Chicago Bulls at Portland Trail Blazers: Four Takeaways, Butler Shines
Bulls Dominate the Boards
Tuesday’s win was another one where lots of players did their part. All five starters scored in double digits, with Butler, Gibson, and Lopez all earning double-doubles as part of the Bulls’ superb rebounding effort.
The Bulls grabbed 67 total boards in the game, an absurd number that ranks as the most rebounds by any team in a game this season. It’s also the most rebounds the Bulls have recorded in a single game in 14 years.
The 67 rebounds are the most by the Bulls in a game since pulling down 68 against the Raptors in 2002.
— Jeff Mangurten (@JeffGurt) November 16, 2016
It’s not as surprising that the Bulls managed such a feat tonight if we look at how both teams have worked the glass so far this season. The Bulls currently lead the league in rebounds per game and they’re second behind the Denver Nuggets in rebound percentage. How do the Blazers match up in the same stats? 25th and 30th, respectively. Throw in the fact that the Blazers missed roughly ten more shots than they do on average, and 67 rebounds doesn’t seem quite as crazy.
The Bulls’ reliance on traditional big men like Lopez and Gibson has been great for their rebounding, and as we’ve seen this season, more rebounding leads to more second-chance points and more fast-break opportunities. Let’s hope the Bulls can keep this hot streak going.