Thompson: Korver Showing His Value
By Brad Thompson--
CHICAGO (WSCR) Even though the Bulls are up 3-0 in their first-round series against the Indiana Pacers, it hasn't been easy. Each game has come down to the wire. Luckily for Chicago, Derrick Rose has responded, and so has Kyle Korver.
Thus far Korver has been Rose's Robin. Batman was banged, bumped and knocked down throughout the game on Thursday night, but still showed why he's one of the best players in the game when he drove past almost the entire Pacers team for the go-ahead layup with 17.8 seconds remaining.
Rose's incredible play might not have been possible if it wasn't for Korver's hot shooting earlier in the fourth. Korver finished with 12 points off the bench and hit two huge three-pointers during a stretch in the fourth when Chicago turned a deficit into a lead.
On Rose's critical lay up, Paul George was defending Korver and only gave token help when Rose drove past his perimeter defender. George was probably doing what he was coached to do considering how effective Korver had been in late-game situations in the series. Because George had to stay with Korver, it provided Rose with just enough of a crease to drive to the basket. This demonstrated Korver's worth even when he doesn't have the ball.
Korver was an off-season addition from Utah, brought in because of his outside shooting ability. When he's making shots it really spreads the floor for Rose to penetrate and score. Korver isn't a defensive stalwart, but the coaching staff knew that before he was signed. His limited ability defensively is one reason he doesn't play more under Thibodeau, but his clutch shooting is why he's usually in the game in the fourth quarter.
Korver was signed to do exactly what he's done in the playoffs. During the regular season, he made more fourth quarter three-pointers than anyone else in the league. Now he's continued that trend by knocking down crucial shots in each game of the series. He's been the outlet the Bulls have needed when Rose is double-teamed or corralled when penetrating.
The credit goes not only to Korver, but also to Thibodeau and his staff. It's nice to see a player understand his role so well and thrive in it. Korver wasn't brought in to play heavy minutes and be a defensive stopper. It's his job to spread the floor and make 3-pointers and that's exactly what he's done.
Now Chicago has the opportunity for a series sweep, and while it's been concerning to see how much the Pacers defense has disrupted the Bulls offensively, Korver's play has been just what Batman and Bulls needed.
Do you agree with Brad? Post your comments below.
Brad M. Thompson, a former college football player and coach, made his return to the Midwest in 2009 after fighting wildfires out West. He earned his master's degree from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University and covers the Big Ten Conference and Chicago sports. Follow him on Twitter at @Brad_M_Thompson. Find more of Brad's blogs here.
