5. Paging Nikola Mirotic
Bulls X-factor and recently hot three point assassin Nikola Mirotic couldn’t buy a bucket in Game 1. He finished with just 4 points on 1-9 shooting (0-5 from downtown). After a three-game benching from Hoiberg in early March, the third year forward resurrected a previously disappointing season. Niko averaged 14 points in March and April, and started shooting with confidence from outside. He hit just 29.9% of his three pointers before the All Star break before catching fire to shoot 41.3% in the second half of the season. Unfortunately, that strong finish to the regular season didn’t carry over into Game 1 against Boston.
Thankfully, Bobby Portis was there to pick up the slack in his career playoff debut. The #FreeBobbyPortis contingent of Bulls fans rejoiced as he poured in 19 points off the bench. Portis went 3-4 from deep, including an immensely clutch shot to keep the Bulls in front late in the fourth quarter. It was a great performance from a kid who showed no fear in the big moments, even coming up with a big block to keep the Celtics’ late comeback at bay.
But it’s unwise to expect a similarly huge night from Portis, and Mirotic must deliver with double digit points. Given Butler’s dominance offensively down the stretch in Game 1, Boston is likely to double the Bulls’ best offensive weapon early and often in Game 2. When Butler draws the double, Mirotic needs to step up and hit his shots. Assuming the Celtics’ three point shooters hit more of the open looks they missed on Sunday (14-38), the Bulls will need Niko on top of his game to counter that.
It won’t be easy for Fred, Jimmy and the gang to win their second straight in Boston and come back to Chicago with a 2-0 lead. But if they follow this road map, they’ll at least give themselves a chance.
Game 2 tips off at 7:00 Central Time.
