Game Time: Bulls 128, Celtics 127 (3OT)
This game — like the entire series so far — is just about indescribable. How to compose a story line that makes sense of the requisite blood-letting, the clutch shots, the plays both boneheaded and amazing, and the sheer endurance that were on display for 63 rousing minutes?Brad Miller hit a key triple, a slow-motion layup, made all of his free throws, snatched 10 rebounds, and played like the savvy veteran that he is. Sure he made several mistakes (four TOs), most of them resulting from his lack of both foot- and hand-speed. But his missed free throws in Game 5 are a distant memory, and the slow, floor-bound guy did what he had to do when he had to do it.
Kirk Hinrich played extraordinary defense on Pierce, hit several important jumpers, and his alert passwork set up seven buckets for his teammates. But perhaps the most amazing thing he did was to block a shot by Davis. From baseline to baseline, Hinrich is a winner.
What do the Bulls have to do in order to win Game 7 in Boston?
Get Gordon off. Calm down and buck up Thomas. Convince Rose to attack the rim with more frequency. Have Salmons make quicker decisions when the shot-clock is running down. Get more help from the bigs on Ray Allen's curls and pops. Perhaps flash doubles will work to get the ball out of his hands. Get plenty of rest and drink lots of water.It was interesting that when the game was absolutely on the line at the conclusion of the third overtime, the veterans were pooped and youth prevailed. It's also a distinct possibility that the young'uns — like Rondo, Davis, Perkins, Rose, and Noah — will recuperate quicker and have more juice in the deciding game.
Whatever happens in Game 7, it's too bad that somebody will have to lose this incredible, fascinating, never-ending series.
