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Bulls expecting defensive intensity from Bucks

Milwaukee coach Jason Kidd gave an early clue about what's in store for Game 2 with this: "We're not an offensive team. We rely on our defense," he said after the Bulls won Saturday's playoff opener 103-91.

Game 2 is Monday at the United Center.

The numbers support Kidd's assessment. The Bucks ranked fifth in the NBA in opponents' field-goal percentage, one place behind the Bulls.

Saturday was the first time either side reached 100 points in the season series. And the Bulls shot 45.8 percent from the field in Game 1, their best performance against Milwaukee since the first game they played this season on Nov. 5.

It's probably safe to say the Bucks will try to assert themselves defensively in Game 2. How they go about that is the question.

"It's going to be physical," Taj Gibson said after Sunday's practice at the Advocate Center. "I know for a fact that every playoff game, the next game after the first one is always a lot more intense."

Sometimes Game 2 is one to worry about. Six times in franchise history, the Bulls have dropped Game 2 at home after winning the opener.

"The biggest adjustment is usually the intensity," Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said. "You're playing the same team over and over. So the strengths and weaknesses of a team aren't going to change.

"Just be ready. If they change a coverage, this is what we're looking for, this is how we handle it. If they don't change it, this is what we're looking for. We know what their strengths are."

The Bulls-Bucks box scores have evolved since Nov. 5.

One glaring difference is Pau Gasol averaged 34 points in the first two meetings, including a career-high 46 points Jan. 10.

Gasol averaged just 13 points over the next three games against Milwaukee, but the backcourt picked up the slack. Jimmy Butler led the Bulls with 25 points in the April 1 game at the Bradley Center. Then Butler and Derrick Rose combined to score 48 on Saturday.

So what is the next Bucks adjustment: Stop doubling Gasol and focus more on the guards? Or keep the same defensive strategy?

"They've tried to make it tough for me to score," Gasol said. "When I catch it on the post, it's automatic, pretty much, double team. They have done that the last three games that we played against them. I don't anticipate them always sticking to that.

"Playoffs are about adjustments, keeping you off balance. You have to be ready for whatever they throw at you. If they're going to continue (to double), we have to make them pay.

"Somebody's going to get a wide-open shot because we're such a willing team to move the ball that we make plays for each other and find the open man."

The defensive adjustments probably began during Game 1. The Bulls hit 13 of 16 shots in the paint during the first half.

After intermission, it was just 7 of 17 from the paint and 37.2 percent overall, although the Bulls tossed in six 3-point baskets during the second half.

Clogging the paint with long arms is Milwaukee's basic strategy. The Bulls need to be ready for a twist in Game 2.

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Gibson says injury nothing serious

  Paul Gasol has been a target of the Milwaukee Bucks' defense since earlier this season, but that has led to more opportunities for the Bulls' guards. Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
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