Playing Dumb

Scott Skiles keeps it simple for the Sun-Times' Brian Hanley.

Overall, the effort and the attention to the game plan was very good. We just couldn’t execute when it was on the line. We couldn’t make shots.

Sad thing is, that is the game plan. Effort, pass, shoot, pass to someone who can't shoot with 3 seconds left on the shot clock, and effort. The Bulls don't recognize mismatches, take advantage of poor defenders, and/or get to the foul line. Those problems aren't caused entirely by a lack of size or athleticism. The team just doesn't succeed in those areas, and it's up to the coaches to make adjustments. And by "adjustments," I don't mean "substitutions."

When the shots aren't falling, the Bulls don't feed their better foul drawers like Ben Gordon and Tyrus Thomas. Both have lower FT/FG this season, and there hasn't been a team-wide attempt to manufacture points. Luol Deng avoids contact like a Germaphobe who hasn't attended a meeting in 6 weeks.

It's not all about wildly driving the lane and hoping the ref bet on the Bulls. There are a variety of fakes, shimmies, and other one-on-one moves with odd names that can help draw fouls. But it starts at recognizing weaknesses in a defense.