Everything Coming Up Roses For Bulls, Advance To Face Heat

Carlos Boozer celebrates with Keith Bogans and Derrick Rose in the third quarter of Game 6's victory.
(AP Photo/John Bazemore)

Coming into Thursday night’s game in Atlanta, the winner of the first quarter had gone on to win the game. That held true last night as the Bulls opened up a 27-17 lead after the first and never trailed as they closed out the Hawks in 6.

The Bulls had 34 assists on 41 made baskets from the field, 12 of those coming from MVP Derrick Rose. Rose took on more of a facilitator role, taking only 14 shots on the night. It was a stark contrast to Chicago’s last loss in game 4 when Rose threw up 32 shots, connecting on only 12.

The biggest surprise of the night was the embattled Carlos Boozer. Boozer connected on his first 6 jump shots as he rolled to a total of 23 points on the night, leading all scorers. Boozer had recently been called out in the Chicago media by former Bull Horace Grant who stated about Boozer, “…stop worrying about all that money and start worrying if you can contribute to a team winning. He has to put his ego aside for the betterment of the team." Carlos Boozer has been battling a turf toe injury which has put a damper on his production on both ends of the floor, but came through last night in the clutch when his team needed him the most.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Bulls were stifling, limiting Atlanta to 36.5 percent from the field and a paltry 1 for 11 from three. Ball movement was just not there for Atlanta as they were often limited to one shot, late in the clock. As the adage goes, the offense scored the points but the defense won this game.

For Chicago, they look ahead to a marquee series with the Miami Heat, who closed out the Boston Celtics in 5. Game one of that series will be Sunday night in Chicago and both teams will be looking to put their mark on the series early. The Bulls swept the regular season series with Miami 3-0, but as Dwyane Wade and Co. demonstrated against Boston, the regular season means nothing in the playoffs.

NBA Weekend Wrap

Dallas Vs. Los Angeles Game 4: Mavericks Win Series 4-0

As goes Jason Terry, so go the Dallas Mavericks. As far as three point shots that is definitely true. Both Terry and the Mavericks finished the night 1 three point shot short of a NBA record for three pointers made Sunday afternoon as the Mavericks routed the Lakers 122-86. Terry shot 9-10 from behind the arc for 27 of his game high 32 points.

On a normal night, that would have been the top news story. This was far from a normal night. While the game started to get out of reach for the frustrated reigning champions, Lamar Odom and Andrew Bynum resorted to thuggery to get their point across. Odom's elbow on Dirk Nowitzki got him tossed early in the fourth quarter. Less than a minute later Andrew Bynum committed one of the more egregious flagrant fouls of the season throwing a forearm into a driving J.J. Berea's ribs. Berea hit the floor hard in a scary play which saw Bynum remorselessly leaving the floor, removing his jersey as he did so to a chorus of boos.

Dallas awaits the winner of the Oklahoma City/Memphis series. They figure to be well rested as those two teams battle it out.

Atlanta Vs. Chicago Game 4: Series Tied 2-2

The Hawks used a late run to break open a tight game late as Atlanta tied up the series Sunday night. This game did not come without controversy as Bennett Salvatore blew an inadvertent whistle on a three point shot by Derrick Rose. Salvatore later admitted fault saying, "I blew my whistle and didn't mean to. I didn't think it was a foul. Having watched the replay after the game, it was a foul and I should have called it. I made a mistake." The Bulls were down 6 at the time and three free throws could have made the contest even closer. However, the rules dictated a jump ball at mid court which the Hawks recovered and extended the lead to 8 at the time.

Atlanta got their work done under the basket scoring more than half of their points in the paint. On the defensive end, they limited Derrick Rose to 34 points while shooting 12 for 32 from the field. Rose can't do this on his own and it showed Sunday night with only two other Bulls in double figures. Game 5 is Tuesday night in a game that will go a long way in deciding the outcome in this series.

Memphis Vs. Oklahoma City Game 3: Grizzlies Lead 2-1

With 7:43 remaining in the fourth quarter, Memphis looked dead in the water. Kevin Durant had just put the Thunder up 11 with a driving dunk and the Grizzlies were forced to call a timeout. O.J. Mayo wasn't ready to call it a night and a 3 pointer out of the timeout ignited the crowd and the home team as they came back to send the game into OT.

The extra period belonged to Memphis, scoring 8 of the first 10 points in OT. Memphis went on to win the game 101-93 before a raucous crowd. fourth quarter and overtime Memphis outscored OKC by a score of 38-17.During the regular season, Memphis only managed 4 sellouts, but the arena sold out in less than 30 minutes for the first home game of the second round in franchise history. Game 4 is tonight back in the FedEx Arena in Memphis and the Grizzlies could take a commanding 3-1 lead in their improbable playoff run.

Miami Vs. Boston Game 3: Heat Lead 2-1

Boston showed signs of life early, taking a 16-7 lead in the first and never really looked back as Boston staved off the Miami Heat Saturday night. Kevin Garnett lead the way with 28 and Paul Pierce added 27 as the Celtics got on the series scoreboard with a win.

The story of the game was not the resurgence of Boston's big three, but the dislocation of Rajon Rondo's elbow. Late in the third quarter, he and Dwyane Wade got tangled up and Rondo landed awkwardly on his elbow, dislocating it in the process. However in a great example of mind over matter, the point guard re-entered the game at the start of the fourth and continued to play one handed with his bad arm dangling at his side. Both a MRI and CAT scan of his arm came back negative but it will be interesting to see how it affects his performance tonight in game 4.

Is this the end of the Lakers' dynasty run?

The Lakers are in disarray whether or not Kobe wants to admit it. As the final seconds ticked off the clock and Ron Artest was taking an early shower, what remained of a packed house showed their disapproval for the efforts on court. Scattered boos and cat calls could be heard through out the arena. They better get it out of their system now because if this series continues the way it's been going, the lights in the Staples Center are going to stay off until next season.

The series has been an enigma. Statistically, the Lakers have been the better team. Winning the rebound battle, more blocks, more steals, more points in the paint, fewer turnovers, equal field goal percentage. So why are the defending champs down 0-2 to a perenial playoff burnout?

Wednesday night, it's easy to point to if you're looking at the stats. 3's and free throws. The Lakers shot 10% on their 3 point shots and they wouldn't even have had that if it weren't for two meaningless threes late in the game, with the outcome decided. What is absolutely baffling to me is a professional basketball team shooting 55% from the free throw line. Yet, it was all L.A. could muster.

Take a look beyond the box score, though and you'll see what's becoming obvious. The Lakers don't trust each other. Andrew Bynum said so himself, "All 13 of our guys have trust issues right now. I think it's quite obvious to anyone watching the game -- hesitation on passes, and defensively we're not being a good teammate because he wasn't there for you before -- little things." Well, it's the little things that win championships.

Andrew Bynum, again was a perfect example of not trusting his team mates. As J.J. Berea torched the Lakers guards, the smallest guy on the floor was getting uncontested floaters in the lane. Why? Kobe answered this question, "...He gets frustrated when he supports a guard coming off the screen-and-roll and nobody supports him." It's coming down to a pick your poison scenario. When Berea or Kidd come off the screen, Bynum has to decide if he's going to try and stop the ball or stop the pass. Stop the ball and there's an uncontested dunk, by Dallas' big men. Defend the pass and Berea and Kidd are going right to the hoop with no yellow shirts to stop them.

So, back to the question at hand. Is this the end of the Laker's Dynasty run? I don't think so. The pieces are all still there. One of the most dynamic players of all time, a strong front court and in my opinion, one of the finest 6th men in the game in Lamar Odom. However, the one piece that the Lakers will be missing next season could be the biggest. Phil Jackson. Jackson is retiring after this season and without him at the helm, there is no telling which way the ship will turn.

Do I think the Lakers will win the title this season? In my opinion, no. But we're going to find out what they're made of tonight in Dallas playing without their best defender Ron Artest. If L.A. wins tonight, watch out because we may still have a series but if Dallas closes the door on them tonight, we will see a new champion this year.

Miami Uses Late Run to Burn Celtics

Mario Chalmers scored only three points against Boston Tuesday night, but they may have been the most important three points of the game. Boston had started the fourth on a 13-6 run to tie the game and looked to swing the momentum their way until Chalmers connected from deep to stop the run.

Wade rises for a jumper of Paul Pierce. Wade scored 28 in Miami's win Tuesday night.
(Photo Credit : Issac Baldizon)

Miami never looked back. Chalmers ignited a 14-0 run which put the competitive contest into the win column for the home town Heat. Jermaine O'Neal came close to stopping the run but his slam dunk attempt was partially blocked by Joel Anthony leading to a long jumper from LeBron James. Boston quickly called a timeout but the damage had already been done. The Celtics got no closer than 8 and now must return home to TD Ameritrade Garden with a 2-0 deficit, the first the squad has faced since Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett joined Paul Pierce. In the storied history of Boston basketball, this marks only the ninth time the Celtics have fallen behind 2-0. The only time Boston has come back to win was in 1969 when Bill Russel lead them to the title against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Both teams feature a trio of all stars but the production discrepancy has been staggering. In two games, Miami Thrice has outscored the Boston Three Party 80-36 and are shooting 49.1 from the field compared to 39.5 for the visitors. For Boston to contend in this series they are going to have to get more production from their big 3. Paul Pierce and Ray Allen combined for only 20 points before each of them left with injuries; a strained left Achilles and a bruised chest cavity, respectively.

Miami seems to be peaking at just the right time and are looking to be the aggressors in the series while Boston has never quite been the same team since Kendrick Perkins was traded to Oklahoma City. Perkins provided a staunch inside presence that seems to be missing as the Heat continue to attack the basket and get to the free throw line.

Still, Allen isn't worried, "Being down 2-0 doesn't scare any of us, doesn't make us nervous," Allen said. "It's just an opportunity to come out shining." Frankly, he's right. There isn't a more seasoned and battle tested team in the Eastern conference and playing at home they have the opportunity to claw their way back into the series. Still, it will be an arduous task for Boston, needing to win 4 out of their next 5 to advance. They accomplished that same task twice last year, but neither of those teams were this year's Miami Heat.

Allen's sense of urgency isn't lost on coach Doc Rivers who stated "We've got a third game and we've got to take care of that. Whatever the past is, it is. They've won two games at home. But we can't allow them to play like this, or it's going to be tough at our place." The Celtics are in a must win situation Saturday night whether they want to view it as such or not. The Celtics were 33-8 at home this last season and the friendly confines yield them 3 in a row. Boston should be rocking as they welcome their team and try to shift the momentum back their way.

I set up a Twitter Account

All you twitter people! I set up an account for the blog if you wish to follow me there as well. Exciting stuff in under 140 characters. Check it out @jtbigleaguechew

Kiko Alonso...what are you thinking? : An editorial

Some people have to learn the hard way. Some people don't learn at all. Kiko Alonso has had his second run in with the law in as many off seasons as he was arrested Saturday afternoon, a mere hours after a strong performance in Oregon's spring game. Alonso provided several solid moments in the spring game and was next in line to take over for the Philadelphia bound Casey Matthews.

Alonso, who said he felt mentally "Good" after the spring game was found by police in an unidentified woman's house; in her bed. The junior linebacker was arrested and charged with burglary, criminal mischief and criminal trespass. Initial reports state that Alonso was not tested for presence of intoxicants in his system and they do not believe intoxicants played a part in the incident. Originally, Alonso was not co operative but eventually gave himself over to police without incident.

The reason the lack of intoxicants is part of this story is that Alonso missed the entire 2010 season when he was arrested for DUII. But does that really matter at this point? He has already been suspended indefinitely and I would imagine he will not have a place on the team when all is said and done. He was given a second chance by coach Kelly who was "Really, really, really disappointed" when interviewed by John Canzano on the Bold Faced Truth.

Kelly has shown himself to be one not to rush into a decision until he receives all the facts, but you have to wonder if coach Kelly will be as willing to keep Alonso on the team, especially after a second offense. I would imagine not. AS the old adage goes "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me." Kiko was given another chance when he really didn't deserve one. As Kelly stated, as far as arrests go, one is too many.

Playing football is a privilege and Alonso has shown on two separate occasions that he doesn't deserve the right to wear the O on his helmet. I don't harbor any ill will for Kiko, but he was handed a scholarship at a solid school and given the opportunity to even make it to the next level and follow in Matthews footsteps. I don't understand how someone, regardless of their upbringing would jeopardize the advantages provided to them.

Kiko, keep your nose clean wherever you end up. If nothing else, I hear Ole Miss needs a new linebacker.