BULLS VS HEAT: What we Know so far

While the point spreads are a bit surprising, the 1-1 result after 2 games, not surprising. I called for a tough, hard fought series that would go the full 7 and I fully expect to get that. Game 1 was an aberration, Game 2 more of the reality (no Heat fans, not conceding victory to you). So let's take a look at what 7 things we know so far

1. Despite having 3 of the 5 best players in the NBA on the floor, and 2 All-Star:  Points are at a premium. I hope people enjoyed the 102 the Bulls put in Game 1, because I predict you won't see 90 again the rest of the series. The Bulls length on the interior bothers the Heat in halfcourt and the Heat is the better perimeter defense. The two best defensive teams in the league will take turns frustrating and disrupting each other. whoever can knock down TIMELY (not necessarily a lot) shots will win the series

2. LBJ becoming a consistant closer is trouble:  Game 2 was an example of what superstars do, if the game is close, down the stretch your star player will pull you through. The big 3's LBJ hit in Boston may have been the start of his growth as closer along with best player. If he gets this down pat, everyone is in trouble

3. Carlos Boozer has to showup: Chicago talk shows have been filled with "Bring Boozer off the bench". I try to not attach salary to a player's criticism but for $80million dollars this is a ridiculous statement. The Bulls cannot beat Heat or win an NBA championship getting 7 and 8 from Boozer. His toe and thumb are legitimate injuries but he has to give you more than that. Like the old adage: can't live with him, can't live without him. Taj Gibson and Omer Asik are nice stories and fill their roles, neither resembles a go-to guy which is what Boozer has to be.

4. Nice game Udonis Haslem but: I still don't know if he or any of other Heat supporting cast can play that way more than once in a series. The fourth man as mentioned in previous blog cannot be by committee. The Bulls still have the depth advantage in this series.

5. I still like Thibs better but Spolestra can coach: made a couple of nice lineup adjustments and was able to get  Rose to defend Wade on one end by playing Mike Miller more which also made Heat bigger and better matchups on glass. Heat out-rebounded Bulls by 4 in Game 2.

6. It starts and ends with D-Rose: You can break this down a myriad of ways but there is one concrete truth in this series. If Derrick Rose goes 7 for 23, the Bulls cannot beat this heat team. He is the one player in this series who is most responsible for outcome of any one game.  For the most part, he was able to get into lane but didnt convert, he also failed to get back in transition and gave up three "and 1" opportunities. Its a heavy load to carry for a 6-2, 22 yr old but when you are MVP, this is your charge. Three days off between days will do all players some good, D-Rose probably the most

7.  Neither fan base should get to chirpy: This series has almost 2 more weeks to it, game 7 wouldn't be held until May 30. There are plenty of more ups and downs, twists and turns ahead. Buckle up folks, We have a series on our hand.