Chicago Bulls vs. Utah Jazz: 3 Takeaways from Fourth Straight Victory

Nov 17, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) reacts to hitting a three-point shot at the first-half buzzer against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 17, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) reacts to hitting a three-point shot at the first-half buzzer against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
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Robin Lopez, C, Chicago Bulls
Nov 17, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Chicago Bulls center Robin Lopez (8) reacts during the first half against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

1. Robin Lopez played one of his best games of the season

The performance of Robin Lopez runs much deeper than him shooting 5-for-16 from the field on Thursday night.

Lopez grabbed 12 rebounds to go along with his 10 points and a couple of blocks in the win for the Bulls. The impact of Lopez’ performance against the Jazz can’t really be seen in a simple box score other than his seven (!) offensive rebounds. He protected the rim as well as he has in any game all season.

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In a matchup with Rudy Gobert — who is easily one of the NBA’s best centers — Lopez held his own against the “Stifle Tower”, specifically on the glass on both ends of the floor.

Nothing about Lopez’ game is going to be flashy or worthy of countless Vine loops. But, he’s such a versatile big guy in the fact that he protects the basket, he can provide offense (within the flow of said offense), and he’s the best screener on the Bulls roster.

Early in the game when the Bulls were struggling to put the ball in the basket, it was Lopez setting a majority of the screens for the Bulls’ ball-handlers to create.

The Bulls don’t win this game without him.