Bulls

[Rich Davies <davies@theshop.net>]

A few thoughts/rants on this whole Pacers/Bulls thing:

Someone said the Bulls have more talent than the Pacers. Well, I suppose
just having Jordan makes them more talented. But, Indiana, IMHO, has a
more talented TEAM. Time and again Bird was able to reach deep into his
bench for players, not just to keep the status quo in the game, but
actually compete against Chicago's starters.

That ridiculous article about the 'Zenmaster teaching Bird a lesson'.
One of the most ludicrous stories I've read surrounding this series.
Phil didn't teach Bird anything except maybe how to make an ass of
yourself; comparing the refs to Munich '72... AS IF!
If anything, Bird taught Jackson about using your bench effectively, and
that Jordan IS human.

No, there is no question in my mind that if the Pacers had hit their
free throws, they would have won the game. If Dale Davis shoots just 75%
at the line, they win.

If Kukoc doesn't decide to show up for the last game, the Bulls lose.

And rebounding? Particularly at the end of the game, I saw a lot of
balls roll off the fingertips of a Pacer and wind up in the hands of a
Bull not even close to the boards. Butterfingers? Maybe. Bad luck? More
likely. I really didn't see Rodman dominate the boards.

Possibly Bird should have left Rose and Best in the game at the end. I
would have liked to see it anyway.

I, too, loved Bird's comment to Jim Gray about the Bulls vs. Jazz. For
once someone gave the obvious answer to Gray's obvious (stupid)
questions.

I think Utah is going to rip these Bulls. Indiana has shown them further
proof that the Bulls are not invincible, Jordan is not infallible, and
that with good coaching (which Sloan can provide), a solid front line,
and a good point guard, these Bulls can be corraled and branded.

I saw a tired Jordan in this series. Exactly what I wanted to see.
Exactly what the Jazz want to see. Nobody, NOBODY can maintain the
summit forever. And I'm glad we're getting to see the cracks in Jordan
the player, if not Jordan the legend.

Rich D.
(the medicine is kicking in, and I'm calming down ;-)