Big Bulls Game 2 battle? Complacency

The problem with the Bulls wanting to improve upon their Game 1 performance against the Heat is that near-perfection would be the only level to reach after that.

So begins another test for the constantly self-flagellating No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference: Finding a way to find fault in an energetic effort that produced the blueprint for beating the vaunted Heat and the confidence that the Bulls can execute that game plan exceptionally well.

“We’re not satisfied,” Derrick Rose said following a film session and practice Monday. “Every time we feel good about ourselves, something knocks us down. We’re trying to keep things going, making sure everybody stays positive, stay right and stay hungry.”

Undoubtedly, there is ample room for improvement for the Heat in nearly every facet, starting with board work and moving to the production from LeBron James and Dwyane Wade and beyond.

And if there was any complacency on that side after downing the Celtics in the second round, the thrashing Sunday night vanquished it. The Heat didn’t meet the Bulls’ emotion in Game 1, and now that challenge reverses itself Wednesday at the United Center.

“We won’t have an emotional letdown,” Carlos Boozer said. “We’re ready. We’ve been ready all season. We’re pumped up. We’re excited. If you can’t get excited for this, what are you playing for?”

Said Joakim Noah: “We’re just trying to take it one game at a time. We know that when we’re playing in the (United Center), we’re tough to beat. But who knows what happens in a series, you know?”

bchamilton@tribune.com

Twitter @ChiTribHamilton