Pippen Ain't Easy
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Chicago Bulls vs. Sacramento Kings Takeaways: A Win with a Wild Finish

By Ben Rains

Jan 20, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Dwyane Wade (3) in action against the Atlanta Hawks in the first quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 20, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Dwyane Wade (3) in action against the Atlanta Hawks in the first quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 17, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Paul Zipser (16) is defended by Charlotte Hornets guard Jeremy Lamb (3) during the second half at the United Center. The Hornets won 108-104 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Paul Zipser (16) is defended by Charlotte Hornets guard Jeremy Lamb (3) during the second half at the United Center. The Hornets won 108-104 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /

German Range

Zipser was not in the Bulls rotation to start the season, or really at any point until the last few weeks, but now the young German looks poised to stay in the lineup.

The Bulls second-round pick once again showed the fans, his coach and most importantly his teammates that he can really play. Zipser also continued to prove he is unafraid of the moment or the NBA. Unlike many of his fellow bench mates, he knows when to let it fly from 3-point range, which in the case of Mirotic, McDermott and the German, is every time they are open.

In a surprise move, Zipser was the first man off Hoiberg’s bench. He quickly rewarded his coach by knocking down a 3-pointer from the corner. Zipser also proved he can put the ball on the floor and finish around the rim. He finished the first quarter on 3-of-4 shooting, including two nothing-but-net long balls.

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Zipser finished the game +11. The rookie had 13 points on 50 percent shooting. He also hauled in four rebounds.

There is not one bench player on this current Bulls unit that is above losing his playing time. Not one player has played consistently off Hoiberg’s bench this season. If Mirotic and McDermott continue their on-one-night, completely-lost-the-next season, the young and confident German might secure one of their spots. Money on it being Mirotic.

https://twitter.com/chicagobulls/status/822995134413438977

Zipser also made a hidden game saving play against the Kings. With roughly five minutes left in the third quarter, it looked like the Kings were on the brink of pulling away, having stretched the lead to nearly double-digits behind Cousins. Zipser hit a massive 3-point shot to end the run that also sparked a bit of a turn around.

The 22-year-old scored a career high. He also played some big minutes. If he continues to play with the confidence he did against the Kings, Zipser might just break his new career high sooner than later.

Now, on to the head coach.

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