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Chicago Bulls at Phoenix Suns: Game outlook for Friday night

By Ryne Prinz

Nov 18, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) shoots the ball over Phoenix Suns forward P.J. Tucker (17) in the second half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Bulls defeated the Suns 103-97. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 18, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) shoots the ball over Phoenix Suns forward P.J. Tucker (17) in the second half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Bulls defeated the Suns 103-97. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 3, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; Phoenix Suns head coach Earl Watson speaks to guard Eric Bledsoe (2) during the third quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. The Phoenix Suns defeated the Sacramento Kings 105-103. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 3, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; Phoenix Suns head coach Earl Watson speaks to guard Eric Bledsoe (2) during the third quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. The Phoenix Suns defeated the Sacramento Kings 105-103. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

What will it take to slow down Phoenix’s best player?

After being riddled with injuries through his first six seasons in the league, Eric Bledsoe is having his best season yet. Bledsoe’s averaging 21.2 points, 6.1 assists, five rebounds and 1.7 steals per game. With a game similar to Russell Westbrook’s, his speed and athleticism will be difficult to match for the Bulls, so what are some things Chicago can do defensively to prevent Bledsoe from dominating?

As mentioned previously, getting back defensively will be huge against the Suns and Bledsoe in particular. He’s incredible at rebounding the ball himself or receiving an outlet pass and getting down the court in a matter of seconds. If the Bulls fail to hustle, the Suns’ point guard will terrorize them in transition.

Stopping him in the half-court won’t be easy either. The Suns like to set high screens for him, giving him a runway to accelerate towards the basket. Whether his defender goes over or under the screen doesn’t really matter, as Bledsoe moves directly towards the basket. It’ll be up to the big men to really have an impact at the rim. Robin Lopez and Felicio will be better off staying home, forcing Bledsoe to pull up from midrange. If they try to meet him at the free throw line, he’ll blow right past him.

Next: Bulls at Suns: Live stream, game info, how to watch/listen

Bledsoe is also adequate at kicking out to shooters, so Bulls’ wing defenders should stay home instead of sagging in. According to math, giving up a layup is better than giving up a three.

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