Indiana Pacers at Chicago Bulls: Game Analysis

The Chicago Bulls outlast the Indiana Pacers behind Dwyane Wade and Taj Gibson’s electrifying performances on Saturday night.

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For the Bulls, Rajon Rondo (rest) sat out of tonight’s game. Indiana’s Paul George (rest) also sat out Saturday night’s rematch.

First Quarter

The team got off to a sluggish start, being down 13-4 to the Pacers after four minutes. Thanks to the Bulls forcing the Pacers into a slow-paced offense, they were able to pull themselves back into the game. They went on an 8-0 run, trimming the Pacers lead down to one before the first timeout of the game.

Taj Gibson came off the bench doing what he does best: providing a spark. He jumped in with a thunderous dunk and a mid-range jumpshot for two straight Bulls field goals.

Jimmy Butler started off a bit slow, with seven points on 1-for-5 shooting.

End of 1st: Pacers lead 30-26

Second Quarter

Nikola Mirotic started the quarter with a purpose. He opened the quarter with a three from the top of the key. A couple minutes later, Dwyane Wade hit him with an absolutely beautiful no-look dime for an open layup.

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The Pacers started off the quarter quickly, shooting almost 60 percent in the first half. The second half of the quarter is when the Bulls picked up the slack defensively. Late in the quarter, the Bulls forced two straight turnovers, which led to five straight points. At that point, the good guys didn’t look back.

Wade caught fire in the last three minutes of the quarter. He banged home two straight three pointers, accompanied by a fast break and-one layup. He led all scorers at the half with 17 points on 7-for-11 shooting, 2-for-3 from behind the arc. Gibson came off the bench shooting 5-for-5 for 10 points in the half.

Halftime: Bulls lead 64-49

Third Quarter

The Pacers started out the quarter on an 8-2 run, thanks to Jeff Teague’s offensive explosion. The Bulls committed turnovers on consecutive possessions. This was the narrative for the majority of the quarter.

The team began to pick it up behind Gibson’s pick-and-roll prowess and Mirotic’s shooting expertise. Doug McDermott chipped in with a 3-pointer of his own as well to slow down the Pacers.

End of 3rd: Bulls lead 88-77

Fourth Quarter

Gibson was an absolute monster to close out the game. He finished the night shooting 9-for-9 with 20 points and five rebounds. Wade finished with 22 points on 8-for-14 shooting, along with eight assists in 26 minutes. His efficiency was predicated on his turnover-less game.

Butler’s shooting woes continued as he ended with 15 points on 3-for-11 shooting. However, he threw in four rebounds and five assists as well.

Despite Mirotic’s recent offensive issues, he contributed a helpful 18 points and nine rebounds.

In Spencer Dinwiddie’s first start of the preseason, he played 17 minutes, but scored just four points. There is still time to grow, being a player who is competing for a bench role, supporting Rondo.

Bobby Portis’ start was  a three point, seven rebound game. Though his stat line didn’t pop, the desired impact of inspired performances from Gibson and Mirotic off the bench was achieved.

Final Score: Bulls get revenge 121-105 (1-2 in preseason)