Pippen Ain't Easy
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Chicago Bulls vs. Atlanta Hawks: Butler’s Big Half

By Patrick Sheetz

Apr 1, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls mascot Benny the Bull plays around with Atlanta Hawks center Dwight Howard (8) before the game at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls mascot Benny the Bull plays around with Atlanta Hawks center Dwight Howard (8) before the game at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 1, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Nikola Mirotic (44) guard Rajon Rondo (9) and guard Denzel Valentine (45) celebrate their win against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half at the United Center. The Bulls won 106-104. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Nikola Mirotic (44) guard Rajon Rondo (9) and guard Denzel Valentine (45) celebrate their win against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half at the United Center. The Bulls won 106-104. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /

Mirotic and Zipser

The starting lineup really worked today. Specifically Paul Zipser and Nikola Mirotic. The combination of length on the wings and at the power forward position allows the Bulls to remain feisty defensively. They caused seven turnovers in the first half.

Mirotic and Zipser were great pieces for the offense today. Mioritc started out 0-for-3 from the field and still had a positive impact on offense, finding Zipser for two assists early. He came around towards the end of the second quarter hitting a 3 and getting to the line.

Both performed strongly on the defensive end. Mirotic had a great steal off Dwight Howard, double teaming him in the corner. Howard isn’t known for his passing, he had nowhere to go and Niko stripped the ball. A smart play by Mirotic.

Zipser has a great block on Schroder in the paint; he was the Atlanta player giving the Bulls trouble tonight. Schroder had ten points on 5-of-9 shooting in the first half. Zipser swatted him in the paint like he was toddler, showing another flash that he can be more than average on defense.

These two also helped keep the ball moving today and it was infectious throughout the team leading to 13 first half assists.

The two Europeans continue to illustrate why they fit the bill as starters for Chicago. They both stretch the paint leaving room for cutters to streak towards the rim while being positives on the defensive end.

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