5 reasons the Chicago Bulls can upset the Boston Celtics

Apr 16, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) is surrounded by Chicago Bulls including forward Bobby Portis (5) and guard Dwyane Wade (3) during the fourth quarter of the Chicago Bulls 106-102 win over the Boston Celtics in game one of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 16, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) is surrounded by Chicago Bulls including forward Bobby Portis (5) and guard Dwyane Wade (3) during the fourth quarter of the Chicago Bulls 106-102 win over the Boston Celtics in game one of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /

3. The Bulls have killed the Celtics on the boards

Chicago’s biggest team weakness in today’s NBA is its 3-point shooting. They finished second to last in the league in attempts and were amongst the worst teams in 3-point percentage. They have a disadvantage compared to most teams when it comes to shooting 3-pointers, especially so against the Celtics. This was exhibited during Game 1 of the series, as Boston made six more 3-pointers than Chicago.

Superior rebounding by Chicago helps alleviate the 3-point disparity they have against their opponent. Controlling the boards both helps eliminate second-chance points for the Celtics and provides those opportunities for the Bulls. To demonstrate: Boston had 42 points off of 3-pointers and Chicago had 24 during Game 1. The Bulls offset this advantage by grabbing 20 offensive rebounds and out-rebounding the Celtics by 17 on their way to a win.

The Bulls Game 1 rebounding performance against the Celtics is no fluke. They grabbed an average of 15 offensive rebounds during their regular season matchups and have now beat them handily on the offensive glass during each of their five matchups. Chicago rebounds well from every position, a key factor in them finishing fourth in the league in rebounding percentage. Boston finished fourth-to-last in rebounding percentage; this is a real advantage for the Bulls in this series.