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Chicago Bulls News: Isaiah Canaan to start Game 5

By Jordan Campbell

Apr 10, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Isaiah Canaan (0) reacts after making a three point basket against the Orlando Magic during the second half at the United Center. Chicago defeats Orlando 122- 75. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Isaiah Canaan (0) reacts after making a three point basket against the Orlando Magic during the second half at the United Center. Chicago defeats Orlando 122- 75. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Chicago Bulls announced on Monday that Isaiah Canaan will start at point guard in Game 5 against the Boston Celtics.

After wasting minutes on Jerian Grant and Michael Carter-Williams during the early portions of Game 4, the Chicago Bulls will turn to Isaiah Canaan in Game 5 against the Boston Celtics.

If Game 4 proved anything, it’s that the Bulls miss Rajon Rondo. Rondo has already been ruled out for Game 5 but is healing faster than expected. Rondo had the cast removed and could make a return to the Bulls’ lineup for Game 6 and a potential Game 7 of the series.

Until then, the Bulls will need to depend on Canaan.

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Canaan sparked the Bulls’ short-lived comeback in the third quarter of Game 4. Canaan led the Bulls with a +/- of 11 and 13 points off the bench. After his impressive play in Game 4, Canaan is ready for the opportunity in Game 5.

"“Throughout the season you just wonder when that opportunity is going to come,” Canaan said. “I believe everything happens for a reason. You never can see what it may be, from going from not playing for the second half of the season mostly to playing in the most crucial time of the season in the playoffs, I guess God just sent me a sign to mentally be locked in and really battle your faith.”"

For Canaan, the biggest test will be guarding Celtics’ point guard Isaiah Thomas. The Bulls did not have an answer for Thomas in the third quarter and fourth quarter of Game 4 and that is ultimately what led to the Celtics pulling away with the lead. Canaan is determined to disrupt Canaan’s comfort level in Game 5.

"“My job is to make his job miserable,” Canaan said. “He’s a great player and he can find different cracks, but I’m just going out there trying to interrupt their timing, try and milk as much time as I can off the shot clock and just keep him uncomfortable. Not let him get settled in for what they want to run, so I’m just out there to make him uncomfortable and speed him up.”"

Next: Chicago Bulls need to take care of business

If the Bulls can disrupt Thomas’ comfort level and find a way to contain him, there is no question that they will win this series. Containing Thomas was a large part of the reason why the Bulls jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the series.

Now in Game 5, Canaan and the Chicago Bulls need to return to that strategy.

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