After watching the Western Conference finals, does anyone seriously think Utah or Seattle has a chance against Chicago?
The Sonics appeared to be capable of at least making the Bulls work because of their reputation to get after it defensively. But their performance in crunch time of Game 5 and all of Game 6 was appalling, and we can only imagine what will happen if the Bulls turn up the defensive pressure.Regardless of who wins tonight - and if Seattle doesn't, all bridges should be manned - the Bulls' biggest problem should be ennui. And for those of you with a historical bent, consider the following:
In the 1978 NBA Finals, the Sonics led the series, 3-2, and went to Washington for Game 6. In a pig performance reminiscent of their effort in Utah Thursday night, the Sonics lost by 35 - the same margin by which they lost to the Jazz. The 1978 Sonics then returned home for the seventh game and lost, 105-99. They were flat all game, Dennis Johnson went 0 for 14 and the Bullets got a real break when Elvin Hayes fouled out and Mitch Kupchak replaced him.