Game 1 of the opening round playoff series between the Brooklyn Nets and the Chicago Bulls was more one-sided than many imagined. The Nets picked apart the Bulls' defense, winning easily 106-89. The team looked confident, catching Chicago off guard with their rolling offense. As the two teams head back to the Barclays Center Monday night for Game 2, the Bulls will have to try and stop the Nets' momentum and get a key win in the series.
Brooklyn pulled away early in the game, making it difficult for Chicago to remain competitive. They made 16 of 20 shots in the second quarter, shooting 60 percent for a first half lead of 60-35. Brooklyn has the momentum going into the playoffs. They won six of their final seven games in the regular season, scoring over 100 points in each victory. The team is completely healthy, something they have not been for most of the season. Having Deron Williams, Brook Lopez and Joe Johnson all full strength on the court at the same time proved productive for the Nets. Brooklyn finished Game 1 shooting 56 percent, with six players all in double scoring figures. During the regular season they only averaged 87.5 points in four games.
Chicago looked injured Saturday Night. While center Joakim Noah starter the game, he remained ineffective playing through pain in his right foot. He was on the court for a total of 13 minutes, earning only four points. The team is playing without All-Star Derrick Rose who is receiving criticism for not returning for the post season. The Bulls did not practice on Sunday, deciding to watch film from the previous game instead. Carlos Boozer was the high scorer for the team, going 12 for 20 for 25 points in 45 minutes on the court. As a team, they shot 47.4 percent from the floor and only 25 percent from behind the arc. If their defense in unable to stop Brooklyn, their offense must be able to put something together in order to get the Game 2 win.
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