December 18, 2009, Newsletter Issue #429: '09 Playoffs ROUND 1: #2 Celtics vs. #7 Bulls

Tip of the Week

This is where I was hoping the Pistons would be, in the 7th spot, playing an injured Boston team. With KG out for the entire playoffs, the Celtics just aren't the same team from last years magical championship run. The Bulls are young, but also have nothing to lose. All the pressure is on the Celtics, which usually equals an upset. The Bulls have been playing great ball, ecspecially at home. Led by ROY Derrick Rose, I predict this being a great first round matchup.


Prediction: Celtics in 7


Game 1: Bulls 105, Celtics 103 OT


Best game of the playoffs so far. Derrick Rose shocked everone with his performance, tying the record for most points by a rookie in his first playoff game, going for 36 points, along with 11 assists. The Celtics looked flat, Ray Allen was broke from the outside, going 1 for 12 from the field. In overtime he had a chance to tie the game, but clanked off a brick from 18 feet out. Noah also had a great game, grabbing 17 rebounds, and several blocked shots. Tyrus Thomas was huge in OT, hitting two big baseline jumpers to get the lead. Great performance by the young Bulls. Shame on all of those ESPN analysts who thought the Celtics would just run over these up-and-coming Bulls.


Game 2: Celtics 118, Bulls 115


Another great game. Ray Allen came back from his 1-12 shooting performance to shoot lights out in the second half, including the game winnings three with two seconds left. Ben Gordan put in a career high 42 points, hitting shots from everywhere on the court. He tied the game up with a clutch 15 footer, just to have Ray Allen and crew spoil his legendary performance. The story of the game was on the glass, where the Celtics totally manhandled the inexperienced Bulls, finishing with a 21-8 advantage in the offensive rebound department. Despite the Celtics huge advantage on the boards, Ben Gordan kept the Bulls in it, unfortunately Ray Allen was too much, hitting big shot after big shot in the 2nd half.


Game 3: Celtics 107, Bulls 86  - Celtics lead series 2-1


What huge surprise this was, as the Bulls, who played to great games in Boston, came back to the United Center and completely laid an egg. The Celtics pounced on them early, shooting over 60% in the first quarter, and they never looked back, led by Pierce's 24, and another great game from Rondo, who added 20 points. The Bulls have played great at the United Center, which is why this is such a big surprise, I really thought the Bulls would take control of the series with this victory, but now they've put themselves in a must win situation in game 4. Maybe they are finally starting to feel the pressure that they seemed to be immune to in the first two games.

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