Bulls @ Celtics – Game 2

If you would have told me that one man can be the defensive identity of a championship team, I would not have believed it.  Now, the evidence is stacking up to defend that statement.

We’ve now witnessed two games in which each team has exceeded the century mark in scoring – something that was almost unheard of against a Celtics team that featured No. 5 in the lineup.  And in most cases, a team buys into what its leaders on the floor are doing. 

With KG out, that leaves Paul “The Truth is I am scared of LeBron James” Pierce and Ray “Right This Way” Allen as the team leaders.  They are not defensive standouts – by a longshot. 

Ben Gordon has established himself as an unstoppable force in this series.

Ray did finally do his thang from long distance to save Boston’s butts from losing the first two games, but his game is so dependent on the jumper these days.  And too many times (especially in last year’s playoffs), that jumper has failed him.

Rajon Rondo is playing like a madman.  This guy is definitely the heart and soul of the team.  He put up a fabulous triple-double last night which included 19 points,12 rebounds and 16 assists.

But the Bulls have commenced to scoring more times than Wilt Chamberlain on a world tour.  Ben Gordon dominated offensively in Game 2; Derrick Rose manhandled the Boston defense in Game 1.  These two guys have clearly established themselves as players who can score anytime their team needs it.  And let’s not forget that this series in headed to Chicago for the next two games.

Count me as one who would be quite stunned if the Celtics were able to pull out one of the next two games in Chi-Town.

Mavericks @ Spurs – Game 2

This is a series of two teams whose best years are now behind them. 

The Mavericks have never recovered from having a 2-0 lead against the Heat in the 2006 NBA Finals – and seeing it all slip away.  Everyone then remembers the next year – when they lost in the first round to the captivating Golden State Warriros (not many times you could use that adjective to describe G.S.).

The Spurs now have an old team.  The offensive reigns of the team have been handed over to Tony Parker.  He must be the only player on the Spurs roster who can run a 6 second 40-yard dash.

Game 2 saw the basic opposite of Game 1.  Tony Parker was doing whatever he wanted to do.  Josh Howard was non-existant, and Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Terry were non-factors.

If Tony Parker continues to have nights like this, the Spurs will be very difficult to beat.  The jump shots will definitely come easier for the rest of the team.

One last note:

I just heard that Leon Powe is out for the remainder of the Playoffs with a torn ACL.  Yep, I’m definitely feeling like the Bulls are going to prevail in this series.

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