The Chicago Bulls forced Game 7 in what has already been an epic series with the Boston Celtics. The Bulls outlasted the Celtics 128-127 in triple overtime. The Bulls overcame a classic night from Celtic guard Ray Allen who posted a career playoff high 51 points. Allen was blanketed throughout the game yet still managed to hit amazing clutch shot after amazing clutch shot. John Salmons of the Bulls scored a career playoff high of his own with 35 point, knocking down impressive shots of his own. Derrick Rose continued to exemplify poise, proving why he is rookie of the year with 28 points 8 rebounds, and 7 assists. After missing the two free throws in game 5 after a tough foul from Rajon Rondo, Miller bounced back with key plays at the end of regulation. Miller finished with 23 points and 10 rebounds. Joakim Noah had 15 rebounds while finishing a pivotal dunk plus the foul over Paul Pierce. Glen "Big Baby" Davis continued inspired play in the absence of their emotional leader Kevin Garnett. Davis scored 23. Rondo played facilitator on this night dishing 19 assists to go with his 8 points and 9 rebounds. Once again it was the Celtics bench that was nonexistent.
Although Paul Pierce is the Celtics best isolation player, I would have liked to see Ray Allen with the ball in his hands late in the game. Allen had it going where Pierce didn't necessarily. Pierce missed him at the end of the first overtime. Ray has had the ball in iso situations throughout his career and this was time for it. Rondo was given the ball with a chance to take Rose off the dribble. I would of least liked to see some type of dribble hand off with Allen getting him going toward the basket, putting the onus on the refs. I've argued since Allen was a Celtic that Rivers has made him one dimensional. Allen was in the corner where it looked as though Salmons was holding him as the world including the refs watched Rondo vs Rose. When a player has 51 in a game you put it in his hands and live with the result sometimes, especially this time.
The final battle of this epic war will take place Saturday May 2 8:00 p.m. ET.
