With four matches played beyond regulation time, for a total of seven overtimes in seven matches, and five matches played with no more than three points 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 came during Game 6, April 30, 2009. Boston (without injured Kevin Garnett) led 3-2 and had the opportunity to win at the United Center. But John Salmons, Joakim Noah and Derrick Rose will resist by pushing the reigning champions to play three overtimes!
The first (35 points) will even have the match of his life in the playoffs, with decisive baskets in overtime. The French pivot will mark memories with an interception on Paul Pierce in the third overtime, to finish the action with a dunk, plus the fault of the Boston winger. The fans explode.
“People are going to be talking about this show for a long time”
It was necessary to resist the 51 points and nine 3-point shots from Ray Allen (including two huge ones in the second overtime) or the 19 assists from Rajon Rondo, who had heated up with Kirk Hinrich earlier in the match.
“This series is really fun for the fans, the people of Chicago and Boston”will explain Joakim Noah on ESPN. “It’s also a lot of fun for us to play in such an environment. It's unique and I know people will be talking about this series for a long time. »
The Bulls won 128-127 after an anthology match, one of the finest of the 2000s, then lost in Game 7 in Boston. But it's almost a detail, as the memory of these seven matches is so intense.
“I really don’t know what to say about this series”declared Paul Pierce after Game 6. “She is truly phenomenal. »
