Eastern Conference | Round 1 | (3) Milwaukee Bucks vs. (6) Chicago Bulls (Bucks WIN 4-1)

[Antinomy]

That game never felt in-doubt. Bulls just don’t scare you offensively.

[kulaz3000]

That game never felt in-doubt. Bulls just don’t scare you offensively.

C'mon, that's silly. The Bulls had the lead several times, and Giannis was lucky to not be called for the over-the-back foul on Williams to get tossed. The fact that the Bulls who were horrid defensively in the second half of the season, stayed in the game because of their defense, while shooting terribly proved that the Bucks are going to have to work to win the series, even if it ends up being a sweep (which it likely will be).

[ChiCitySPORTS#1]

That game never felt in-doubt. Bulls just don’t scare you offensively.

Pretty lazy take. The Bulls limped into the playoffs but were a top 2 team in the east for a majority of the season. If Lonzo was available this would be a really good series.

[MoneyInDaBank07]

That game never felt in-doubt. Bulls just don’t scare you offensively.

C'mon, that's silly. The Bulls had the lead several times, and Giannis was lucky to not be called for the over-the-back foul on Williams to get tossed. The fact that the Bulls who were horrid defensively in the second half of the season, stayed in the game because of their defense, while shooting terribly proved that the Bucks are going to have to work to win the series, even if it ends up being a sweep (which it likely will be).

I'm not sure the Bucks could've played more poorly, but kudos to the Bulls defense (especially Caruso). If the Bucks can even get an ounce of ANYTHING from their guards going forward - this series will become a snoozer.

[durden_tyler]

Yeah, that was the Bulls' last chance to make this a competitive series. i still think they'll steal one at home but Bucks in five games sounds very reasonable.

[kulaz3000]

That game never felt in-doubt. Bulls just don’t scare you offensively.

C'mon, that's silly. The Bulls had the lead several times, and Giannis was lucky to not be called for the over-the-back foul on Williams to get tossed. The fact that the Bulls who were horrid defensively in the second half of the season, stayed in the game because of their defense, while shooting terribly proved that the Bucks are going to have to work to win the series, even if it ends up being a sweep (which it likely will be).

I'm not sure the Bucks could've played more poorly, but kudos to the Bulls defense (especially Caruso). If the Bucks can even get an ounce of ANYTHING from their guards going forward - this series will become a snoozer.

I don't disagree. I also don't disagree that the Bucks are the heavy favorites, but I just think anyone who watched the game tonight, it feels extremely disingenuous to say that the game never felt in doubt for the Bucks, when the Bulls forced them into having such a bad game defensively.

[themoneyteam2]

Derozan's playoff shooting numbers looking like concert tour dates

[skones]

I don't disagree. I also don't disagree that the Bucks are the heavy favorites, but I just think anyone who watched the game tonight, it feels extremely disingenuous to say that the game never felt in doubt for the Bucks, when the Bulls forced them into having such a bad game defensively.

I don't disagree that this game never felt in doubt. It sounds cocky, because it is, and it was earned. The Bucks have closed with their backs against the wall before. We have another gear. There are a few teams in this league that can match that gear, the Bulls aren't one of them.

[ConSarnit]

I don’t really get why people are saying this was the Bulls best chance. This is what the Bucks do. They were bad offensively in last years playoffs but they just flat out can lock teams down. Unless you are an all-time great offensive player (ie. Durant) your offensive game is probably going to crumble against them.

That bodes pretty badly for already questionable playoff performers like Derozan and Vuc.

[Infinite Llamas]

That game never felt in-doubt. Bulls just don’t scare you offensively.

A disingenuous take after nearly losing to a fish-out-of-water team. This is, of course, after the Bucks showed their true colors of cowardice by avoiding the Nets in the first round. The irony that they nearly choked to their hand picked opponent wasn’t lost, I promise you that.

[cool007]

This game was a tossup - it could have gone either way. Both teams were missing shots and their key guys missing a ton (Demar, Zach, Vuc and Middleton, Holiday) while some questionable calls where Giannis could have fouled out but bailed out by the refs.

Keep in mind that Bucks are the defending champs, playing at home while Bulls have bunch of guys playing their 1st playoff game on the road so Bucks just have been in this situation before in the playoffs and they pulled out the win. They did what they were supposed to do.

IMO, if Lonzo was playing and not hurt, this could have been Bulls win and if Lonzo was playing, I would be pretty certain that this series would go 6 games, if not 7. Lonzo was Bulls' Marcus Smart - he was having great impact not only on the defensive end but also on the offensive end which Bulls miss him dearly. Bulls were elite (or atleast near elite) when everyone was healthy.

As it stands, I still think this series will go atleast 5 games. Bulls will have another chance at stealing the game in Milwaukee on Wednesday - if they do then the series is going 6 games - if not then 5 games.

[Castle Black]

LaVine is going to get Maxed out by Chicago this off-season and it’s going to be a severe overpay.

But they have no choice. They can’t afford to let him walk.

I stand by this comment. He’s a talented player obviously but he’s a bit of an empty stats guy. Doesn’t really effect winning, at least not nearly to the extent that a Max player should.

[SeniorWalker]

Bud with one of the dumbest subs I’ve ever seen. Suns Giannis out because he has 5 fouls with 90 seconds left. What happens? Giannis doesn’t come in until the 15 second mark.

He is not a good in game decision maker. He can’t think on the fly

exactly

[SeniorWalker]

C'mon, that's silly. The Bulls had the lead several times, and Giannis was lucky to not be called for the over-the-back foul on Williams to get tossed. The fact that the Bulls who were horrid defensively in the second half of the season, stayed in the game because of their defense, while shooting terribly proved that the Bucks are going to have to work to win the series, even if it ends up being a sweep (which it likely will be).

I'm not sure the Bucks could've played more poorly, but kudos to the Bulls defense (especially Caruso). If the Bucks can even get an ounce of ANYTHING from their guards going forward - this series will become a snoozer.

I don't disagree. I also don't disagree that the Bucks are the heavy favorites, but I just think anyone who watched the game tonight, it feels extremely disingenuous to say that the game never felt in doubt for the Bucks, when the Bulls forced them into having such a bad game defensively.

I would've said this about the Nets game earlier today but not the Bulls. I fully expected the Bucks to win from tip off and they looked like they were sleepwalking to be honest. All season long they have played to their opponents level and it showed here tonight. Thats not a good thing btw. I hope they can tune their attitude up and gain chemistry if they're going to have another deep run in the playoffs. Middleton needs to not be terrible as the #2 as well if theyre going anywhere.

This series unfortunately is one where they really have no answer for Giannis on either end of the floor. He didn't even play well tonight and still had 27/16 with 2 blocks on 50+% shooting. I did not have the feeling at all that the Bulls were playing up to the Bucks, but I definitely felt the Bucks not giving it 100%.

And Bud is still not a great in-game coach. Thought he should've been fired last year but Giannis saved his job by going freak mode.

[skones]

That game never felt in-doubt. Bulls just don’t scare you offensively.

A disingenuous take after nearly losing to a fish-out-of-water team. This is, of course, after the Bucks showed their true colors of cowardice by avoiding the Nets in the first round. The irony that they nearly choked to their hand picked opponent wasn’t lost, I promise you that.

Bitterness I sense in this one. But boy, if you lose in round 1 to the Nets, not a good look for you.

[HomoSapien]

LaVine is going to get Maxed out by Chicago this off-season and it’s going to be a severe overpay.

But they have no choice. They can’t afford to let him walk.

I stand by this comment. He’s a talented player obviously but he’s a bit of an empty stats guy. Doesn’t really effect winning, at least not nearly to the extent that a Max player should.

He's been playing with a bum knee for months and has already stated that he needs off-season knee surgery. He was a very different player earlier when healthy.

[HomoSapien]

Yeah, that was the Bulls' last chance to make this a competitive series. i still think they'll steal one at home but Bucks in five games sounds very reasonable.

I mean, even I don't expect the Bulls to win this, but this is a pretty weird comment one game into a series.

[jc23]

Remember how enraged Bulls fans were when we all asked if we could wait til the playoffs to anoint Derozan as the next MJ?

6-25, 18 pts, 0-2 from three

I like the Bulls. I like Derozan. I want them to do well. But you mf'ers were going in on us and this is exactly what we were talking about.

Why would you wait until the playoffs to enjoy basketball? we all know saying that "just wait till the playoffs" is a way to piss in someones cereal.

Chicago came into the season with the narrative that all their moves sucked and the season would be a disaster. They had a great first half of the season and good season overall. Derozen had an "all nba team" season as well.

In those threads i said the early season doubters would have the playoffs to rear their heads again (go look if you want), so i see you.

[mediocrityrules]

That game never felt in-doubt. Bulls just don’t scare you offensively.

A disingenuous take after nearly losing to a fish-out-of-water team. This is, of course, after the Bucks showed their true colors of cowardice by avoiding the Nets in the first round. The irony that they nearly choked to their hand picked opponent wasn’t lost, I promise you that.

Wow, if these aren't just the saltiest of salty tears you're crying all over this thread

[Perseus1966]

Oh my god,what was that ,it must be the worst play off game in this millenium