April 19--The Bulls have their game faces on.
"I think our guys understand it's one game," coach Tom Thibodeau said following Sunday's brief practice. "We gotta prepare ourselves for this next one. Don't get lost at looking at the last game or the next game. Just concentrate on what's in front of you."
That's Monday's Game 2, which the Bulls, with a 1-0 lead over the Bucks in the best-of-seven series, could again play without Kirk Hinrich. The guard is improving but is questionable with his hyperextended left knee.
Taj Gibson said the right knee he suffered a minor injury on in Game 1 is fine. And the Bulls are emboldened by the dynamic duo of Derrick Rose and Jimmy Butler, who combined for 48 points in Game 1.
"He was a little timid at first but then he got into his rhythm and attacked the basket," Gibson said of Rose. "That's a sight to see when he attacks the basket. That's what we need from him. And he got Jimmy going. It was good for us."
The Bulls are ready for any adjustments the Bucks might make. Despite posting a double-double in Game 1, Pau Gasol didn't get going offensively. And he shredded the Bucks for a career-high 46 points during the regular season.
"They tried to make it tough for me to score," Gasol said. "When I catch it on the post it's an automatic pretty much double-team. They have done that the last three games that we've played against them after that night, but I don't anticipate them always sticking to that. The playoffs are about adjustments and keeping you off-balance, so you have to be ready for whatever they throw at you.
"But if they're going to continue we're going to have to make them pay, and somebody is going to get an open shot because we're such a willing team to move the ball, make plays for each other and find the open man.''
