With four games played beyond regulation time, for a total of seven overtime in seven games, and five games played with no more than a three-point difference, this first round of the 2009 playoffs between the Celtics and the Bulls was exceptional. Days and days of suspense and great performances.
Perhaps the peak of this series is in Game 6, April 30, 2009. Boston (without Kevin Garnett, injured) leads 3-2 and has the opportunity to fold the case at the United Center. But John Salmons, Joakim Noah and Derrick Rose will resist by pushing the defending champions to play three extensions!
The first (35 points) will even make the match of his life in the playoffs, with decisive baskets in overtime. The French pivot, he will mark the memories with an interception on Paul Pierce in third overtime, to finish the action with a dunk, plus the fault of the Boston winger. Fans explode.
“People are going to talk about this show for a long time”
It took that to resist 51 points and nine 3-point shots from Ray Allen (including two huge ones in second overtime) or 19 assists from Rajon Rondo, who had warmed up with Kirk Hinrich earlier in the game.
“This series is really fun for the fans, the people of Chicago and Boston”will explain Joakim Noah on ESPN. “It’s also very fun for us to play in such an environment. It’s unique and I know people are going to be talking about this show for a long time. »
The Bulls won 128-127 after an anthology match, one of the best of the 2000s, then lost in Game 7 in Boston. But it’s almost a detail, as the memory of these seven matches is intense.
“I really don’t know what to say about this series”Paul Pierce said after Game 6. “She is truly phenomenal. »
