Bulls’ loss statistical aberration
PHILADELPHIA — If it seemed as though the Bulls’ Game 3 loss at Philadelphia defied logic, there is plenty of statistical evidence to back it up.
The Bulls were outscored 23-5 during the final nine minutes and lost 79-74.
Prior to this game, the Sixers were 2-12 when shooting less than 40 percent from the field, 2-25 when trailing after three quarters and 2-18 when scoring less than 90 points.
The last time the 76ers franchise won a playoff game while scoring less than 80 points, the team was known as the Syracuse Nationals and future Nats center Johnny “Red” Kerr was still a senior at the University of Illinois.
The Bulls were 41-3 this season when leading after three quarters and 18-2 when holding opponents to less than 40 percent shooting.
While Sixers center Spencer Hawes scored a season-high 21 points, the Bulls’ C.J. Watson and Kyle Korver and Philadelphia’s Elton Brand all went all scoreless.
“We gave that game away,” Bulls guard John Lucas said in the locker room. “We had the game right where we wanted it. We had them playing our tempo. We were playing excellent half-court defense. We took away their transition, took away their fast break. It’s just tough when you don’t pull the victory.”
Second try doesn’t work:
Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau heard plenty of questions Saturday about the decision to send Joakim Noah back on the floor early in the fourth quarter after he’d sprained his left ankle.
Noah played just two minutes, knocked down a jumper and went back to the bench when it was obvious he wasn’t moving well.
“He thought he could go. Sometimes you can get through it. Obviously, he was struggling,” Thibodeau said. “If he feels he’s able to play or thinks he can give it a shot, then you do so. If not, then you don’t.”
After turning the ankle in the third quarter, Noah went to the locker room. He could be seen jogging in place after returning to the bench.
Collins won’t mention injuries:
There has been plenty of talk in Philadelphia about Andre Iguodala suffering from Achilles tendinitis. In Friday’s game, Sixers guard Lou Williams fell hard after getting his shot blocked by Omer Asik and came away with a bruised back.
“The last thing we can do is talk about injuries,” Sixers coach Doug Collins said Saturday, “with (Derrick) Rose being hurt and (Joakim) Noah, I don’t know what his status is going to be, and how the Bulls are beat up. For me to even mention an injury, that would be wrong.”
Expectations of Omer:
Coach Tom Thibodeau refused to name a starting center for Game 4, but he talked about the abilities of backup Omer Asik.
“Omer, obviously, can handle that position,” Thibodeau said. “Taj (Gibson) has played both positions. We feel like we’ll be OK.
“Omer is better offensively than people give him credit for because of his offensive rebounding and his screening. He’s also a very underrated passer. He’s not accustomed to playing starter’s minutes. That will be a little bit of an adjustment.”