Taj Gibson Throws Down Two Monster Dunks, Bulls Beat Heat, 103-82
Did you hear that gasp?
That was the collective reaction to two thundering slam dunks that Bulls' forward Taj Gibson forced down the throats of the Heat in Chicago's Game One win over Miami, 103-82, at the United Center.
The first dunk came in the first half off a fast break through a feed from C.J. Watson. Gibson was fouled by Wade, who foolishly contested the dunk. Gibson jammed it home with two hands, sending the the crowd into a roar.
Then the final dunk came near the end of the game, with the Bulls having sealed the victory. Gibson used a one-handed grab to rebound a miss, and dunked home the exclamation point.
The Bulls gave the home fans a treat. The Heat played a very good first half, but the Bulls ran away with it in the second half. And Chicago's hard-nosed defense brought some big cheers throughout the game.
A big question mark for the Heat was Chris Bosh. Miami's big man has been inconsistent this season, but he played perhaps his best game of the playoffs, scoring 30 points off 12-of-18 shooting, and six-of-six free throw shooting. Bosh also added nine rebounds.
It was LeBron James and Dwyane Wade who didn't seem to be on their game. The duo combined for just 12-of-31 shooting.
Chicago received a fine performance from bench players like Gibson and Ronnie Brewer. Even Omer Asik made a solid contribution.
But, as always, Derrick Rose made sure to be active offensively. The regular-season most valuable player scored 28 points on 10-of-22 shooting. Rose was his typical self, as he gave the Heat fits with his athleticism.
Miami needed a better defensive effort on Rose, but didn't get it. The Heat shot the ball well, too, but conceded 19 offensive rebounds.
The Heat wanted a split in Chicago, and they can still get it on Wednesday in Game Two.
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