Three takeaways from the Chicago Bulls loss to the Brooklyn Nets
By Luke Askew
The Chicago Bulls played a really sloppy game against the Brooklyn Nets. Here are three takeaways from the game.
1. Lauri Markkanen seems to be avoiding the infamous rookie wall… narrowly.
Chicago Bulls rookie forward Lauri Markkanen has had an excellent rookie campaign. He’s averaging nearly 15 points and 8 rebounds. He was also the fastest player in NBA history to make 100 three-pointers.
However, after the All-Star break, it seemed like Lauri may have hit the infamous rookie wall that so many rookies can’t avoid.
In the Bulls first two games back, Lauri scored a total of 6 points on a combined 2-16 shooting from the field and 0-7 from three. It looked like Lauri was about to hit that rookie wall.
But after a stellar first half, Lauri showed us that he’s avoiding the rookie wall… for now. He ended up finishing with 19 points and 6 rebounds. That’s much more like the Lauri Markkanen Chicago Bulls fans have come to know and love.
Hopefully he can use this game to completely steer clear of the rookie wall – but we shall see.
p.s. Lauri got destroyed on a Jarrett Allen dunk but for the sake of all you Bulls fans out there, we won’t show that clip.
2. The Bulls need LaVine, and it’s obvious.
While this might seem a little too obvious, it’s worth noting that the Chicago Bulls absolutely need Zach LaVine to be on the floor to succeed.
LaVine sat out tonight’s game for rest. This makes sense and is reportedly apart of their plan with him for the season. The Bulls play tomorrow as well and didn’t want LaVine to play in both games.
The Bulls offense really struggles when Zach LaVine isn’t on the floor. His ability to get to the basket, make plays, and spread the floor just makes everything look smoother for the Chicago Bulls. It also makes the job everyone else has to do a whole lot easier.
I’m not saying Zach should have played tonight, I’m simply reiterating what we all know. Zach LaVine makes the Bulls way better, and the fact that the Bulls can’t beat the Nets without him, really says something.
3. This was possibly the best loss of the season for the young Bulls.
As far as the tank goes, this loss was phenomenal.
The Chicago Bulls really hurt their draft position by beating the Orlando Magic three straight times earlier this season, but this loss almost makes up for it.
The Brooklyn Nets and Chicago Bulls came in with the 7th and 8th worst records in the NBA, respectively. This game could end up dictating draft position come June.
Next: Chicago Bulls fall to the Brooklyn Nets
It’s not fun watching the Bulls lose by 17 to a team as lousy as the Nets, but man… that was a great loss for the tank – probably their best loss all season.
It was also a smart decision to have LaVine sit against the worse of the two teams that the Bulls play back-to-back.
Tomorrow LaVine will return against the Hornets. I expect the Bulls to look better, but will it result in a good team win or a good tank loss? We’ll have to wait and see.