I Thought We Could Save The Playoffs

I really did.

The Detroit Pistons finally closed out the Chicago Bulls in three tries and almost didn't, had it not been for another downfall in the Bulls offense in the second half. This game, along with games 1, 2, and 3, emphasized the Bulls' dire need for a low post scorer as their perimeter shots failed to bail them out of this game. Let's just call the Bulls unlucky. On the defensive end, the Bulls are a force that shouldn't be messed with. Their perimeter defense is excellent, and when that barrier has been broken down, Big Ben will devour the ball inside. On the offensive end however, once the Bulls are hit with the cold spell, it's all downhill from there. They kind of remind me of the Houston Rockets, only that the Rockets do have an inside presence on the offensive end but do not have an adequate measure of perimeter threat: which relies heavily on T-Mac making his own shots and creating shots for the spot shooters.

Anyway, here are my thoughts for the game:

• I thought we could save the playoffs, who wouldn't want to see a classic Bulls against Utah in the NBA Finals? The legends would be smoked out of their hiding places and into the stands. John Stockton? Karl Malone? Michael Jordan? What about Dennis Rodman? We would all love to see them. Maybe next year.
• Only Phoenix has a legit chance of reviving the playoffs. If they lose their series, then this year's playoffs can be considered a deep dozer. If it were not for the international players and their homelands rooting for them (only for the Spurs if they eliminate the Suns, but what if they get eliminated by the Jazz later on?), the NBA would probably hit an all-time low on the ratings.
• Tyrus Thomas is still green. He was a catalyst for the choking press the Bulls applied on the Pistons in the final 3 minutes of the game, but turned the ball over as well on one critical possession which could have sealed the game. Maybe next year.
• As mentioned above, despite the flourish of the Bulls on the defensive end, they went cold on the offensive end. Boo-ya, ousted by the Pistons.
• Rasheed Wallace was going crazy. He was acting like a kid: jumping up and down while flailing his arms around as if somebody had stolen his cookie.
• The Pistons is now the most exciting team of the non-exciting teams left in the Eastern Conference.
• Congratulations to the Pistons for reaching the Conference Finals for the 5th straight year.

I can't wait for the off-season to start.