Why the Chicago Bulls Lost Eastern Conference to the Miami Heat

COMMENTARY | A few days have elapsed since the Chicago Bulls collapsed in Game 5 of their series with the Miami Heat. That loss gave Miami the Eastern Conference Championship. I offer this article to disappointed Bulls fans and all serious sports fans. What happened to Chicago?

As a reference, I'm using an Associated Press article posted at ESPN titled "Heat stage late comeback to advance to NBA Finals, eliminate Bulls."

I have to say I take exception to that title. I think Chicago eliminated Chicago.

Originally, while many experts had Miami winning the series, the television announcers I watched, such as Charles Barkley, thought the Bulls had the advantage because of their bench; it was much deeper than Miami's.

Let me make three things perfectly clear. First, I could never be the coach Chicago Coach Tom Thibodeau is. Next, I realize I'm speaking in hindsight. And, finally, I really dislike LeBron James, especially after I saw his dramatic act in Game 5. I have absolutely no respect for him -- not that he cares a whit. A guy who fakes being hit, then winks at his bench like "See what I pulled," is no pro in my book. What message does that send to kids?

I say again, the Bulls beat themselves. It started with the coaching; while I thought at first it was my imagination, I find others saw the same thing. When you consider Chicago whipped Miami in Game 1 by well over 20 points in a game not nearly that close, you have to wonder how they lost four straight to the same team. What happened? Miami made some adjustments Chicago didn't respond to.

When teams double-teamed MVP Derrick Rose, which, having been a lowly middle-school coach, I would do to a star player, Thibodeau didn't set up "pass-offs" to other players. The same offense was used every time down the court. Rose would start at the top of the key and then look for an opening and drive looking for the foul. It turned out Miami clogged the lane and proved too big for Rose not fouling but blocking his shots.

Another problem was that Kyle Korver, who was supposed to be an offensive weapon, was left in the game even after being completely cold and incompetent. Leaving him in the game left the Bulls open to poor defense -- Korver is not an all-around player.

However, what ultimately killed the Bulls in the final three minutes was their poor play much more than any Miami comeback. They fouled on a three point attempt made by Chris Bosh, for example.

I have a 24-year-old son. When I think about the fact Rose is a couple years younger than him, I understand how he might be a little overwhelmed by the scenario.

The good guys didn't win this year, but there is hope for Chicago fans. There has to be some adjustments -- then we'll be fine.

References:

Bleacher Report Website, Darrell Horwitz, "Chicago Bulls Coach Tom Thibodeau's Playoff Performance Has Been Disappointing"

ESPN Website, "Heat stage comeback to advance to NBA Finals, eliminate Bulls"

YouTube Website, "LeBron James Flop, "Like Chris Bosh"-Miami Heat VS. Chicago Bulls Game 5"