I recently wrote a commentary concerning my observation and intuition about the Bulls' "Sense of Something" as it pertained to them wanting their team back from under the new leadership or influence of Lester Hood. When I prefaced the situation, I likened it to me hearing Americans say to other Americans, "We want our America Back!" I ended the comment by stating that there are many facets to America's history. I would like to know which America are they referring to? So, I wanted to know which Bulls were some of the players fighting for: 1) The one that lost 11 straight games without strong guidance, or 2) The one that won five straight games to close out the regular season roster and the first round of the playoffs (under the strong guidance of Lester Hood)? Based on their actions, the team ultimately settled for selection #1. While the Bulls were fighting to get their Bulls back, the Celtics were settling the score with the Heat to eliminate them from the playoffs.
On 23 July 2016, it was time for the Celtics and Bulls to play in the elimination game for the Eastern Division Championship title. The starting lineup was announced by Frank Goodman. The Officials were Royzell Smith and Willie Smith.
The starters for the Celtics were: #23 Tim Sanks, #2 Stephen Woodson, #1 Al Wilson, #15 Christopher None, and #00 Ralph Mathews.
The starters for the Bulls were: #22 James Dix, #3 Philip Whittington, #33 Ian Trowers, #23 James Daniels, and #45 Jimmy Foster.
This game would show the Celtics, Bulls, and spectators how well the Bulls would play now that they are back together, solely, as the Bulls. Both teams stepped on the court with a win in mind. I know they did because I watched them warm-up. They had every intention of performing well enough to win. The difference was that the Celtics are the defending champions and fully understand how to win because they have won the title seven times. This was all new territory for the Bulls. Their struggles did not prepare them for this level of teamwork and concentration. The Celtics had five players to score during the first half. Steve Woodson led the Celtics with 12 points, Tim Sanks scored 11 points, Al Wilson scored 10 points, Ralph Mathews scored 9 points, and Christopher None scored 2 points. Five Bulls scored with Philip Whittington leading the team with 6 points. No other Bull scored more than five points. The first half was dominated by the Celtics with a 44 - 22 lead.
The second half was more exciting with both teams scoring 31 points, but the first half 22 point deficit remained. Six players, from each team, entered the scoring column. Ralph Mathews led the Celtics with 9 points along with 8 points from Christopher None. Philip Whittington led the Bulls with 15 second half points. Again, no other Bull scored more than 6 points. I was surprised to see the Celtics lose their discipline to play outside of their roles and to stop taking their opponents serious until the final buzzer sounded. Some of those role changes led to turnovers. Maybe they were practicing to use that strategy against the Hawks. The Celtics defeated the Bulls 75 - 53 and advanced to the Finals to play against the NHA Hawks.
The scorers for the Celtics were: #00 Ralph Mathews with 18 points, #1 Al Wilson with 15 points, #23 Tim Sanks with 14 points, #2 Stephen Woodson with 14 points, #15 Christopher None with 10 points, and #8 Jerald Mahone with 4 points.
The scorers for the Bulls were: #3 Philip Whittington with 21 points, #45 Jimmy Foster with 11 points, #23 James Daniels with 6 points, #33 Ian Trowers with 5 points, #10 Desi Johnson with 4 points, #11 Bernard Jones with 3 points, #22 James Dix with 2 points, and #34 Leo Preyer with 1 point.
Congratulations to the Celtics and Bulls for the wonderful season. I wish the Bulls well and hope they return for NOSBL XVII. An additional congratulations to the Celtics for winning the NOSBL XVI Eastern Division Championship. They will face the Hawks at North Highland Assembly of God's Church Gymnasium on Monday, 25 July 2016 at 7:30 pm.