Derrick Rose and Jimmy Butler put up an amazing performance in Game 1 against Milwaukee Bucks during the first round of the Playoffs, where the Chicago Bulls defeated the Bucks 103-91.
The pairing of Butler and Rose was on full show as they scored 25 and 23 points respectively to start the series on a winning note. The Bulls have been in great form throughout the NBA regular season where they finished in third position of the Eastern Conference, while the Bucks finished sixth.
If the Bulls play like the way they did during their first game, they might prove to be the strongest team in the Playoffs. And with Rose and Butler in full swing, they have the ammunitions to go full distance.
"I think we have a great opportunity," Bulls' player Joakim Noah told the team's official website. "We just have to stay humble and hungry. Derrick played really well. It was so good to see him competing the way he competed."
But, apart from these two players, they also have other players such as Pau Gasol and Joakim Noah, who can turn on the heat when it matters.
But, the Bucks, who might not have looked at their best in the first game, expect them to come out all guns blazing in the second game, for they too have been in decent form, else they would not have found a Playoff spot as well.
The Bucks might possess a number of players, who have not played in such a prestigious competition like the Playoffs, but this can be no excuse for a team that showed some great hunger during the regular season.
The Bucks failed to qualify for the Playoffs last season.
"It's the first playoff game for a lot of people on this team," AP quoted Bucks'player Jerryd Bayless as saying. When they face the Bulls on Monday, he feels that there will be no nerves as well. "There were a lot of nerves and whatnot (in game 1), but we got rid of it today and have a great opportunity on Monday."
With the next two games of the series scheduled to take place at Milwaukee, they would be eager to hosts the Bulls on Thursday with the series tied at 1-1, for which they are required to defeat the Bulls in Game 2.
Where to Watch NBA
The NBA Playoffs Round 1 game between San Antonio Spurs and Los Angeles Clippers is scheduled for 8pm ET (5:30am IST, 1am BST) start.
Viewers in the US can watch the game live on TNT.
Indian viewers can watch it live on Sony Six.
NBA fans can also watch the Playoffs live on NBA.com
