Will Perdue: Bulls' defensive lapses leave Thibodeau frustrated
Q: What did you think of the Bulls almost blowing, then winning Game 3 in double overtime?
A: Clearly, defense won them the game in that second overtime. The interesting thing to me is that shows you how good this team can be. So for fans and myself, that's very encouraging. On the other hand, it's somewhat frustrating, because the Bulls know how good they can be, but why aren't they always playing like that?
Q: As good as the defense was in double overtime, there were lapses late in the fourth quarter. How can the Bulls eliminate some of those issues?
A: It's tough to figure out. The Bucks were down late in the game and you know they're going to shoot a 3-pointer. Pau Gasol's man sets a screen and Pau steps back like he thinks the guy's going to drive. Jimmy Butler gets knocked off by the screen and Khris Middleton knocks down a wide-open 3. Why aren't you out there contesting the shot?
Guys at times, they break down. I don't know if the defense is late or guys are like, "The heck with it." It's interesting. I can honestly say I've seen Tom Thibodeau frustrated a lot this year. I literally thought his head was going to explode in the first half of Game 3. I made a comment on Twitter, "I think we're about to see a remake of the movie 'Scanners.' "
When he speaks to reporters, Tom has been very selective with his choice of words. I'll give an example. After Game 1, he talked about "utilizing technique." I'm like, "Who uses that phrase this late in the season?" So he obviously is letting it be known that this team still needs to work on its defense. Then after Game 2, he was very supportive, but also used words like toughness and intelligence and discipline, will and determination, how bad do you want it. I don't think he was questioning any aspect of his team, but again he was mentioning there are scenarios they need to work on.
Q: It's been obvious all season Gasol prefers staying close to the basket and usually doesn't jump out on screens. Can the Bulls make that strategy works as the playoffs progress?
A: You could show Pau numerous clips and say, "You can't do this. You're basically giving up an uncontested look at the basket when your man sets a high screen." But that's what Pau has done all year, so what makes us think it's going to change now? If that's the case, though, Cleveland is going to keep running Derrick Rose off screens and Kyrie Irving will be going nuts. The Bulls need to change what they're doing on the screen and roll before they get to LeBron and Kyrie and J.R. Smith.
It's not just Pau. I'm also concerned about Joakim Noah's health. Do I question Jo's heart? No. Do I question his effort? Absolutely not. But I'm starting to wonder what he'll be able to do in Game 4 after playing heavy minutes on Thursday. He gives you that game where he gets 15 rebounds, but his offense is nonexistent. How many layups or 3-footers has he missed in this Milwaukee series because he's got no lift? How many times did John Henson or Zaza Pachulia go over his back to keep rebounds alive?
Q: Do you think the Bulls can finish the sweep?
A: I fully expect them to win Game 4. They'll probably make it interesting, as they always do. If the Bucks can stay close and the Bulls need a push in the last four minutes to get it done, how much gas will they have left in the tank after two overtimes on Thursday? In the back of your head will always be, "We could lose this game and still get it done Monday. We'll be all right." It's dangerous when you have a cushion to fall back on.
• Will Perdue is an analyst for Comcast SportsNet's Bulls pregame and postgame shows. A four-time champion (3 Bulls titles, 1 Spurs), he played 13 seasons in the NBA. Follow him on Twitter@Will_Perdue32.