Doug and Niko’s bench scoring lifted the Bulls even higher
Fred Hoiberg’s normal rotation is subbing Dwyane Wade earlier in the first quarter so that he can place him with four bench players at the beginning of the second. Due to Mirotic’s early-season struggles and McDermott’s concussion, Wade’s scoring was relied on heavily in the second unit.
Chicago’s bench scored two points less than Detroit’s, thanks largely in part to Jon Leuers’ 16 points for the Pistons. But the Bulls’ reserves don’t need to blow other teams’ reserves out of the water. Dwyane Wade, Jimmy Butler and the starting front court provide enough offensive firepower on most nights.
It has been nights where Jimmy and Dwyane take on all offensive responsibility, whether Niko’s missing or Rondo is turning the ball over, when the Bulls fall flat, especially in late game situations.
Niko looked comfortable shooting the ball against Detroit. He was playing at the four, his best position, getting looks and knocking them down. He hit three of his six 3-point attempts and added four more points for his 13.
McDermott only made one 3-pointer, but he nailed some pull-up jumpers and even caught a lob pass from Wade on the break.
— Daniel Coughlin (@xvanwilderx) December 20, 2016
Felicio and Jerian Grant both contributed six points each and valuable minutes in an all-around solid game for Chicago’s backups.
This game was a crucial win for Chicago, and they showed up against a Detroit team that simply did not. But as always, with this Bulls team, it’s important to take things one game at a time, because one night they’re beating a team by 30, and another they’re on the receiving end of a rout.