Halftime in the Bulls and Heat game.

I hate when big games in sports that aren’t typically on ABC, NBC, CBS or FOX are then transplanted to one of the major networks.  The flow of the game is disrupted by touch fouls, there are constant game breaks for extended commercials, mid-game interviews… and the announcers typically suck.  The commentary is more team or player hype than useful sports analysis.

Anyway, very pleased with Chicago’s play in the second quarter.  Spreading it around, they’re getting after the ball on both sides of the floor… and attempting to draw contact at the right times, which is a good adjustment considering the way the game’s being called.

The Heat are taking advantage in transition, but there’s a reason the lead didn’t last.  Looks like the Bulls have tightened it up and if they get a few bounces off the defensive glass, and a few of those rim-out shots go down, they’ll win this game.

Rose is playing great, aggressive toward the rim and finding the open man when he’s drawn two or three defenders.  Noah and Taj have been getting great position down low and contributing on offense. I think Rip found his shot again (after being out with an injury and a game-time decision today), Korver hit a couple big threes.

Lebron is all but carrying Miami.  He’s having a good game, but it’s been rather easy for him thus far.  Transition points, open shots and free throws.  The Bulls need to do a better job contesting his shots.  Easier said than done though, it is Lebron James.

UPDATE:  Chris Bosh is playing very well too.  Forgot to mention that.

Now the announcers are trying to make it sound like D Rose is a flopper… while Dwayne Wade is shooting free throws for what should have been an offensive foul on Wade.

Game Over.  The Bulls are about to lose, but they looked a hell of a lot better than the Heat.  They have a lot to feel good about.  They didn’t really play their best basketball, they were missing Deng… and they still looked better than the Heat all around.

Very easily could have won on the last few possessions.  The whole game was pretty much a nightmarish cluster-fuck all around, and full of bad calls… the Heat probably got the better of those, but not by much.  The conclusion felt a lot like a boxing match that went to a decision which convinced no one.