Zipser looking forward to NBA-style playoff intensity
On the most important night of the Bulls' season, rookie Paul Zipser was the coolest customer.
He scored a career-high 21 points in the blowout win over Brooklyn, hitting 5 of 7 shots from 3-point range. After the game, Zipser talked about his actual pro basketball playoff experience in the German League.
"I played a few playoffs before," said Zipser, who played for Bayern Munich. "I'm excited to see how different it is here. I think it's a little more intense.
"My first year I injured myself in like the second game of the playoffs, but we won the championship. Then two more years in the playoffs. I have a lot of good memories."
Two years ago, Bayern lost in the decisive game of the championship series, so Zipser has played in some high-pressure games. He did admit the NBA playoffs draw a much bigger spotlight then what he saw in Germany.
"I think soccer is way, way bigger, so the country doesn't look forward to (the basketball playoffs)," he said. "Like I said, I'm excited to see how it is here."
Playoff preview:
TNT analysts Reggie Miller and Kevin McHale shared some thoughts about the Bulls-Celtics series in a teleconference Thursday.
Miller felt the Celtics' relative dearth of playoff experience could make them a vulnerable No. 1 seed.
"If you're Chicago, you think, hey, Dwyane Wade and (Rajon) Rondo have won championships, Jimmy Butler has gone deep in the playoffs before," Miller said. "We have playoff savvy and we know how to win. I think this is a great matchup for Chicago."
McHale pointed out that, unlike in his day, the current Celtics rank 27th in the NBA in net rebounding. The Bulls are tied for the league lead in offensive rebounds per game, though they've slipped since replacing Taj Gibson with some stretch-fours.
"Can Chicago get second shots, can they pound the glass, will they be able to physically dominate that inside paint area?" McHale asked. "(The Celtics) are going to have to get tough on the boards. The thing I like in Boston's favor … is (Avery) Bradley, (Jae) Crowder and (Marcus) Smart; they've got three guys that can go out there play against the strength of the Bulls, which is Wade and Butler. It should be fun and should be very competitive."
Marquette reunion:
Jimmy Butler and Celtics small forward Jae Crowder were teammates at Marquette during the 2010-11 season and usually have spirited battles when they square off in the NBA.
Asked about the impending playoff matchup, Butler chose his words carefully.
"I don't know. Good question," Butler said. "I'm not scared of Jae."