Indiana Pacers at Chicago Bulls: Four Big Takeaways

Oct 8, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Dwyane Wade (3) dribbles the ball against Indiana Pacers guard Monta Ellis (11) during the first quarter at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Dwyane Wade (3) dribbles the ball against Indiana Pacers guard Monta Ellis (11) during the first quarter at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
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Oct 3, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Dwyane Wade (3) dribbles the ball against Milwaukee Bucks forward Michael Beasley (9) during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Dwyane Wade (3) dribbles the ball against Milwaukee Bucks forward Michael Beasley (9) during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Dwyane Wade Does it All

Tonight’s player of the game undoubtedly was Wade.

Wade was doing everything, from post fades to beautiful passes to draining 3-pointers. His 27 minutes were the most of his three preseason games, and he had 22 points, eight assists, and one rebound while shooting 8-for-14 from the field and 3-for-4 from 3-point range. He also had two beautiful alley-oop plays, one as the lobber and one as the finisher.

https://twitter.com/chicagobulls/status/784913082283880448

When Wade was the ball-handler in the pick and roll, the defense was forced to collapse and it led to a few easy buckets for the Bulls. Additionally, with his excellent 3-point shooting tonight, he commanded extra attention, and this made everything easier for the other four Bulls on the court.

Although it’s unlikely Wade will be a strong three-point shooter during the regular season, tonight was a reminder that he can knock down 3s if he’s left open. Since he’ll be playing most of his minutes with Butler and Rondo this year, any sign of a 3-point jumper for Wade should be treasured.

Wade might not be the same “Flash” that he was with the Miami Heat, but he’s still a savvy star who will be a valuable asset for the Bulls.