Chicago Bulls: Takeaways From Game 2 Win Over Celtics

Apr 18, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) sets a screen against Boston Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas (4) and forward Jae Crowder (99) to help point guard Rajon Rondo (9) during the first quarter in game two of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /

3 of 6

Apr 18, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas (4) is fouled by Chicago Bulls center Robin Lopez (8) during the first quarter in game two of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /

Time To Start Showing RoLo Some Love

During the offseason the Bulls lost Pau Gasol via free agency. However, thanks to the front office (did I just say that?), Gasol was replaced by Robin Lopez in a five-player trade that sent Derrick Rose and Justin Holiday to the New York Knicks.

On paper, Lopez wasn’t going to make anyone forget about a player who was capable of posting a double-double each time he stepped on the court. A funny thing happened during the course of the season, though.

Not only was Lopez a presence at both ends of the floor, he also developed a solid mid-range jump shot, and both of those trends have been prevalent in the postseason.

Thanks to his 14-point, 11-rebound performance in Game 1, the Bulls enjoyed a 53-36 advantage on the glass.

Although the Celtics made a concerted effort not to allow Lopez to dominate the boards in Game 2, the Bulls big man still finished with 18 points and eight rebounds, including five on the offensive end.

In the postseason, it’s all about matchups. With the Bulls having an advantage in the middle, it would not be a surprise if Lopez continues to be a thorn in the side of the Celtics.

Home/Chicago Bulls