The Detroit Pistons are used to frustrating other teams with their defense. Now the Chicago Bulls are doing it to them.
The Pistons are used to establishing early momentum in a playoff series. Now the Bulls have done it to them.
Chicago took another step toward reaching the National Basketball Association championship series with tonight's 105-97 victory over Detroit at Chicago Stadium. The Bulls lead the four-of-seven-game series, 2-0, with Game 3 to be played Saturday afternoon in Auburn Hills, Mich.
After the beating they suffered tonight, the Pistons look as if they can use three days' rest. Chicago's tenacious defense harassed the Pistons into turnovers, forced them to take bad shots, and made most trips downcourt about as pleasant as a trip to the dentist.
No NBA team has won a four-of-seven-game series after falling behind, 2-0, since 1977. But to avoid being dethroned as two-time champions, that is exactly what the Pistons must do.
"They took us out of our offense and dominated in every phase," said Pistons Coach Chuck Daly. "Right now, they look hungrier than we are. I was surprised the score ended up that close because they dominated."
Michael Jordan (35 points on 10-for-18 shooting, 7 assists) and Scottie Pippen (21 points, 6-for-15 from the field, 10 rebounds) led a balanced Bulls attack. Jordan scored 27 points in the second half, but his teammates set the tone early by making Detroit pay for double-teaming Jordan.
Nothing worked for Daly. He started Tree Rollins at forward in the third quarter, replacing James Edwards, who had 1 point and 1 rebound in the first half. Edwards has been bothered by a sore ankle he twisted in Game 1, and his poor statistics reflected his physical difficulties. But losing Edwards further hindered Detroit's offense.
Daly tried using a three-guard offense in the fourth quarter featuring Isiah Thomas, Joe Dumars and Vinnie Johnson. But that didn't work either. The Bulls took a 76-61 lead into the fourth quarter, and despite a late flurry in the closing 5 minutes, the Pistons never got closer than 6 points the rest of the game.
"This feels good," Jordan said. "We did what we had to do at home, and now we've put them in a tough position. With each win, we become more confident. We're confident we can beat this team."
10 фев 2008
