CHARLOTTE, N.C. – All eyes were on Spurs-Cavs last night.
And not just on Cleveland point guard Kyrie Irving dropping 57 points in the win, but also seeing two teams kicking it into another gear as the end of the regular season draws near and the playoffs loom.
“He played an outstanding game,’’ Bulls big man Pau Gasol said. “Both teams played really well. It’s a really impressive level of basketball. It’s hard to beat San Antonio when they’re playing at this level. Cleveland never let up. And obviously led by Kyrie’s incredible offensive performance, it was a heckuva demonstration of individual talent and a reflection of where Cleveland is at right now.’’
It also left Bulls players wondering if they could reach that level in time for the postseason, as they await the return of injured players Taj Gibson (left ankle), Jimmy Butler (left elbow) and Derrick Rose (right knee).
“We don’t have a choice,’’ Joakim Noah said, when asked if they would have enough time to get their chemistry back before the playoffs start. “Hope for the best and keep grinding.’’
Gasol was a bit more detailed about it.
“As long as we are by the third week of April or second week, hopefully,’’ Gasol said. “That’s where we want to be. Hopefully these guys [the Cavs] will come down. Right now, they’re up there. They’re playing as well as anyone in the league. It’s good for them. We’re just trying to battle a whole different situation here. That’s why you always worry about yourself. And you have to be patient and hope for the best.’’
The Bulls did get some good news on Friday, as Noah (left knee) was scheduled to go through the shootaround and play tonight against the Hornets. He missed the game in Philadelphia on Wednesday.
