Pippen Ain't Easy
Fansided

Chicago Bulls looked energized in their fourth preseason game

By Daniel Greenberg

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 10: Wendell Carter Jr., #34 of the Chicago Bulls jumps for tip off against the Indiana Pacers during a pre-season game on October 10, 2018 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 10: Wendell Carter Jr., #34 of the Chicago Bulls jumps for tip off against the Indiana Pacers during a pre-season game on October 10, 2018 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Chicago Bulls played their second to last preseason game at the United Center against the Indiana Pacers. How did the team do?

For the first three preseason games, Chicago Bulls head coach Fred Hoiberg started Kris Dunn, Zach LaVine, Justin Holiday, Jabari Parker, and Robin Lopez.

Heading into the Bulls fourth preseason game against the Pacers, Hoiberg decided that he wanted to change things up. Hoiberg started Wendell Carter Jr. for Robin Lopez, and also started Bobby Portis for Jabari Parker. Starting Portis and Wendell really benefited the rest of the starters.

The Bulls came out with a lot of energy and played really fast. They looked like a different team after those lineup changes, and it really showed throughout the first half. The Bulls went into halftime leading 59-41.

Bobby Portis led the Bulls with 15 first half points. Jabari Parker came off the bench and had his best half as a member of the Chicago Bulls. Parker had 13 points.

The Bulls came into Wednesday’s game allowing 60 or more first half points in three straight games, but that ended against the Pacers. Bulls defensive rotations really improved as they held the Pacers to 36% shooting in the first half.

Zach LaVine went to the free throw line eight times, while the team as a total went to the line 16 times in the first half.

Second half

The Chicago Bulls dominated their fourth preseason game, as they beat the Indiana Pacers 104-89. Zach LaVine and Justin Holiday each had 22 points. The Bulls made 13 three pointers and shot 40% from the field.

Bobby Portis finished with 20 points, and continues to play with a lot confidence. Bobby sets the tone by the way he plays the game, and his teammates love that.

Just a reminder that October 15th is the deadline for the Bulls and Bobby Portis’ side to get an extension done. If they don’t get a deal done, then Bobby will become a restricted free agent.

The last two games the Bulls didn’t play with a lot of effort, but this game was a different story. From start to finish the Bulls played with a ton of energy and that’s the reason why the team won.

Next. Jabari Parker's scoring pivotal to success. dark

The last couple of games the Bulls have struggled on defense, but the energy on the defensive side really picked up against the Pacers. There was more communication on the floor, which was lacking in last two games.

Bulls held the Pacers to under 100 points which is really good to see. They really looked like a different team from their first three preseason games.

The Chicago Bulls will play their last preseason game Friday against the Denver Nuggets.

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