NBA -- With Hinrich doubtful for Game 5, Bulls need more Nate
By Homer D. Sayson
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 29 Apr 2013
CHICAGO -- When word leaked out that guard Kirk Hinrich could miss tomorrow's possible series clincher against the Brooklyn Nets at the Barclays Center, it came hardly as a surprise. It was just another day in the injury-ravaged season of these Chicago Bulls.
"He got banged up a little bit. He's a little banged up. I don't want to jump to any conclusions. Let's see where he is (Monday)," Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau told the Chicago Tribune on Sunday. But "it's pretty bad," the 6-foot-4 Hinrich also told the newspaper.
Hinrich, a nine-year pro who has helped steady the Bulls during the continued absence of superstar Derrick Rose (ACL rehab), played a franchise tying 59 minutes and 36 seconds last Saturday afternoon when the Bulls gutted out a 142-134 triple-overtime victory that gave them a 3-1 lead over the Nets.
If Hinrich can't suit up for Game 5, the point guard chores will fall squarely on the shoulders of 5-foot-9, 180-pound Nate Robinson. Which is not necessarily a bad thing. The diminutive Robinson has been spectacular in these playoffs, averaging 17.3 points off the bench. In Saturday's epic, Nate finished with 34 points in 29 minutes, including 23 in the fourth quarter where the Bulls erased a 14-points deficit with under four minutes to play to force the extra sessions.
After dropping Game 1, 106-89, the Bulls have since put the defensive clamps to frustrate the Nets three straight. The Bulls are 12-0 when holding a 3-1 series advantage. (Homer D. Sayson)
Photo: Bulls guard Nate Robinson (R) with PhilBoxing.com writer Mohan Labra Ramchandani. (PhilBoxing photo Nick Roska).
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