Schuster: Rose Keeps On Ticking
By David Schuster--
INDIANAPOLIS (WSCR) Just like the old commercial for a watch, Derrick Rose takes a licking but keeps on ticking. Rose has been almost assaulted and battered by the Pacers defense, but has repeatedly bounced up to go to the free throw line. "Some of those hits are going to hurt but I'm paying them back by hitting most of my free throws," said Rose, and he's right. The Bulls point guard has gone to the line 49 times so far in the first three games and converted 44 of them which is just about 90%. That's called getting revenge.
What hasn't been working as well as the Bulls wanted has been Carlos Boozer's offensive production. Boozer has averaged only 11 points through the first three games, and always seems to be a lightening rod for criticism. The Bulls power forward hears the complaining by the fans and media but brushes it off. "I feel like I'm playing well but all I care about is how this team is winning," Boozer says. "As long as we win I'm happy and I know that my points will be there."
In Boozer's defense, he has been double teamed in the post, but that is what this team has needed for years. A guy who would command the double team by the basket, which in turn frees up the shooters on the perimeter and allows Derrick Rose to (hopefully) have easier access to the rim. Unfortunately, Boozer has also missed a lot of shots down low and hasn't been able to go over the taller opponents in the lane.
Should the Bulls win on Saturday and close out the series they will definitely have Easter Sunday off and possibly even Monday as well. Tom Thibodeau will look to get his players some rest. And with Orlando and Atlanta looking like a long series, the Bulls could be very refreshed when they play either the Magic or Hawks in the next round.
