Chicago Bulls vs New Orleans Pelicans: 3 Takeaways

Butler Dominates

Butler simply continues to dominate NBA basketball games, and it is just so much fun to watch.

The 27-year-old wing is hands down a top 10 player in the league, without question. Butler missed the last two and a half games with a flu bug that has been going around the team and most of the city of Chicago. But in his first game back he showed little signs of being sick. In fact, most people might be thinking they want the flu Butler had if it means they score 28 points in a NBA game.

Butler’s first half was highlighted by jumper after jumper that he poured in to start the game, including a couple of silky 3-point makes. He really set the tone from the opening tip that the Bulls were not going to loose another game to a below .500 team.

The Bulls best player did it all against the Pelicans. Aside from his scoring, Butler grabbed eight rebounds and dished out six assists. But what might be more impressive was his defense. Butler played incredibly well on the defensive end all night long, and his hands were even more active than usual.

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The Team USA man had four steals and two blocks on the night. He also guarded his man with great intensity for most the evening. Saturday also highlighted just how much the Bulls need Butler, not that anyone thinks they don’t at this point.

Butler might mean more to his team than any other played in the NBA, and the numbers back this up. He is second in the NBA in real plus-minus, at 7.17, behind only Chris Paul. Without Butler the Bulls are just not any good, like at all. With Butler, they can hang with most of the tops teams in the NBA on any given night.

Although Butler was not really going up against Davis, tonight showed just how great of player he has become. The small forward can get his own shot whenever he wants. He can go to the rim and the free-throw line at will. He also plays really hard. And he is always smiling.

When Butler steps on the floor he seems to give everyone around him the ability to play with more confidence, and tonight was one of those nights.

Now on to everyone’s favorite hard hat lunch pail guy.