Chicago Bulls likely to utilize Kurt Thomas against the streaking Miami Heat
Chicago Bulls power forward Kurt Thomas, who is regarded as a grizzled vet and a man for any situation, is expected to make his debut in the Eastern Conference Finals against the streaking Miami Heat on Thursday.
The Heat dragged the Bulls on the brink of elimination after thrashing them in a 101-93 overtime victory on Tuesday. After enduring three losses, where they lost their drive during the clutch time, Chicago desperately needs a player
who can spur them on keep their play-off hopes alive.
Even though the 16-year veteran Thomas has not seen much action this postseason, playing only 6-of-14 games however, he might be the one guy Bulls can count on down the stretch. The 38-year-old power forward, who can also play
as centre, showcased his brilliance earlier this season when he filled in for the injured Joakim Noah during a 30-game stretch. The Bulls were 22-8 in that period.
With the Bulls 3-1 down in the series and their centre Joakim Noah struggling against Chris Bosh, the time might be right for the Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau to shake off Thomas’ rust and benefit from his immense experience. Kurt
is quite familiar with this platform. The veteran Bull has played 95 play-off games in his career so far, more than anyone in the team and on top of that he has been around with the best teams in the league including Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks and San Antonio
Spurs. However, in this year’s playoffs, especially the finals, Thibodeau has been inclined to give more minutes to Omer Asik.
Playing Omer Asik over Kurt in the first two rounds against the Indiana Pacers and Atlanta Hawks was a defendable move. Both the teams were agile and played at a fast pace. Miami’s agility cannot be denied either and although Asik’s
stats don’t show much, he has been pivotal in clamping down the offensive combination of Wade and James, especially the pick and rolls.
However, Asiks’ is history now. The seven foot rookie is done for the postseason with a fractured left tibia. This gives Kurt Thomas a break.
As Miami Heat’s defence is clogging up the paint, the Chicago Bulls need a good midrange jump-shooter who can marshal the team with some consistent buckets. Joakim Noah is struggling to connect his jumpers whereas the power forward
Carlos Boozer is also inconsistent from the midrange. Right Now, Thomas is the best man for the job. He is known for his impressive jump shots and the team needs to improvise with the big man before it’s too late.
The game-5 of the Conference Finals will be played at United Centre on Thursday night. After losing two straight games on the road, the Bulls needs to capitalize on the home-court advantage and introduce Thomas.
Tom Thibodeau has also hinted on bringing Thomas in the team. “We feel very good about Kurt. Of course, Omer has played terrific for us but if Omer can't go, Kurt will be the next guy in."
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