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Bulls center Cristiano Felicio was the player of the game vs. the Hornets

By Khobi Price

CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 25: Cristiano Felicio #6 of the Chicago Bulls poses for a portrait during the 2017-18 NBA Media Day on September 25, 2017 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Randy Belice/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 25: Cristiano Felicio #6 of the Chicago Bulls poses for a portrait during the 2017-18 NBA Media Day on September 25, 2017 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Randy Belice/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Chicago Bulls lost to the Charlotte Hornets 118-103 on Tuesday in the Spectrum Center. Cristiano Felicio used a strong first half to take home player of the game honors.

The Chicago Bulls extended their losing streak to five games with their 118-103 loss to the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday in the Spectrum Center. Despite the loss, center Cristiano Felicio shined brightest for the Bulls and earned the player of the game honors.

Felicio had a strong start to the game. He showed off his improved shooting range by knocking down two mid-range jump shots to start the game. Felicio scored or assisted on 11 of the Bulls’ first 15 points. He finished the first quarter with eight points, three rebounds and shot 4-of-4 from the field.

The third-year center out of Brazil cooled off in the second quarter. He scored four points, shot 2-of-2 shooting from the field and pulled down a single rebound. But, the highlight of his night came in the closing minutes of the first half.

Felicio reached deep down into his bag of tricks for this one. He backed down Hornets center Willy Hernangomez with an awkward, but effective, dribble spin move before he banked a field goal off the glass. This deserves to be looked at from another angle.

Felicio finished the opening half with a season-high 12 points, four rebounds and shot a perfect 6-of-6 from the field.

Felicio’s big night didn’t come without flaws

He disappeared in the second half. Felicia missed both of his second half field goal attempts, but managed to tally three assists and two rebounds in the closing half. He finished the game with 12 points, six rebounds, four assists and shot 6-of-8 from the field.

Felicio’s lack of athleticism and defensive shortcomings were exposed. Hornets center Dwight Howard consistently maneuvered himself into dunking position and found himself open for lob attempts.

Also, Felicio found himself on the wrong end of the highlight reels thanks to Hornets guard Kemba Walker. Did somebody yell, “TIMBERRRR!!”?

Guard Zach LaVine was inefficient, guard Kris Dunn played poorly, forward Lauri Markkanen had a pedestrian impact on the outcome of the contest and nobody from the Bulls’ bench squad did enough to standout. So, Felicio earned this award. Hopefully he can stay on his feet next time he finds himself being isolated by an All-Star point guard.

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