the bench?...lol

Remember how that happened to the Pistons in Game 1 last year? Shaq and Wade both got into foul trouble in the first half, but the Heat's other units wound up something like +10 for the game.

Best quote of the night:

"Great crossover!"

- Jon Barry
as Wade gets his pocket picked at the FT line.

The bulls and heat are playing superior ball in the 4th. If the bulls keep playing like this going into the 2nd round we may be trouble as well. If we think we can dick around with these guys if they advance to the semi-finals it will be a toss-up. We better get serious and quick. I really hope our guys are watching this game because they are looking at themselves 3 years ago.

Remember how that happened to the Pistons in Game 1 last year? Shaq and Wade both got into foul trouble in the first half, but the Heat's other units wound up something like +10 for the game.

Exactly...I think NBA TV has some mindless segment showing the +/- lineups of the night and they are these insanely ridiculous player combinations.

Bulls fans have nothing to complain about with the calls. Lot of questionable calls going the Bulls way and Shaq/Wade has been in foul trouble all game.

Yeah, they've gotten some breaks. At least a couple of Shaq's fouls were on very dicey calls, back in the first half. Bulls D in the second half on Shaq and Wade was terrific, and it looks like it's going to be enough for them to pull this one out, with Deng having a huge game.

jesus...here we go with every call for wade from here on out

The bulls and heat are playing superior ball in the 4th. If the bulls keep playing like this going into the 2nd round we may be trouble as well. If we think we can dick around with these guys if they advance to the semi-finals it will be a toss-up. We better get serious and quick. I really hope our guys are watching this game because they are looking at themselves 3 years ago.


This is a fun game to watch - - especially Shaq fouling out. I think you are right on the bolded part and that makes me a little sad.

I'm rooting for the Bulls cause of Ben, but they're not going to be easy if it's them we see.

This is a fun game to watch... A win here and the series is almost guaranteed to go 6 or 7.

I agree. Nice to see Nocioni back on the court. Shaq just fouled out. Wade hit a ridiculous bank shot. This is going to be a very entertaining series. And yeah, it's nice to see the entertaining done by the East Coast teams for a chance. Love the physical play. So far reffing seemed "balancedly inept" with some very bad calls on both sides and I think calling the game too tight actually. I really really like the Bulls team, win or lose. They are just plain fun to watch to me.

The Bulls have made and had alot of things go right for them in this game. If they don't win it...it's not good for their prospects.

P.S. I forgot to say....I also cannot stand Wade. He's one of a few players in the NBA that I love to hate. I just love it when he looks sad.

man, these guys are so hoping for a miraculous MIA win

man, these guys are so hoping for a miraculous MIA win


ugh... they are! so! annoying! they seemed flabbergasted any time a foul was called on Wade.

Bulls are doing everything they can to help Miami win by going ice cold on offense.

great job by the bulls today. this will build momentum for them in game 2 and they will still have the benefit of seeing what they did wrong and how Riley countered.

Big Ben = Earning the Dough

Good win by the BIG BEN Bulls.....very fun game to watch I just hope our boys come out with some intensity tonight

I know David Stern is having some rolaids right now because his Cleveland vs. Miami conf finals series may be going up in smoke. Chicago is scary but I feel we can still beat them if we get back to defending.

Weird game...I'm not sure how much of this is going to carry over into the other games. The Bulls played terrific D in the third, but then they gave up 29 in the 4th and were one Wade 3 away from a tie game in the final seconds. Riley will be working the refs like crazy over the next couple of days, and with some justification, certainly vis-a-vis Shaq. The next couple of games could easily play out very differently from this one--I don't necessarily mean in terms of the final score, but in terms of how the game flow ends up happening.

I agree. Nice to see Nocioni back on the court. Shaq just fouled out. Wade hit a ridiculous bank shot. This is going to be a very entertaining series. And yeah, it's nice to see the entertaining done by the East Coast teams for a chance. Love the physical play. So far reffing seemed "balancedly inept" with some very bad calls on both sides and I think calling the game too tight actually. I really really like the Bulls team, win or lose. They are just plain fun to watch to me.

The Bulls have made and had alot of things go right for them in this game. If they don't win it...it's not good for their prospects.

P.S. I forgot to say....I also cannot stand Wade. He's one of a few players in the NBA that I love to hate. I just love it when he looks sad.

They called the game way too tight. Hopefully the league will review it and make some adjustments for game 2. I have to agree with Jon Barry in that there were too many offensive charge calls.

Overall the Bulls earned the win. Funny when you root for the Heat Wade is not so annoying anymore. I think the Pistons need to face the Heat.

Best quote of the night:

"Great crossover!"

- Jon Barry
as Wade gets his pocket picked at the FT line.



John Barry is the worst commentator. He sounded like an idiot.

I think Shaq would foul out of every single playoff game against Ben Wallace if it was called fair. I can't believe the announcers said the only iffy call was the one where Shaq spun and put his elbow in Ben's face. That was the clearest foul of the 6.

Deng was on fire... but so was Walker. I though the Bulls would have a clearer advantage in this series. After watching this game, I'm not sure which team I'd bet on.

I can't believe the announcers said the only iffy call was the one where Shaq spun and put his elbow in Ben's face. That was the clearest foul of the 6.



It has always been a "no-call" when Shaq`s elbows are swung into Ben`s face. There must have been a rule change from Ronnie Nunn going into this offseason.

Shaq`s elbows only recieve a no-call when they wack a Piston player in the face.

Get it? Ben is a Bull now!

Still can't decide who I want to win this series... we may match up with the Heat better... but the Bulls lack much playoff experience.
I don't see how the Heat will contend with the Bulls athletisism... Chicago should win at the FT line.

. . . I feel we can still beat them "if" we get back to defending.

" D " is the only premise, like what you did, man, I have also a big " if " with question, will they back to it ? They trend to open a big hole in the paint.

this is going to be the most interesting series in the first round. The Bulls are a team that is quite like us and Wade doesn't seem to be himself.
His should won't get better as the playoffs go on and even if the Heat should advance (which I doubt), he's going to be so tired in the next round that he'll slowly become a non- factor.
I wonder why Skiles isn't trying to let Ben defend Shaq one on one. Everyone knows he can do that.

Chicago is a tough place to play. The Bulls will not be able to count on getting Shaq into foul trouble every game. The question becomes, can they continue to hold serve, and can they be effective in Miami.

It remains to be seen.

This is a fun game to watch. Physical Eastern playoff game. The NBA has forgotten that it was games like this that made them popular. No one used to watch back in the 70's when it was all high scoring.

I was not sure who I was going to root for as I dislike both teams, kind of find myself gravitating to the Heat. Bulls fans have nothing to complain about with the calls. Lot of questionable calls going the Bulls way and Shaq/Wade has been in foul trouble all game.

Hopefully the Heat can pull this one out. A win here and the series is almost guaranteed to go 6 or 7.

I hate both team so much.......wade is complaining about calls....what a girl he really is.

I hate both team so much.......wade is complaining about calls....what a girl he really is.

I know. I don't think there has been a series in which I despised the 2 teams any more.

If I have to pick one I pick the Heat. I would like to see the Pistons get another chance at the Heat and I would love to see the Benny Bulls lose in the 1st round. Either way, whoever does not make it out of the 1st round is going to be hating it. The Heat can just blame it on Wades injury though. The Bulls would have to answer a lot of questions this summer.

The thing is... if the Heat can keep up with the Bulls... then we can not rely on them being to old anymore.

I know. I don't think there has been a series in which I despised the 2 teams any more.

If I have to pick one I pick the Heat. I would like to see the Pistons get another chance at the Heat and I would love to see the Benny Bulls lose in the 1st round. Either way, whoever does not make it out of the 1st round is going to be hating it. The Heat can just blame it on Wades injury though. The Bulls would have to answer a lot of questions this summer.

I agree Max.

I cannot think of two teams I hate more, although I like Deng, Nocioni, Hinrich,Wallace, and a couple other Bulls. I also like Wade despite his frequent histionics.

My hatred of the Bulls is an old healthy hatred dating back to the Pippen/Jordan era, and my hatred of the Heat from the more recent rivalry.

I've noticed the whole Shaq thing as well. He picks up fouls against the Bulls, even last year, that would NEVER be called if the Heat were playing the Pistons . . .

It has always been a "no-call" when Shaq`s elbows are swung into Ben`s face. There must have been a rule change from Ronnie Nunn going into this offseason.

Shaq`s elbows only recieve a no-call when they wack a Piston player in the face.

Get it? Ben is a Bull now!

Don't tell his mama but Ben ain't got such a pretty face, so the way I see it this is nothing more than a no harm no foul on Shaq's part. LOL

:hoops:

Ben got quit a few calls in the 04 Finals, seemed like Shaq was always in foul trouble. He did not get too many calls last season because he played like sh!t.

When Flip took him out in crunch time to avoid the foul shooting like Skiles did he was fuming. Guess its ok now, Skiles must have put him in his place.

Whatever happen in this series, I just hope it goes the distance (7 games).And if the Pistons can close out the Magic in a maximum of 5 games, we will have the physical edge. And if it really goes 7 games, I expect we will have a better chance playing the Heat as the team is much older. (like Pistons vs the Cavs last year).

Seems like we have match up problems against the Bulls (Warriors vs Mavericks). Rather not play them.

Raptors and Nets series may end up 6 games. Cavs and Wizards series should be over in a maximum of 5 games. Therefore the Cavs will have the biggest advantage being the 2nd seed.

Interestingly, Shaq thinks that this is as good as Chicago team can play and that Miami has another notch to turn. It is also possible that he is not going to get fouls called on him as much in the future games, making them all that more interesting. But I agree, I'd love to see them go 7 with Miami winning, so that they could be in the same shoes that Detroit was last year.

Interestingly, Shaq thinks that this is as good as Chicago team can play and that Miami has another notch to turn.

I don't know about that. Deng isn't going to blow up like that in every single game, but how often is Antoine going to go for 20? Plus, Hinrich contributed almost nothing, and he and Gordon were a combined 0-9 on 3s.

Still, like I said upthread, it was a weird game and I'm not sure how predictive it's going to be of how this series will play out.

I don't know about that. Deng isn't going to blow up like that in every single game, but how often is Antoine going to go for 20? Plus, Hinrich contributed almost nothing, and he and Gordon were a combined 0-9 on 3s.

Still, like I said upthread, it was a weird game and I'm not sure how predictive it's going to be of how this series will play out.

I don't think most of the first games are any indicator. Just look at the West. Most still think that Mavericks and Spurs will win their respective series.

Right, I agree. I was just responding to Shaq's statement that you mentioned. If he thinks Chicago already played their best in Game 1 and that Miami can only play better, I'm not sure I agree.

Who do we want to win this series?

I'm not sure which team we match up better against.

Miami barely winning in 7 with Wade re-aggrevating his shoulder would probably be ideal (not wishing for injury, but re-injury... I think that is a loophole that doesn't make it in bad taste).

Who do we want to win this series?

I'm not sure which team we match up better against.

Miami barely winning in 7 with Wade re-aggrevating his shoulder would probably be ideal (not wishing for injury, but re-injury... I think that is a loophole that doesn't make it in bad taste).

That would be good. I'd take Miami after 7-game series with Bulls without Wade. Maybe they can step on Shaq's ankle while at it? And then we could have Nets injure LeBron for the Conference Finals.
I don't think we're going to have it that easy. What I am afraid of is Chicago winning in 5-6 games and being totally ready for Pistons with a couple of days of rest for Wallace.

This will be a great chance for CHI to send MIA home early. If they stick to their offense, continue to attack the basket, and Skiles continues to NOT aggressively double or triple team Shaq they WILL win.

The reason we struggled so much last year is that Dolphin continued to throw aggressive double/triple teams at Shaq and he just continued to find open Heat players instead of taking all the shots himself, that coupled with our player insisting on trying to D up Wade chest to chest instead of making him a jump shooter.

If they continue to have Hinrich and Sefolosha back off of Wade and not allow him to drive the paint, this will be and easier series for CHI than anyone anticipated. Shaq will continue to wear out at the end of games and become ineffective with Ben guarding him (as evidenced by Shaq not being able to score 50/60 pts in the playoffs). He will never score enough on his own to beat you if you defend the other Heat players straight up because he will always become fatiqued as the game wears on...especially with Wallace being one of the few NBA players strong enough to exert resistance to Shaq's movements.
(http://www.nba.com/playerfile/thabo_sefolosha/index.html?nav=page)

I'm definitely rooting for Chicago... but not sure if I should be.

The Pistons seem to be better at stopping superstars.

Chicago Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich was fined $25,000 by the NBA on Monday for throwing his mouthpiece into the stands during a playoff victory over the Miami Heat.


Hinrich fired his mouthpiece into the stands after picking up his fourth foul early in the third quarter, and got a technical. The guard finished with two points and five fouls in the Bulls' 96-91 win at United Center on Saturday.

More from Wade:

Dwyane Wade acknowledged again that his physical woes, primarily a sore knee, limit his offensive explosiveness and defensive ability.

Going back to the previous conversations we've had on this - what's his usefulness if he can't play?

More from Wade:

Dwyane Wade acknowledged again that his physical woes, primarily a sore knee, limit his offensive explosiveness and defensive ability.

Going back to the previous conversations we've had on this - what's his usefulness if he can't play?


Well he's good at drawing touch fouls.

Chicago's win was a good thing. I figured Miami would take game one. Now we'll have a 7 game series. Both teams will be tired by the next round. Go Shaq........................Go Ben ...........................

I'm pulling for Chicago all the way. Personally, I think Chicago will be a harder match up for the Pistons over a 7 game stretch, but I also think it will make for great, great basketball.

Ben vs. Webber should be awesome!

I'm pulling for Chicago all the way. Personally, I think Chicago will be a harder match up for the Pistons over a 7 game stretch, but I also think it will make for great, great basketball.
I agree on all counts.

Webber had better get back to midseason form quickly, since his scoring against Ben is going to be our only reliable offense in that (hypothetical) series.

Shaq and his ilk seem on way out on ChicagoSports.com (http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/columnists/cs-070423smith,1,6956223.column?coll=cs-bulls-headlines)
Is it over for Shaq? Is he extinct, a wobbly mammoth?

Not just Shaq, really, but the era of the big man in the NBA? Could it be that the Bulls, in their quest to build a championship team despite their inability to obtain a scoring big man, have stumbled upon the new formula for success in the NBA?

Just beat 'em down the lane, outquick 'em, and when they get the ball, get in their way and fall down.
Seems a little premature. The Bulls have won a home playoff game. Whoopity doo.

Wallace becomes a fruitful flopper - 04/24/2007 - MiamiHerald.com (http://www.miamiherald.com/592/story/84462.html)
Shaquille O'Neal wasn't about to give Ben Wallace much credit.

Not after O'Neal was disqualified from a game in large part because his Bulls counterpart drew two questionable fouls against him with a bit of theatrics.

So when O'Neal was asked if this year's Bulls are any different with Wallace manning the middle, he insisted the big man has made little impact.

''Same team. Same team,'' O'Neal said. ``They play fast, they play hard, a lot of flopping, a lot of messing around. Same team.''

Maybe O'Neal doesn't want to see it, but it's hard not to notice the Wallace impact on this year's version of the Chicago Bulls.

The former Piston's domination of the glass on both ends of the floor is a major reason the Heat is 1-4 against the Bulls this season. And his board work was especially critical down the stretch of Game 1 on Saturday.

When the Heat closed to within a point in the final minute, it was Wallace's tip to Luol Deng that allowed the Bulls to gain possession and force the Heat to foul and put Ben Gordon on the line.

''Not only did he tip it, he tipped it left-handed and knowingly right to a teammate,'' Bulls coach Scott Skiles said of Wallace's big play. ``One of the strengths of Ben is generating possessions for the team. It's one of the reasons we've scored more points this year.''

``One of the strengths of Ben is generating possessions for the team. It's one of the reasons we've scored more points this year.''
The sound you just heard was several of Flip Saunders' cervical vertabrae popping because of an unusually severe neck twitch.

"One of the strengths of Ben is generating possessions for the team. It's one of the reasons we've scored more points this year.''

That's an invalid reason because it doesn't consist of or contain 'hitting more shots.'

Look in today's paper for an image of Webber's "smothering defense" on Howard. Who needs Ben?
:pound:

I'm pulling for Chicago all the way. Personally, I think Chicago will be a harder match up for the Pistons over a 7 game stretch, but I also think it will make for great, great basketball.

Ben vs. Webber should be awesome!

I really could go either way. It would be more entertaining to see the Pistons/Bulls but it would also be great to see them lose in the 1st round. Miami as well, so who knows.

I really could go either way. It would be more entertaining to see the Pistons/Bulls but it would also be great to see them lose in the 1st round. Miami as well, so who knows.
Yeah... too bad they can't both lose in the first round. :)

Wow--Nocioni with 7 points in the last 10 seconds of the first quarter! That was big.

Deng has been awful so far, but Gordon and Hinrich have been hitting, and the Bulls are hustling well on both ends. Defense on Shaq and Wade has been pretty good; Heat scoring has been balanced, but no single player has really been able to get going for them yet.

1st gem I saw after getting home....Mourning clobbers Thomas after a dunk attempt...no foul. Hinrich slightly bumps Wade on a layup....foul.

Actually I thought that Zo block on the Tyrus dunk attempt was clean. Zo was doing a nice job on both ends, before dropping passes out of bounds on two consecutive possessions.

...and what the hell is the deal with the "professionals" at TNT? This is the second night in a row the audio level is clipping to the point of distortion on the non-HD broadcast.

idiots.

Bulls have generously let the Heat get right back in it with a string of dumb turnovers. They're shooting well, but their ball-handling is breaking down.

Ben was shoved from behind just before the Posey three... I can understand giving Shaq free throws whenever he's blocked, but why Haslem gets non-calls is beyond me.

And Duhon is just awful.

Actually I thought that Zo block on the Tyrus dunk attempt was clean. Zo was doing a nice job on both ends, before dropping passes out of bounds on two consecutive possessions.

The block was clean, but you don't get to lay a guy out on the follow through, just because you hit the ball first. Zo clearly forearmed the guy across the face/neck after the block.

That's like players who argue that they shouldn't be called for a foul because a guy doesn't have the ball or that they can run a guy over after he's shot the ball. It's the equivalent of a loose ball or off the ball foul.

Kapono was the one keeping the Heat in it in the second quarter, and also Posey hitting those two 3s. The Bulls actually did better when Shaq was on the floor.

I think I am going to go with the Bulls now. Be nice to get another crack at Miami but its been 2 years straight already. We got them, they got us. Shaq is getting old.

Pistons have been beating up on the Bulls in the reg season since the Jordan days but we are yet to face them in the playoffs since that disaster in 1991. They are kind of cocky anyway about the 3 seasonal wins so that would be a fun series. Send Ben home early. Show the Bulls that its not breaking any rules to have a center that is actually capable of making shots and hitting FT's.

Great start for the Bulls in the 3rd, back up 11. They're pushing the pace, and Shaq has barely even touched the ball.

Holy crap, Bulls by 16! This is an incredible run they're on. PJ has been an X-factor for them with his jumpers, but everything's working for the Bulls right now.

That flagrant foul was total BS...at least Shaq turned it over so it didn't end up mattering.

Wow, Skiles is about to strangle Nocioni for giving up a layup to Antoine.

Man, these two game have been like music to my eyes.

And Duhon is just awful.

Man, you're not kidding. He can't do anything right. Fortunately for the Bulls, Antoine obliged by throwing up a couple of ridiculous bricks while Duhon was on the floor.

And now Antoine drains a 3 at the buzzer...Bulls still up 14 going into the 4th.

Boy did Walker travel on that 3 or what?

...sad part is...CHI won't be allowed to even look in Wade's direction in MIA the next two games.

Maybe not, but I think the officiating has been OK for the Bulls tonight. Way fewer fouls called on both teams, which helps Chicago because it lets them keep the pace going.

LOL at TNT turning off their arena mic after the third round of "Posey sucks" chants.

Bulls struggled badly against that small Heat lineup, but it looks like they've weathered the storm now.

LOL at TNT turning off their arena mic after the third round of "Posey sucks" chants.

Hilarious...I've always been a big fan of the B***S***! chant. The networks can't control it and they always just try to ignore it like it's not happening.

Chicago is very impressive. Lights out shooting (seems to happen a lot with them), and scrappy defense.

Deng doesn't miss inside of 20 feet. Between him and Gordon, Miami's perimeter defense just isn't good enough to win this series with Wade and/or Williams having to be on the floor.

And a fantastic game from Ben tonight, even with only 6 rebounds.

Low has officially left the Pistons for the Bulls.

This team is a lot like the hungry young team we had in 2001-2004.

I didn't realize Posey was such dirty player until I saw those highlights of him leveling three bulls players. No wonder the Posey sucks chants :)

The Bulls are quicker than the "old" Heat and will probably take one of those down in south beach

I thinking that I would rather see the Pistons face the Bulls here and take our chances that we can contain either Gordon or Deng or they have at least 4 bad shooting nights.

I think if Heat comeback and win this series, it will give them more confidence and Stern would want that King James/Wade/Shaq> EC Finals. The Pistons have already over come questionable officiating in the Magic series so far, but we haven't seen anything yet if the Pistons play the Heat

We'll see what happens in Miami, but the Bulls have been able to win two different types of games here, one foul-filled slugfest and one sloppy but fast-paced shootout. I doubt that Gordon will be this hot every game, but it looks like the Heat have no answers for Deng, and the Bulls D has clamped down when they needed it. The Heat have been in this position before, of course, and managed to get out of it, but this looks like it'll be a pretty steep climb for them. Still, it's a whole new series if the Heat win both at home, so let's not write them off just yet.

Man, I'm lovin every minute of this series so far.

Wow, if Chicago keeps playing like this and can steal one on the road in Miami can we beat these guys. I believe we can but the better question is can we muster up the energy to keep up with this team. Be afraid, be very afraid. I really hope we are watching these games so we can get the %%%% scared out of us. If we can defend homecourt we'll be ok but if we dont we may be out in 6.

Low has officially left the Pistons for the Bulls...

I wouldn't quite say that, but I'm very happy with the way this is going.

Get ready for Chicago. I wanted Chicago more than Miami but now not so sure. The Heat are a shell of themselves with Wade at no more than 75%.

It is not that Chicago is hot. Miami can't stay with them in the open floor or for the entire shot clock. I told a friend after game 1 that if the Bulls got the same looks in game 2, lights out. They know they can get the looks so they are shooting in a zone.

This reminds me of when we beat the Lakers for the title. Remember Larry saying "Guys, we can get any shot we want", during game 1. Nothing changed in that series.

Anything can happen but how do you adjusts for a key injury to your star and lack of team speed?

Well, I don't know....I have a feeling this series isn't over just yet. But it's true that Wade isn't going to get back to 100% in the next few days, and the Bulls did show a lot of poise in both games.

Bring on the Bulls. Wow, that would be one heck of a series. Flip would have to go 9 or 10 deep.

Skiles would make sure they run the Pistons ragged. C-Webb and Sheed would be fatigued by the second quarter.

One thing is certain, the jumpers would not be falling each and every game, however the Bulls quickness, and agressive offense (attacking the basket) will be a nightmare for the slow of foot Pistons.

Our only hope would be to get Deng, Nocioni, Gordon and Heinrich to play some defense and get into foul trouble.

Our only hope would be to get Deng, Nocioni, Gordon and Heinrich to play some defense and get into foul trouble.
I disagree. Going 1-on-1 against those defenders and Skiles's rotations would just lead to bad shots and turnovers, which fuel the Bulls fastbreak. The weak point in their defense is Ben Wallace's weak man defense and PJ Brown's lack of mobility – slow the game to a crawl and ram a steady diet of postups and pick-and-rolls down their throat until they're forced to go zone and then open up the perimeter game.

And God help the Pistons' halfcourt defense. Maybe Lindsey can loan Chauncey and Tayshaun some diet pills…

I don't know if I'm biased here or what, but I thought there were some horrendous calls in this game.

The very first play, Ben cleanly blocks Shaq's dunk and gets the foul.

A couple phantom fouls in Wade's favor.

A flagrant foul call that wasn't even a foul, and Posey gets the call of all people (I'm not sure if I've ever seen a phantom flagrant... but it happened tonight).

Going after a loose ball, Antione Walker just sort of barrels over Hinrich and ends up falling on top of him... which they call on Kirk, his 5th, taking him out of the game down the stretch.

This is exactly why I have to root against the Heat. I'm afraid to play them because the calls will send Sheed over the edge.

All in all, I think the shady calls were about 15-2 in favor of the Heat.

Ta'Shawn,

Bad calls and the Heat still lose. Not even Stern may be able to bail them out. And they just did a new round of Wade commercials.

T-Mobile should have hooked up with Deng.

Is Deng good or what? And people wanted them to trade him for Gasol. Dunno if they'd be better off with Pau. That guy never won a playoff series.

Is Deng good or what? And people wanted them to trade him for Gasol. Dunno if they'd be better off with Pau. That guy never won a playoff series.

Has Deng?

Do not have the luxury to watch this series. Did Ben guard Shaq one on one?

As I have stated before, I would rather have this 2 teams beat each other out for 7 games before we face any of them. But I would still prefer the Stones play the Heat than the Bulls. The Bulls are scary.

Ben was doing a nice job on Shaq one-on-one to keep him away from the hoop. But inevitably Shaq would start backing in and the Bulls were forced to throw some double teams at him... which worked well because Shaq would then pass it out to Walker, Williams, and the wounded Wade.

Ben provided enough resistance that Shaq appeared to be wearing out late in the game. Once Shaq broke through Ben, he actually missed quite a few point blank shots... aparantly due to fatigue. Ben took one of Shaq's patented elbows to the face and got the call, which was enough to keep him from going to that move again.

The surprising thing about Ben was that he had 4 baskets that weren't all easy. He showed some creativity around the rim.

Both Chic and Miami are crappy road teams. Miami 17-24 and Chic 18-23. Its going to be a different series in Miami. The Bulls have not shown the mental toughness to put anything away on the road so I would guess that Miami will win both games and tie it up at 2-2. Its going 7.

By the way, did they rescind that flagrant foul yet? Did anyone here believe there was ANY contact at all on the play?

I disagree. Going 1-on-1 against those defenders and Skiles's rotations would just lead to bad shots and turnovers, which fuel the Bulls fastbreak. The weak point in their defense is Ben Wallace's weak man defense and PJ Brown's lack of mobility – slow the game to a crawl and ram a steady diet of postups and pick-and-rolls down their throat until they're forced to go zone and then open up the perimeter game.

And God help the Pistons' halfcourt defense. Maybe Lindsey can loan Chauncey and Tayshaun some diet pills…


We are talking about the Pistons here remember!!

Postups? Yeah right. Who is going to provide a steady diet of postups? And, the pick and rolls would result in Sheed shooting 3`s which is a huge part of the perimeter game.

That dog won`t hunt............

Miami's just resting........NowTHEIR series will begin. They'll win cause I picked them to. They'll get it done in seven. Wade is ready to play now.

Who is going to provide a steady diet of postups?
Webber, who's eaten Ben Wallace alive with his back to the basket even after his injury.
And, the pick and rolls would result in Sheed shooting 3`s which is a huge part of the perimeter game.
Fine with me– an open 3 from Rasheed is probably the highest-percentage shot the Pistons will get in this series.

Webber, who's eaten Ben Wallace alive with his back to the basket even after his injury.

Fine with me– an open 3 from Rasheed is probably the highest-percentage shot the Pistons will get in this series.

If we are depending on Webber posting up and Sheed`s 3`s, we will be swept!!!!

If we are depending on Webber posting up and Sheed`s 3`s, we will be swept!!!!
A possibility.

Those are the weakest areas of Chicago's defense. If we are depending on Billups and Hamilton isolation scores and Tayshaun Prince learning how to pass, we will certainly lose this series. Webb and Sheed just give us a small chance to avoid losing.

FOX Sports - NBA - Basket Case: Shaq's wasted potential (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/6738210?MSNHPHMA)

Shaq's running out of steam


The defending champions aren't dead, but it certainly seems like a fine time to gather their next of kin.

Who can save the Miami Heat from the perils of their 0-2, opening-round playoff predicament with the Chicago Bulls? Let's go with Shaquille O'Neal, the guy who always seems to be saving himself for moments like these. When a few extra pounds suggest a rigorous off-season training commitment, Shaq has a better idea. When an injury that requires surgery can be accomplished during the summer, O'Neal would prefer that the team's best interests be assuaged during the team's time; why bother with training camp when the regular season can be used for recovery or reaching a suitable fitness level?

So, now that he's become proficient at saving himself for the playoffs, it's time for Shaq to drag his teammates and coach out of the first-round fire.

If Miami gets the same calls they got in games 1 and 2, there is no way the Bulls will beat them in Miami.

Let`s see if Skiles, Ben, and company can go for the kill in Miami. If the Bull`s don`t take one of these games in Miami, I believe tha Heat will win this series.

I say Wade goes to the line 15 times tonight................

Let`s see if Skiles, Ben, and company can go for the kill in Miami. If the Bull`s don`t take one of these games in Miami, I believe tha Heat will win this series.

I say Wade goes to the line 15 times tonight................

My gut says 19+

My gut says 19+

I'll take your 19, and raise it 3 more for a total of 22.

22 freethrows. Now that's playoff basketball.

Yeah, there should probably be an over/under on how many FTs Wade shoots.

And we'll come back to the old - who wants to see one guy shooting free throws the whole game?

Not looking forward to the white arena tonight. Maybe they've changed up their fan and arena look this year. I just hate it. I feel like there is a basketball game happening in the middle of a choir convention. I hope the Bulls can get one game of these two, but I agree that if they get the same calls they got in Chicago and then a few more (well, probably more than a few Wade calls) it's going to be a real deflator for the Bulls. Also, how come these shooters for the Miami ony seem to shoot well in the playoffs. Antoine Walker and James Posey were major zeros in the fantasy stats, and now 3.......3.......3......3......AARGH! I hate Miami so much. LOL.

Dick Bavetta sent in for Game 3... lol.

:victory:

After the first quarter, so far this game is looking like Game 2...Heat are shooting 50%, but the Bulls are shooting 60%! Deng and Hinrich have already combined for 19 points. Gordon got 2 quick fouls, but Duhon, surprisingly, has done an OK job off the bench. Ben drew 2 offensive fouls on Shaq, and Wade actually has only 2 FTs so far. He's not taking it the hole very much, contrary to his pre-game hype and the symbolic shedding of the left shoulder guard thing he's been wearing.

And now the Bulls turn it over on each of their first FIVE possessions of the second quarter...yikes. They're still up 1, though.

BEAT THE BULLS!

Let's go HEAT!

Bulls are crumbling here...big Miami run for a 6 point lead. Chicago has scored a whopping 2 points in the last 5 minutes.

Shaq goes right through two Bulls players for an offensive rebound... and gets the foul call.

Go Chicago.

Bulls have been awful for most of this quarter, but now they're only down 3.

C'mon HEAT! Go get'em 'Toine!

Shaq has hit two jumpshots tonight. Not jump hooks - jumpshots.

Be interesting to see if he can keep this up.

Where did this "Nochioni" pronunciation come from?

Bulls down 7 at the half after a horrendous second quarter. Not sure they can recover from that, but we'll see.

Well, it may be for the best. I think maybe we would be better off if Miami won the series, but I'm pretty sure if either team has to win an emotional game 7 or fight hard for 6 games at least, we should be in good shape.

So maybe we need to root for the Heat...just a bit.

Well, it may be for the best. I think maybe we would be better off if Miami won the series, but I'm pretty sure if either team has to win an emotional game 7 or fight hard for 6 games at least, we should be in good shape.

So maybe we need to root for the Heat...just a bit.

I think it may be hard for the Pistons to face a young, first-round battle tested, emotional Chicago Bulls. But it could be a great series to watch.

After 7, the Heat would just be worn out.

I know you're right, Tater, but I hate these clowns so much that I just can't do it. Not that I love the Bulls or anything, but I don't hate them.

This series needs to go 6 or 7. I don't care who wins really, except that The Low and I have come to the conclusion that he will be insufferable if the Bulls play the Pistons.

I think while the Bulls and the Heat battle it out Flipper should use the time to have the Pistons first unit practice with AJ. Then we wouldn't have to worry about either of these two teams!!! Provided Flipper follows through and plays him.

:hoops:

Bulls just can't stop turning it over out here. They look really bad.

Bulls just can't stop turning it over out here. They look really bad.

Don't fret. In Miami it ain't over until the alligator has you for dinner.

Florida's Everglades - Alligators (http://design42.com/everglades/alligators.html)

:hoops:

Whoa, Gordon with a serious no-free-chili hit on Wade in the open court...and no flagrant! That was pretty cool. But the Heat have pushed the lead into double digits.

Bulls back to within 5 now. I doubt that they're going to win this game, but they've showed some mental toughness here by getting back in it.

Bulls only down 4 going into the 4th. Could be a good finish here.

The difference in this game so far is turnovers, 15 for the Bulls to only 5 for the Heat. Bulls have dominated the boards again, 32-23 so far. Wade got it going in the 3rd, but if we're looking at this series as a whole, I'm still seeing trouble for the Heat, even if they hold on to win this game.

That was an amazing shot by Gordon to draw the foul.

If Chicago doesn't start rebounding a lot better, they have no chance.

...and they get a steal and then two offensive rebounds on one possession.

Antoine Walker is the Bulls' third-best player this half.

If Chicago doesn't start rebounding a lot better, they have no chance.

I assume you mean Miami?

Yeah, that Toine tip in into his own basket was awesome. :pound:

And the Emmy goes to...

I have never been in a position before where I wanted both teams to lose. They both annoy me so much. I have not cared before about who wins, here I want them both to lose. Suppose I should be pulling for the Heat so the series is not 3-0.

Impressive sequence for the Bulls here.

"This is pretty... a well-disciplined ball club."

Wow, 10-0 Bulls run to take a 3 point lead. Impressive.

Key stop for the Bulls to take the lead was one possession where Shaq was consecutively blocked by (a) Ben and (b) the rim.

Unless our bench can step up these bulls may run us wragged!!

Shaq can't get more than an inch off the floor in this quarter... this is three consecutive tipins he's been blocked by the rim.

Ben's strength is wearing him down.

I think it's mostly Father Time who's D-ing up on Shaq. But Ben has definitely done a nice job as well.

Tremendous sagging defense off of Haslem on that high screen-roll triggers a Wade turnover.

Bulls by 6.

Hinrich with a 3-pt dagger in transition to extend the lead to 6. Long way to go, but the Heat are on the brink here.

87-81 with 6:16 to go...Dre, first to what wins? First to 100?

First to 95

First to 91.

Yes...

Bulls are getting it done on D in the 4th, and taking good care of the ball. Gotta hand it to Low, they're definitely "playing the right way."

Haslem is costing the Bulls the game here with his man feeling free to roam off and double Wade.

Riley should go small with Kapono and Posey at the forwards to stretch the defense.

Hack-a-Hinrich? Good move, Posey...WTF.

Posey's lost his mind.

You foul Hinrich in the bonus when Ben Wallace is on the floor?

Riley tried to hack-a-Ben and Posey fouled Hinrich....lol

And now they're trying to Hack-a-Ben...2:27 left, Skiles should have subbed him out until under 2 minutes. Bulls still up 7.

...it never works

chicken ish call on that 3...justice

Geezus, Hinrich, fouling Wade on a 3?

Ben went 2-4 on the hack-a-Ben, so I guess it didn't really hurt them.

Wade is CHOKING at the FT line tonight.

Ball don't lie.

Yeah, backcourt. Delayed call, but it was the right one.

Bulls are playing with fire here.

%%%%ing Bavetta calls a backcourt violation five seconds after the loose ball?

There was no possession!

Yes there was. He took possession with one foot in the backcourt.

GO HEAT!

Gotta give that league champion time for a miracle at home.

The pass was tipped, but Hinrich's foot was over mid-court. I think the Heat would have had a legitimate complaint if that hadn't been called.

Yes there was. He took possession with one foot in the backcourt.

GO HEAT!

Um...you mean GO BULLS!

knew that was coming...

He took possession after the ball was tipped by Wade.

It was a loose ball.

Dick Bavetta makes this call from BEHIND Shaquille O'Neal.

Well, Wade had a good look to cut it to 1, but now Hinrich can push it back to 5.

Wade still asking for fouls

SWEET!!!!

Guess who didn't make that call?

Gotta love offense on Toine in the final minute. :pound:

And now Toine with the FLAGRANT! Even better! :lol:

Gotta love offense on Toine in the final minute. :pound:
On defense, too.

Hey, someone here called first to 100...:whoo:

This baby is over.

Well, the Bulls got Bavetta out of the way.

I'm guessing Salvatore's up next?

Well, even if the Heat had found a way to pull this one out in the last couple of minutes, I think the Bulls' performance tonight would still have demonstrated quite clearly that they were going to win this series. Now we know it's over for sure.

Pistons better wrap their series up tomorrow. Looks like Bulls are going to get some rest as well.

What a perfect way to end a crappy week for me. I am loving it....

Wade and Mourning 1 whole game away from being DONE!

Well, looks like Pistons/Bulls is destiny. Now all I can hope is that Flip Saunders and Chris Webber crush Crybaby Skiles and Traitor Ben. :stirthepot:

Let the excuses begin for Miami.


:stirthepot:

Well, looks like Pistons/Bulls is destiny. Now all I can hope is that Flip Saunders and Chris Webber crush Crybaby Skiles and Traitor Ben. :stirthepot:

I don't think it's going to be easy. Pistons would have to play better than against Orlando to get by these Bulls.

What a perfect way to end a crappy week for me. I am loving it....

Wade and Mourning 1 whole game away from being DONE!


I love it too also Low, and I think we are on our way to being ready for them. One more dominating game in Orlando and everybody should get ready for the best series this year in the playoffs, trust.

take care of business boys. It'll be TOUGH to play a rested bulls team.

Let the excuses begin for Miami.

:stirthepot:

I guess Wade's injury problems forced him to go 4-10 from the FT line...and they also made Shaq go 3-12.

I don't think it's going to be easy. Pistons would have to play better than against Orlando to get by these Bulls.
'
You guys may call me crazy but i do have a hunch that we will play better D in that series than the Orlando series. We have that eye of the tiger and it is gonna be a dogfight, especially the fact that Ben will be there. Listening to Bill Walton commentating on Warriors/Mavs and he sounds dejected. Go Pistons!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:pound:

take care of business boys. It'll be TOUGH to play a rested bulls team.

That's a point. ..although it ain't going to be much easier if they were rested.

Give the Pistons some credit. So much bashing all season that our confidence is down. The way they have been carving up Orlando will carry over quit well in a Bulls series. The Magic may actually have been putting up a better fight.

D. Wade time? Was that before or after the phantom 3-pt foul ( got him with his hip - give me a $#$ ). Then Wade proceeds to go into D.Wade time by missing 4 straight shots.

Kind of looking like Riley just got lucky getting his rag tag bunch of former hyped pre-selected superstars playing so well last playoffs. Show you how impressive the Piston run has been. Miami only had 2 legit cracks at it.

Assuming they cannot comeback from 0-3?

Assuming they cannot comeback from 0-3?

Assume away. It ain't happening.

Ben is probably wishing he was with his former team enjoying this win..........:stirthepot:

Every hoops fan in America knows that the best three teams in the Eastern Conference this year come out of the Central Division.

I don't think that this series result to date should be a surprise to anyone, other than a casual internet fan. LOL

:hoops:

Miami was done in game 2. The experts weren't going to tell us that but the team was just a shell of itself. Wade was at 80% tonight and Shaq has come down a level. I thought that maybe they could steal a game like the Lakers stole one from us during the championship but not at all surprised by the result of game 3.

Every hoops fan in America knows that the best three teams in the Eastern Conference this year come out of the Central Division.

I don't think that this series result to date should be a surprise to anyone, other than a casual internet fan. LOL

:hoops:


I don't think it is a surprise. O'Neal does look old and out of shape, and Wade - whatever injured or not can't do it without the big guy pitching in. They were lucky last year, and their luck finally runs out.

I love it too also Low, and I think we are on our way to being ready for them. One more dominating game in Orlando and everybody should get ready for the best series this year in the playoffs, trust.

Yeah, I definitely think the excitement will go down a notch with the exception of Marv Albert having an on air orgasm every time Lebron scores in the ECF.

How did we lose to these morons?

How about the rebound Ben got on his back? That was awesome.

He blocks Shaq, falls to the ground, and then somehow gets the rebound off the next missed shot. That needs to go in Ben's all time highlight reel.

Yeah, I definitely think the excitement will go down a notch with the exception of Marv Albert having an on air orgasm every time Lebron scores in the ECF.


If they make it to the finals. New Jersey looks pretty good. Cleveland is not all that good. It would be close series and probably not a fun series to watch.

How did we lose to these morons?

How about the rebound Ben got on his back? That was awesome.

He blocks Shaq, falls to the ground, and then somehow gets the rebound off the next missed shot. That needs to go in Ben's all time highlight reel.

Double and triple teaming Shaq so all the other Heat players got wide open shots. That, and giving in to hack-a-ben and pulling him (sure he pulled him for the last 5 secs of it, but by then, Ben had already gone 2 for 4).

Those were two things that Skiles really worked at NOT doing. CHI's double teams were more cheats than full on double teams. The rest of their guys stayed at home and the Heat didn't end up with a flurry of wide open jumpers or open players that could cut to the basket for quick passes and layups. AND they made Wade a jumpshooter for most of the games so far. Wade's jumper isn't as good as Wade thinks it is.

If they make it to the finals. New Jersey looks pretty good. Cleveland is not all that good. It would be close series and probably not a fun series to watch.

Yeah, but I think NJ is looking pretty good because they are playing TOR. I think alot of people bought into the hype on TOR and thought they would make some noise...but, they are still pretty young and are making millions of mistakes each game....mistakes that Kidd, Jefferson, and Carter have a bit of knowledge in taking advantage of.

I wouldn't really worry about TOR until next season if they are up near the top of their division again. They are doing alot to make NJ look a lot better than they are.

Yeah, but I think NJ is looking pretty good because they are playing TOR. I think alot of people bought into the hype on TOR and thought they would make some noise...but, they are still pretty young and are making millions of mistakes each game....mistakes that Kidd, Jefferson, and Carter have a bit of knowledge in taking advantage of.

I wouldn't really worry about TOR until next season if they are up near the top of their division again. They are doing alot to make NJ look a lot better than they are.


So, you're thinking that Cleveland is better than NJ? I dunno, I'd think it is a pretty close call. If NJ has 3 guys going, who on Cavs team is going to stop them? LeBron certainly doesn't play much D, I don't know if Hughes can handle Kidd. It's tough to say since Cavs are playing against NBDL-type team.

Yeah, but I think NJ is looking pretty good because they are playing TOR.
But the Cavs aren't looking very good even though they're playing WAS.

If the Pistons manage to make it past the Bulls, I don't think either one of those teams will pose much of a threat.

Low,

Wade was a jump shooter because he simply can't take it to the hoop with the injury--otherwise he would have. It was pretty obvious but the NBA hype machine didn't want to let it out. That took away a major dimension from the Heat offense and kept them off kilter. Wade was mere mortal. Shaq does seem to have fallen back a notch. But that was not the Miami team that we lost to last year which is why the Bulls are a bit of a mirage. We will find out soon, anyway.

All,

I am not worried about the Cavs. I am worried about Le Bron and Stern's officiating crew if we get that far and I suspect that we will.

New Jersey is going to thrash the Cavs. Think about it.

Really do not want a sweep here. Want the series to go at least 6 games. Maybe Riley should start without Wade. Remember when the Heat went on a winning streak, nearly missing the playoffs to being the 4th seed when Wade was out with the shoulder injury? This could work. Bring Wade off the bench. Start the game by going to Shaq down low every possession and get the Bulls big man (Ben and PJ) in foul trouble.

Since nothing has work so far, and since it has been proven that the Heat can win games without Wade, no harm trying when you are already facing elimination.

Miami still has two wins left in them. I wouldn't worry about a sweep.

Miami still has two wins left in them. I wouldn't worry about a sweep.

Maybe one.

D-Wade can stay at home if there is a game 5!

Man.....Did I make some bad choices in my bracket this year. That kid who sold me the girl scout cookies in March gave me some bad advise..

With 4 minutes left in the 3rd quarter.......Miami ahead by 12.......
With 4 minutes left in the 4th quarter.......Miami down by 8.........

This 20 point swing tells me that Miami couldn't beat this young agressive Chicago team, even with Shaq and Wade at 100%...

Looks to me like Chicago Plays the Nets in the Conference Finals.....
And I picked Toronto. :pound: .............Where are my Cookies at !!!!!!

The scary part to all of this is that this Chicago team we are watching give it to the Heat are going to be picking at New Yorks spot in this years draft :cold:

I feel the Pistons are better right now, but the Bulls have every position on lockdown besides Center for many many years to come. And don't even think about that New York pick slipping into the lottery....it will make you cry.

This is why it's a good thing they added Ben's contract... at least they have to be fiscally responsible with the youth corps.

Wade was a jump shooter because he simply can't take it to the hoop with the injury--otherwise he would have. It was pretty obvious but the NBA hype machine didn't want to let it out. That took away a major dimension from the Heat offense and kept them off kilter. Wade was mere mortal.

He's not what he was last year, but when the Heat seemed like they might be consolidating their lead in the 3rd quarter last night, he was taking it to the hole and scoring pretty consistently.

I hope the Heat win a couple of games just to get the Bulls somewhat tired.

Maybe the Heat can win Game 4, but even if they do, I sure don't see this series coming back to Miami after Game 5.

From this Game 3, esp towards the end, the Heat did actually foul hard on the Bulls (Hinrich and Gordon). I don't think the Heat esp Wade, Shaq, Fatoine, Posey & Zo would lose gracefully to the Bulls. So, if the series goes into 5 or 6 games, there maybe some injured Bulls in the 2nd round.

I can only hope the Heat are able to win one or two more games.

As much rest and practice that we can get for Sheed, Rip, CD and Tay will give us the best chance of advancing.

I can only hope the Heat are able to win one or two more games.

As much rest and practice that we can get for Sheed, Rip, CD and Tay will give us the best chance of advancing.


Don't you think that if the Heat win the next two that the Bulls will be in some serious, serious trouble?

Sure, I just don't think that Heat team will be likely to win the next 2.

It scares me just how possible the scenario becomes.

1) Heat make a stand at home.

2) Miami catches the right breaks on the road in Game 5.

3) Now momentum has shifted and the inexperience of the Bulls is put to the test on the road (where they have a losing record) for Game 6.

4) Wade and Shaq get on the magical ref bus and ride it right into the second round.

One thing for certain in my mind is that Miami will get better the longer they're allowed to linger in the postseason. Best to put them down today, imo.

Cloud, I honestly do not see any threat from the Heat. From the little I have watched of this series, the Heat have all the wrong body language. They really just want to start golfing because fighting for another title is too much work.

However, I would really like to see them rough up the Bulls a bit.

Bulls come out of their series REAL SOON feeling confident and strong.
They got a former Piston who understands the ins and outs of our team.
They beat us 3 of 4 during the season..............
However, we got SHEED !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I like the Pistons in 6 against the Bulls........:) :) :) :) :) :)

Bulls come out of their series REAL SOON feeling confident and strong.
They got a former Piston who understands the ins and outs of our team.
They beat us 3 of 4 during the season..............
However, we got SHEED !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I like the Pistons in 6 against the Bulls........:) :) :) :) :) :)
Thomas has made Sheed look like a statue so far... he needs to step up the energy level against this kid.

What Thomas has in speed, Sheed has in smarts and timing.

Merc, I've seen Sheed in shorts and his butt isn't big enough for you to ride on! :D

Let's get one more year out of this horse before we put him out to pasture. The man has done everything we could have hoped in the first round.

What Thomas has in speed, Sheed has in smarts and timing.

Merc, I've seen Sheed in shorts and his butt isn't big enough for you to ride on! :D

Let's get one more year out of this horse before we put him out to pasture. The man has done everything we could have hoped in the first round.

Sheed stepped his game up big time. He's going after the boards, he's active on defense, he's going inside on the offense. With his help, Pistons have become much more potent on the glass comparatively to the regular season. He should have plenty left in the tank as he coasted through the season.

LMAO, Jack Ramsey and the other announcer just said that Pat Riley challenged his team to a bare knuckles boxing match yesterday.

Talk about desperation.

Ben Wallace sky hook!

Ben`s face got in the way of Shaq`s elbows once again. The thing that gets me is, if he was still a Piston, that would have been a no-call!

Those Miami fans! It's well into the second quarter and there are STILL many empty seats in the lower bowl of the arena. Can any of us Pistons fans imagine not getting to an elimination game for our beloved Pistons until there is only 8:40 left of the first half? Anticipating such lameness on the part of their own paying fans, the arena staff puts white covers on the empty chairs so that the proper visual effect will be achieved whether fans arrive or not. :tsk:

We'll see if the Bulls can handle Miami's version of a death grip in this home game. Bulls aren't shooting very well so far at all and are only 3 pts back so...we'll see. I have cautious optimism that the Bulls can execute a 4th quarter pull ahead. I know it would be better if the Bulls were more beat up by the time they get to us, but I just dislike Miami that much that I cannot find a way to be in their corner at all.

Watching the third quarter now, after not seeing any of the first half...some of the stats have swung in this game, with Miami out-rebounding the Bulls for the first time, but turning it over more. If the Bulls stop bricking everything, they might be OK, but they're down 7 right now.

We gotta get one of those skeletons for our games.

Shaq doesn't look like he cares out there. C'MON HEAT!

OK, now that was a vintage Finals '06 BS call for Wade.

Must Wade fall down after every little hit he recieves??

Somebody really needs to whack him; just a really hard foul, not a "Soprano" whack!!!!!!

Wade and Shaq are giving the Heat nothing on defense.

It's hard to believe these guys were champs last year. It's not so much what Chicago is doing, it's what Miami will not/cannot do.

Their role players gave them a lot more last year too, not just Shaq and Wade.

Chicago needs a better backup point guard. Heinrich playing a dual role of starting point and ball distributor AND key defender in the whole game doesn't add up. In one of the other threads (How to Beat the Bulls, I think) someone suggested that the Bulls are vulnerable if you get Heinrick in foul trouble as early as possible. I think that would be one effective strategy to use.

Still Chicago only 1 down at this typing, they definitely have fight and stick-to-it-iveness. Game is far from over.

Bulls are getting it done here, up 3 now. They have 17 more shots from the floor in the game than Miami does! So once they stopped bricking everything, it didn't take long for them to take the lead.

Backup point has done a decent enough job for the Bulls in this game--Duhon hit two 3s in the third quarter, Bulls up 4 going into the fourth.

Crap...I almost made it through the day without hearing that damn "Right Now."

Nocioni is hitting some ridiculous shots here!

Obviously FT shooting was expected to be a liability for the Heat, but Shaq and Zo are bricking at an even worse percentage than Ben. Miami's centers are 2-12 between them in this game.

KAPONO FOR THE TREY!

Roscoe, did you enjoy Shaq missing when he was guarded 1-on-1 by Nocioni? :lol:

I don't like either of these teams. You have Slob Shaq and Malcontent Ben. You've got Turnover Duhon and Clang Mourning.

I just want the Heat to push the Bulls!

Backup point has done a decent enough job for the Bulls in this game--Duhon hit two 3s in the third quarter, Bulls up 4 going into the fourth.

Oh yeah. I like Duhon. He's streaky though and I don't think he is even close to the kind of distributing pg Heinrich is. I like how Duhon is going today, I was just thinking forward to our possible series with the Bulls.

Nocioni is the truth.