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 head coach Fred Hoiberg questions a call 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 head coach Fred Hoiberg questions a call during the second half at the United Center. The Bulls won 106-104. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /

Second Unit Struggled

While the starting unit impressed, the bench was less imposing. Bobby Portis got bounced around in the paint. He got bodied away from the rim by Dwight Howard leading to an easy slam in the first quarter. To add Bobby was poor on offense too, he scored zero points in the first half.

Valentine was less of a liability on defense, though he wasn’t effective. He hit a couple shots, but also seemed scared to enter the paint which led to him settling for some tough jumpers

If Valentine doesn’t even attempt to penetrate the paint it’ll continue to be a problem for Chicago. He gets himself in a position to attack the rim, though never has the confidence to actually attempt to go in and draw contact.

There were moments when it seemed like the Bulls could really extend the lead in the first half, the bench was holding them back. They struggled to find points while allowing the Atlanta offense to find a groove.

If there was any bright spot it was Joffery Lauvergne. It was a very small bright spot. He only played 11 minutes, though he scored 4 points while showing the ability to come out of the paint to defend. The one attribute missing from starting center Robin Lopez.

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