Chicago Bulls vs New Orleans Pelicans: 3 Takeaways
By Ben Rains
Taj Gibson, Like a Rock
Gibson is one of the most consistent power forwards in the NBA, and his play for the Bulls tonight is one of the reasons this team can beat anyone in the Eastern Conference – aside from the Cleveland Cavaliers – in the playoffs.
Gibson just does his job. Fred Hoiberg and the coaching staff know what they will get from him every night. And he came to work tonight at the United Center, scoring 15 points and grabbing 16 rebounds. Gibson also took two 3-point shots, he missed both, but still, good for you man.
The former University of Southern California man found himself matched up against Davis on the offensive end a ton tonight, and Gibson made some dazzling plays against the Pelicans big man. It seems hard to believe that Gibson can be getting better offensively at this stage in his career, but his footwork and post moves have gotten to the ‘oh’ and ‘ah’ level almost every night.
https://twitter.com/chicagobulls/status/820410550882594816
The Bulls need Gibson to put up the numbers he put up tonight in order to win at a high level, and he seems to be ready for the challenge. The no-nonsense big also played well defensively against the Pelicans, blocking a couple of shots. But more importantly he, along with Robin Lopez, played amazing team defense.
Gibson is always moving and always talking, and tonight was no different. His season high rebounding total included 12 defensive rebounds. And the Bulls big seemed determined to help his team get back in the win column.
The power forward went 7-of-14 from the field, which is right around his regular shooting number of 52 percent. If he didn’t miss three out of four free throws, he would have had an even better night. But plays like the one above make up for those misses, and so does a big home win.
Now on to Mr. Fourth Quarter himself.