All Luol Deng did in the opener was outplay arguably the best player in the world. For an encore, Deng must do it again. And again.
But his Game 1 performance against Miami’s LeBron James in Chicago’s win should not come as a surprise. So says ESPN’s Jeff Van Gundy.
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“His performance at both ends was so indicative of what he did the whole season,” Van Gundy said. “I thought he was overlooked in so many ways this season. I’m very happy for him because he’s as high a character guy as you’ll have in this league.”
While Maryland fans might cringe at the last statement about a Duke player, there is little doubt that the 6-foot-9 Deng is a valuable and underappreciated player for the Bulls. But in the opening game he not only scored 21 points — forcing James to work on defense — and grabbed seven rebounds, he helped hold James to 15 points on 5-for-15 shooting.
“It’s his length, lateral quickness, basketball IQ, coachability,” Van Gundy said. “You don’t stop LeBron James, but give me a guy with Deng’s talent and then his intangibles and I’ll give you your best chance to slow him down.”
But don’t just credit Deng. The Bulls have length inside with Joakim Noah, Omer Asik and Taj Gibson to go with the occasional defense of Carlos Boozer. That makes it tough for James or Dwyane Wade to drive and draw fouls. The Heat lacked a physical presence and toughness in Game 1. Plus, Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau designed Boston’s defenses the previous few seasons that helped slow James.
“Their team defense builds a wall in front of LeBron,” TNT’s Steve Kerr said. “Chicago can overload and stay in front of those guys. Miami has to get more ball movement on the weak side. It’s not something that comes naturally to them. In the meantime, Luol is just able to do his job and force LeBron where he wants, knowing help will be there.”
But just be warned: Only once in his playoff career has James been held to less than 20 points in consecutive games. And that came in his second season.
