Delusions in DC: Bulls vs Wizards 1st round matchup

Who wins?


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HTTR

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The Noah-Nene matchup is a wash. Nene is too big, and Noah can't handle his size down low. So Joakim has to make Nene work defensively and take advantage of that mismatch; Nene isn't an elite defender. I think Noah will show up the rest of the series simply because of his will and "heart." He plays too hard not to have an impact. They both posses elite basketball intelligence and understand the nuisances of the game. Extremely skilled at passing from the post and getting their teammates easy twos. However, Nene played one of his best games, while Joakim wasn't particularly impressive, and the score was still close. Plus, he's "day-to-day" Nene for a reason; I wouldn't be surprised if he gets dinged.

The key remains stopping John Wall's penetration. Athreeza, Webbie, and Bradley have been benefiting from open looks all year. Bulls did a good job game 1. The guy above is correct, Bulls just can't allow Nene and Gortat to keep feasting, but twos hurt less than threes. As a Wizards fan though, I know John is gonna ball the rest of the series. Beal will as well.
 

Brozay

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http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/assets/4333657/Nene_J.jpg

Leaving the best player open all game isn't smart football

Nene open in the paint here while they cover wall on the 3 pt line? If bull lose today tibs should be fired. One of the worst coaching jobs in a generation
http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/assets/4334009/beal_hockey_assist.gif
I think the Bulls downplayed Nene's impact and ability in game 1

They werent ready for him to be the focal point of the offense

Coming into the game all the talk was about how great the Wiz backcourt is
 

Mr swag

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It wasn't very difficult to grasp what defensive mastermind Tom Thibodeau's game plan was in Game 1 against Washington on easter Sunday: Take away the perimeter, run shooters off the 3 point line, and prevent dribble penetration, particularly from John Wall.

In a way, Thibodeau succeeded. John Wall and Bradley Beal shot the ball terribly, being lured into long 2 after long 2. When either touched the ball, Chicago sent pressure almost immediately, forcing the ball out of their hands early in possessions. Thibb's game plan worked.

And absolutely none of it mattered.

Heading into the series, it was thought by most (outside of DC) that Chicago had an advantage in the frontcourt, with Defensive Player of the Year candidate Joakim Noah along side Sixth Man of the Year candidate Taj Gibson. It seemed to make perfect sense: Focus on taking away the 3 point threat and dribble penetration from the perimeter, and let your ace front court defend the interior.

From the first bucket, Nene physically assaulted Noah on both ends of the floor, banging his way to the basket on one end and crowding Noah in the high post on the other. Everyone knows adjustments are coming in game 2, but what exactly can Chicago do? More specifically, what can they do to take away Washington's interior without giving up more opportunities for the Wizards on the perimeter?

Taking away Nene has to be the top priority in Game 2 for Tom Thibodeau, but sending extra attention to Nene, a fantastic passing big man, will open up the Wizards driving lanes and 3 point opportunities. As much as Bullsfans are claiming to have faith in Thibodeau to game plan around Nene in Game 2, a question they should be asking themselves arises:

When extra attention is given to Nene, is it yet another great game plan by Tom Thibodeau, or are the Bulls falling into the exact trap that the Wizards want?
 

kevthesureshot

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Our Defense is designed to give up long twos. If you have a big man who can make that jumper, he'll get plenty of them. Last year, Lopez had a game where he literally ran a pick and pop three times in a row from the same time, and had a wide open shot every time. Scola torched us in a game earlier this year. Bosh eats well against us. We're trying to stop from penetration into the lane, and we'll live with a 15-18 foot jumper :manny: The only adjustment I see happening tonight is just more effort on the glass, getting more of those 50/50 balls.

If Nene is gonna shoot like that every game this series, he gets all the credit in the world.
 
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Almost time to take care of business :birdman:



John Wall and Brad Beal time 2 shyne :blessed:
 
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