however, i think Chicago realized that Orlando’s offense, despite being mostly centered around Dwight, relies primarily on the 3 ball. Howard blew us up for 40 and 15 in the second game, but their team was held to 24% shooting from downtown. Chicago held them to 26 the game after that, which they also won. compare that to the Magic shooting 48% from downtown when they blew us out earlier in the season.

Dwight can get his stats all day, but if Chicago adequately defends the 3, they’re more likely to pull out the win. and i know this is basic Rebecca Black-type stuff i’m reciting, but we all know 3 is greater than 2 and 1. i’d rather we defend the perimeter and force Dwight into making a bucket, or heading to the charity stripe, as opposed to Anderson/Redick/Turk/Rich/Jameer draining a triple. hopefully they can execute that during the playoffs.

I’m thinking Rose is very much like Jordan when it comes to how much he hates losing games.

I mean, yeah, everyone wants to win, and nobody like to lose.
But remembering bad losses or any losses, reminds me of MJ’s speech he gave at the HOF. You listen to Rose, and he’s like:

1. Sacramento came from behind and beat the Bulls last season, and Rose basically said he wanted revenge and beat the Kings by 50pts. Well, it wasnt’ a 50pt differential, but it was pretty close, and beat the crap out of the Kings this year.

2. He really came down hard on himself about the missed free-throw of the 1st Clippers game, and he’s been almose perfect at the FT ever since (and pounded the Clips at Staples Center).

3. He despised the Atlanta game by losing on such a close margin, and he promised to never have a game like that. Well, Bulls beat the crap outta ATL in the next match-up.

4. And there’s this Raptors game… Raptors won the 3rd game and celebrated, and that didn’t sit well with Rose.

Hey, whatever drives him, it’s all good. I like this similarity between Rose and MJ, how they almost hold a grudge against other teams sometimes.

Go Bulls.

I am curious how we feel about Thibs substitutions in the last 20 games or so?

The one thing I notice is that we are saved by our offensive rebounding in many games. Derrick getting to the line consistently is another aspect that has kept us in games, but I really worry about an opposing coach, with the personnel to back it up, taking away those offensive rebounds and making our FG% stand on it’s own.

that being said, I’d like to continue with something that Tony C. touched on. Lebron, as well as Dwight and many others, tend to go for the flashy ‘get-that-thing-outta-here!’ block, sending shots into the stands. I’d really like to see more players do what Rose did, and swat the ball back into play, or if they have enough hop, just pull the sucker down! JaVale McGee actually did that a week or so ago, swatting the shot, and coming down with it to maintain possession.

I was sweating it out through this came, but D-Rose (along with the Bench Mob) came up clutch. I’m really intrigued by how far this team can go in the post-season. should be fun to watch.

That play was unquestionably one of the elite highlights of Rose’s career to date, and I say that only partly because of the remarkable athleticism on display. It would have been so easy for him to have stayed back after he lost the ball, but his exceptional determination wouldn’t allow it.

There are many great athletes in the NBA, but precious few have the mental attributes that Rose brings to the game.