After a mediocre first half, the Celtics trail the Bulls, 55-48.
The Celtics are doing what they've been doing all season: playing exceptionally well offensively, but do not have a rhythm defensively.
Here are my thoughts:
* The main theme of this one has been the way the Celtics have followed the pattern they've created for themselves all season. They start out well, then as soon as Garnett goes to the bench for his first rest, you know what hits the fan. After allowing 27 points in the first quarter on Friday, then allowing 26 points the following night, the Celtics let the Bulls score 28 points in the first, followed by 27 in the second. The Bulls are shooting 54%. Pretty disheartening to see the defense stumble like this after it seemed like they found a little bit of a groove.
* After starting out really well as far as interior defense is concerned, the Celtics let the Bulls get way too many easy shots near the basket. The Bulls are dominating in the paint. They have 30 points in the paint to Boston's 16.
* The old guys are doing their thing and carrying the team. Kevin Garnett has 10 points on 5-of-5 from the floor with 7 rebounds in 14 minutes. Paul Pierce has 11 points on 5-of-7 from the field with 4 assists in 17 minutes. They can't do it for the rest of the game. They're going to need help.
* In a combined 20 minutes, Jeff Green and Jason Terry have only taken one shot each. Terry has played 14 minutes to Green's 6. Both need to be way more aggressive in the second half.
* The Chicago bench is outscoring the Celtics 14-3. Bad.
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