Deng Shuts Down LeBron, Chicago Win Game 1

(Image: AP/Nam Y. Huh)

Luol Deng scored 21 points whilst shutting down LeBron James in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals last night, as Chicago Bulls beat Miami Heat 103-82 in the first of the best of seven series.

The Bulls, making their return to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 1998, went on a 10-0 run midway through the third quarter, then pulled away in the fourth.

Deng went 7/14 from the floor, (4/6 from deep, 3/3 at the line) for his 21, whilst adding 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 steals and 1 block in 45 minutes. Equally impressive on the defensive end, he held James to 15 points on 5/15 shooting.

“Definitely to guard a guy like that the whole defense has to stay focused,” Deng said. “There were times we switched and times we forced him into the double. Our bigs were great at forcing him into the front.”

Luol’s teammate Carlos Boozer feels it’s about time Deng gets more credit. Talking to The National, he explained; “He’s an unsung hero for us. He should have been an All-Star this season. It’s a normal game for Lu.

“He plays most of the other teams’ best player or second-best player. He scores for us, hits big shots in the clutch for us, rebounds the ball, is a great leader out there, always inspiring us. Luol needs to get more love.”

See video, a full game recap and stats over on NBA.com.

Game 2 is on Wednesday night, where the Bulls will look to go up 2-0.

What did you think of game 1? Drop a comment!