Chicago Bulls News: Derrick Rose and Team Must Focus on Next 2 Games to Beat Cavs
Just when everyone thought the Bulls had the Cavs all figured out, LeBron James takes charge dropping 33 points in Game 2 of their best-of-seven series to lead Cleveland to a 106-91 victory.
"Our back was against the wall," James said in an interview after the game. "We couldn't go down 2-0."
In spite James' leadership all throughout the game, he was not alone in carrying the load as Cleveland led early in the game and never looked back. Kyrie Irving had 21 points, while Iman Shumpert added 15. Reserve guard Matthew Dellavedova almost had a double-double with nine points and nine assists.
Chicago simply had no answer for LeBron or his teammates. Jimmy Butler and Derrick Rose combined for only 32 points throughout the game, although the former MVP had 10 assists. Pau Gasol was also not his usual self in the game after finishing just 10 points.
Game 4 and 5 will be on Bull's homecourt in Chicago, and they better play their best basketball of the season if they want to have a chance at beating James and the Cavs.
It definitely does not help the Bulls what history reminds them: in the past three playoff series that Chicago faced a James-led squad, the Bulls won Game 1, but James led his teams to four consecutive wins for a minor sweep.
Game 3 is a must-win for the Bulls, who need to regain their composure and confidence.
Even with a bright future ahead of the team, this could be the nearest the Bulls could reach the Finals with this kind of roster. They have to make it count.