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Chicago Bulls: Top 10 wins from the 2016-17 season

By Luke Askew

CLEVELAND, OH - FEBRUARY 25: Jimmy Butler #21 of the Chicago Bulls celebrates with teammates after the Bulls defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on February 25, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Bulls defeated the Cavaliers 117-99. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - FEBRUARY 25: Jimmy Butler #21 of the Chicago Bulls celebrates with teammates after the Bulls defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on February 25, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Bulls defeated the Cavaliers 117-99. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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BOSTON, MA – APRIL 26: Fred Hoiberg Head Coach of the Chicago Bulls reacts during the third quarter of Game Five of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on April 26, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts.
BOSTON, MA – APRIL 26: Fred Hoiberg Head Coach of the Chicago Bulls reacts during the third quarter of Game Five of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on April 26, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. /

No. 9: Without Wade, Bulls bounced back on the road in LA

The Bulls were in game four of their six-game road trip and had just come off a tough loss in the same stadium against the Los Angeles Clippers the night before. With Wade out of the lineup due to rest, this easily could have been a trap game against a bad Lakers squad.

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While the Bulls didn’t blow them out like they maybe should have, the Bulls showed toughness and proved they had some fight.

Rondo provided 12 assists, Nikola Mirotic and Robin Lopez both had double-doubles and combined for 26 rebounds. This game, however, did continue to provide proof that in order for the Bulls to be competitive in the postseason, the bench would need to show up.

All of the Bulls starters had a plus/minus of at least +10. That’s pretty good for a starting comprised of minimal 3-point shooters. But, the bench really struggled in plus/minus.

In only 5 minutes of play, Jerian Grant had a plus-minus of -16. Not only did Grant struggle in a small sample size, but Bobby Portis had a plus/minus of -13 in only 11 minutes of play.

So, why was this one of the best wins for the Bulls this season? Jimmy Butler showed that he can take over and score 40 points when his team needs him the most.

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