Golden State Warriors vs. Chicago Bulls: Who Has the Edge?
By Mike Dill
May 4, 2013; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Chicago Bulls power forward Carlos Boozer (5) puts up a layup against the Brooklyn Nets during the second half in game seven of the first round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at the Barclays Center. The Bulls won 99-93. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Power Forward
Warriors: David Lee, Marreese Speights, Draymond Green
Bulls: Carlos Boozer, Taj Gibson, Erik Murphy
The power forward position presents another great matchup in Carlos Boozer and David Lee. Both Lee and Boozer can score and rebound in droves, and both are known for being particularly weak on defense.
Boozer’s game seems to have taken a hit in recent seasons. He can still score and rebound at an elite level, but not like he used to. I was also disappointed in his performance during Rose’s injury. Rose obviously makes his teammates better, but I was hoping Boozer would step up while Derrick healed.
Although his scoring jumped from 15 to 16.2 points per game and his rebounding increased from 8.5 to 9.8 per game, his shooting percentage fell to a career-low 47.7 percent (a six percent decrease from the previous season).
The emergence of Curry caused a decrease in Lee’s scoring, but he pulled down an impressive 11.2 rebounds per game last season. He is still performing at an extremely high level and that is why he gets the nod over Boozer.