Rajon Rondo’s brilliant triple-double lifts Boston Celtics to 95 – 91 win over Chicago Bulls – NBA Recap(Part 2)
Boston Celtics were the aggressors coming out of the interval as they reeled off a 6 – 2 burst to open the 3rd quarter. The segment saw an intense battle, with momentum shifting between Chicago Bulls and Cs quite regularly.
It was obvious that Chicago found it tough to penetrate the Celtics defence without star Derrick Rose leading them, and Boston were thus able to maintain their advantage going into the final period, 72 – 66.
The Bulls couldn’t cause Boston too many problems and the home side sailed through most of the penultimate segment with relative comfort. Right towards the end though Chicago threatened, after a 7 – 0 burst brought them to within 3 points at 89 – 86.
Paul Pierce however made a clutch jumper on the next possession to give Boston some breathing space and it proved enough as the Bulls were unable to chase down them down, the game ending 95 – 91.
Although the Bulls gave their opponents a scare at the end, they were second best for most of the game and it was a fact not lost on centre Joakim Noah. He accepted after the game that the effort could have been better from Chicago,
"I think that our energy just wasn't very good. I mean we fought at the end but overall we got to play better. Our togetherness wasn't great and they shot at a high percentage throughout the game. They ran the floor better than us. I think overall they just wanted it more."
Joakim had 16 points in the game, along with 9 rebounds. Forward Carlos Boozer scored the joint team high of 22 points and grabbed 7 boards. Rose’s replacement, point guard C.J. Watson, was the other team top scorer with 22 points and 6 assists.
"We just looked a little sluggish, came out a little slow," Watson said after the game.
No one from the Bulls could match the terrific effort of Rajon Rondo. Chicago’s support cast did step up, but so did Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett, meaning the Derrick Rose was severely missed.
"Our energy wasn't there," said Rose, who was at courtside cheering his teammates on. "We didn't pick up our energy to the full court."
Another feature of the game was Chicago’s poor shooting. The visitors just couldn’t get shots to go, averaging 38.6 percent from the floor. Boston meanwhile connected on a splendid 49.3 percent of their attempts and also had 33 fast break points, a testament to both their stifling defence and quick transition game.
The Bulls did well for a while without Derrick Rose in the side, but this game has proved that against tougher opponents, they can’t be expected to perform at a high level in his absence. Head coach Tom Thibodeau would be hoping the star is back in action soon.
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