Schuster: On The Brink Of Elimination
By: David Schuster
MIAMI (WSCR) -- The Bulls led after the first, second and third quarters. They also had a chance to win the game at the end of regulation but just like in the last two games they couldn't come through in the clutch and now face elimination.
Simply put, the Bulls played an incomplete game and wilted down the stretch, losing Game 4 101-93 in overtime
Derrick Rose had some highlight reel plays in the contest but overall he played less then an average game. He was just 8 of 27 from the field and turned the ball over seven times. He also could not do anything when Lebron James guarded him late and almost looked intimidated by James. Rose had a golden chance to win the game on a last second shot but instead of trying to drive the lane and maybe get a foul call he settled for a jump shot that clanked off the rim.
This game was won at the line. Miami shot 38 free throws while the Bulls had just 22. As is the case in a lot of situations the Bulls settled for jumpers and just couldn't make them. Kyle Korver continues to be a big disappointment in this series and if he isn't hitting from the outside his effectiveness on the court is incredibly lessened.
No question the Bulls fought hard. However, they have wilted down the stretch for three games in a row and it again shows that Rose needs help at the end of games. Another scorer or two is a must but that's a story for another day.
Not many in Chicago (or elsewhere) will give the Bulls a chance to come back and win the next three games but the players in the locker room all said they believe and I guess that's a start.
