The Brooklyn Nets are one game away from elimination on Monday as they face the Chicago Bulls. However, because they are playing at home, my prediction is that they will remain alive and play for a Game 6 where they will eventually burn out.
The Nets had a comfortable lead. They have had chances to win in the previous ball games. It's time to get over the fact that the Bulls are lacking their superstar point guard, Derrick Rose and forget the fact that Joakim Noah is somewhat injured. Joe Johnson is playing through injury and the Nets' healthy stars are simply stinking it up.
Brooklyn has lacked focus late in the games. C.J. Watson missed an open dunk that could have been the difference in regulation. Who knows? The way Nate Robinson was shooting the ball at the end of the fourth quarter, Watson's missed dunk would have probably not made a difference. So the Nets have to get over this and simply play on Monday against the Bulls.
Deron Williams has to attack early while allowing Brook Lopez to make an impact in the beginning stages of the game. Lopez's length is unmatched and his defense is simply incredible. It doesn't make sense that the Nets could be the healthier team and somewhat lose in the first round to the Bulls.
At home, however, things will change, at least for Game 5. The Nets will have the crowd behind them and so far in the playoffs, home court has been the most important factor in these ball games. The Houston Rockets almost completed a comeback against the Oklahoma City Thunder as they faced a 26-point deficit. The Golden State Warriors, boosted by Stephen Curry and their home crowd are on the verge of bouncing the Denver Nuggets from the playoffs.
Brooklyn will be loud and chanting their borough and team's name. They should take it a game at a time as their reward is simple: win today and the pressure is on the Bulls to clinch at home. If the Bulls lose their focus and can't close out in Chicago, then the Nets will be back at Barclays with a chance to complete the three-game sweep.
Score Prediction: This is Williams' chance to prove he's a real deal point guard who can carry a team beyond the regular season. Nets win 92-87.
