The problem remains the same for the Pacers: Derrick Rose. Indiana failed to stop the soon-to-be MVP in the final minutes and it cost ‘em. That was the Pacers game for the taking.
Over the final 3:38, the Bulls went on a 16-1 run thanks to couple big shots by Rose and Kyle Korver drilled a three to give Chicago their first lead of the game at 102-99. And they would never look back.
The blue and gold must learn from game one and make adequate adjustments like say, stop Rose. It was huge for Indiana to get off to a strong start in the first game because we’ve seen too many times this season where they’ve lost a chance to win the game just five minutes in.
Tyler Hansbrough must continue to be a beast inside, sizing up against Carlos Boozer and Joakim Noah. He proved in game one that he can play with these guys and that his intensity remains.
Pacers interim head coach Frank Vogel and staff will continue to coach precisely as he has done all season. How can you not love this guy? After he first game as the interim coach he said, “This is going to be a special end of the year. Jump on board.” And why not.
Gaining valuable experience is important for the Pacers. Saturday, Larry Bird said that his team will learn more this series than they did all season. It’s a whole different mindset and intensity—something this team badly needs to understand.
Remember a couple years ago when Chicago and Atlanta for example were down in the dumps. A couple playoff series and these teams are back among the top in the Eastern Conference. With the most money in the league to spend this offseason, nearly $35 million, Bird or whoever is hear will be able to add missing pieces to the puzzle—beginning with a killer. Danny Granger is the second or maybe third option on the top contending teams. He better relish this role before he loses it.
The Bulls got a wakeup call in the first game. They were expecting Indiana to just roll over and hand over the brooms to the Bulls. This series is long from over and the Pacers know that. They are rejuvenated, refocused and determined to make some noise in the 2011 playoffs.