Thompson: Tough Series Providing Bulls Valuable Experience
By Brad Thompson--
INDIANAPOLIS (WSCR) -- The Bulls are doing what they are supposed to do – winning. What's concerning is the way the Bulls are winning. They aren't dominating teams like they did throughout the second half of the regular season. A below-average Pacers team is making life difficult by out hustling the Bulls. As worried as fans are about Chicago's performance in the first two games of the series, I have a different theory – it's good for them.
Chicago's stellar performance in the regular season has set the playoff bar high. Having the leading MVP candidate and the favorite for Coach of the Year has only increased expectations. Bulls' fans became accustom to championship banners and recently hit a lull. Now that the Bulls are back atop the East, fans are immediately anticipating another banner. There's nothing wrong with these high hopes, but experience is necessary to get there. The Bulls' struggles in this series are just what they need.
It seems like this is a silly idea. The Bulls need to struggle to advance in the playoffs?
What fans are forgetting is that this team has only been playing together for one season. Thibodeau is in his first playoffs as the head coach and their superstar is only 22-years-old. This team and coach have no playoff experience together. Sure Thibodeau and the players have been to the playoffs before, but not with each other.
Another critical aspect that seems to be overlooked about Chicago is that although Rose and company have been in the playoffs before they've never been the favorites. Taking on the role as favorites comes with added pressure and requires a certain attitude to deal with it. I'm not saying the Bulls can't handle it or are doomed in the playoffs. What I am saying is that they are in a position that they aren't used to and it takes time to gel. The adversity they're dealing with and playoff experience they're gaining is just what they need to succeed in the long run.
As Chicago struggles with the Pacers, they are learning about themselves. They are learning that Kyle Korver can be counted on to hit clutch 3-pointers in tight games. Didn't the Bulls already know this from the regular season? Probably, but making crucial shots in the playoffs comes with more pressure. After only two games Rose knows he can trust Korver to knock down a big shot in crunch time.
It's is no secret that over the course of long series, teams will try to defend Rose in different ways. It's up to Rose and Thibodeau to be ready for this and have a plan for each type of defense. The Pacers have used multiple players to defend Rose and, in certain situations, have used double teams to trap him. Rose's success thus far gives the team confidence in Thibodeau's ability to make in-game and game-to-game adjustments.
Boozer disappeared offensively for parts of the second half in Game 2, but overall he played much better on both ends of the floor. He bounced back from a poor Game 1, with 17 points and 16 rebounds. He also held Tyler Hansbrough, who had 22 points in Game 1, to just six points in Game 2. The Bulls are learning that one bad game by Boozer doesn't mean a bad series from him.
Even though it may be stressful for fans, another encouraging sign from the Bulls was their ability to overcome adversity in the first two games. On Monday they turned the ball over 22 times, yet still mounted a second half comeback. With 23.4 seconds to play Rose made a critical error when he fouled A.J. Price on a 3-pointer attempt, but Deng and Brewer hit clutch free throws to seal the victory. Clearly the Bulls would rather not put themselves in these positions, but these experiences will only help in future games. I have no doubt that Rose will learn from his mistake and chances are he won't foul a jumper shooter late in a game again.
It hasn't been pretty for the Bulls, but a good team wins games even when they don't play well. Lack of playoff experience was the major question mark for the Bulls heading into the postseason. Winning close games in ugly fashion only improves the Bulls experience and gives them confidence going forward. This experience and confidence will only help them in the later rounds against teams like Miami, Boston or Orlando.
It may be tough to watch and a little bit disheartening to see the Bulls struggle with lowly Indiana, but the trust, confidence and experience they are gaining in this series will is just what they need. And the best part about it is the way the Bulls are handling it, they know they need to improve and seem determined to do so.
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.
