I said after the first quarter that Rose Gibson and Butler couldn't do it by themselves, despite the dominant start... and so I think Rose kinda became conservative with the rim attacks once the Cavs blew up the lead to 15-20. I'd like to think he had a rationale that going head strong to the rim 1-on-5 and getting clobbered 10 straight times wasn't going to solve anything if they couldn't stop the ease in which the Cavs were scoring on the other end, nor if he couldn't get his teammates into an offensive rhythm. Still, Lebron imposed his will on the game and, outside of the 1st quarter, Derrick wasn't able to keep up like he had the past couple games and in 3 of the 4 coming into tonight.
And prior to the Gibson ejection, I thought the Bulls should've explored playing Gibson, Snell, Butler, Dunleavy and Rose together whenever the Cavs went small with 1 big, Bron, Shump, Smith, Irving. That's their best, most athletic perimeter defensive unit and it would challenge the Cavs to stay home on drives, especially if the Bulls did pick and roll with whoever Irving was guarding (likely Dunleavy) to match him back up on Rose or Butler. Noah as a point center just doesn't work and Miroticic, rookie pass or not and while giving effort, can't really defend, rebound or go up strong with the ball well enough to really produce against Shumpert or Lebron, or secure 50/50 rebounds from the perkins, TTs, etc. He's not too fast but they may have to try running some Rip Hamilton screens for Miroticic to see if they can't get him some open 15 footers or driving lanes... b/c the post ups aren't really working so you have to do something else with him if he's going to be on the court.
