Chicago Bulls vs. Dallas Mavericks: Takeaways, Analysis, Reactions
Jimmy Flirts with a Triple Double, RoLo posts Season High
Jimmy Butler has accomplished some pretty absurd things so far this season, but his first triple-double of the year still eludes him. It looked like he was finally going to capture one tonight — he was only one rebound shy with almost four minutes left in the game — but Butler ultimately fell short, finishing with 24 points, nine rebounds and 12 assists on 5-for-12 shooting.
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He also got to the free throw line 16 times in Tuesday’s game, making it the 23rd game this season that Butler has had at least 10 free throw attempts. Only James Harden and Russell Westbrook have more. But Kevin Love and Joel Embiid should definitely be starting the All-Star Game. Sure.
It was a really great game for Robin Lopez as well. He had 21 points (a season high), five rebounds and a block on 10-for-15 shooting. His first half was especially impressive, with 14 points on 7-for-9 shooting. Lopez has mastered the hook shot in all its forms, and there was one particular shot with about 30 seconds left in the third quarter against Dirk Nowitzki that was the closest thing any of us will come to seeing a heat-check hook shot.
Lopez still can’t really defend in space to save his life, but neither can a lot of traditional centers. He’s still a valuable piece of this team, and he showed it tonight.