Celtics demand respect after crushing the Bulls

By: Chris

After being surprised by Chicago in Games 1 and 2, the Celtics crushed the Bulls last night, which to me was a huge statement. After all the drama surrounding Kevin Garnett's knee injury keeping him out of the playoffs, the previously unconquerable Celtics now actually seemed beat-able, especially after rookie phenom Derrick Rose's ridiculous playoff debut in which he had his way in the paint tallying 36 points on 12-19 shooting to go along with 11 assists. The story did not change much in Game 2, where the Bulls were able to score 115 points on the tough and gritty Celtics D, but in the end, as usual, the Celtics found some one to lean on. In this case it was Ray Allen, who drained a beautiful three with seconds left leaving the Bulls stunned headed back to Chicago.

Yesterday, however, was a completely different story. Rose and Gordon were virtually shut-down, combining for only 24 points on 9 of 27 shooting. The suffocating defense forced the Bulls to turnover the ball 22 times including 6 steals by Glen "Big Baby" Davis and 5 by Rajon Rondo. Both teams' true colors were exposed last night. The Bulls: inexperienced, lack of inside presence on the offensive end, horrible free throw shooting. The Celtics: great defense, on-target 3 point shooting, 

Although unfortunately for the Bulls this playoff high might be long over, or was there ever a chance? Still, they are not out of it, and Bulls fans should continue watching their team in the playoffs for the first time in years. Meanwhile, the Celtics look to shut the door and continue their dominance on their quest straight to the Eastern Conference where they are expected to face the Cleveland Cavaliers. 

My take: Go Bulls!