Pippen Ain't Easy
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Chicago Bulls struggle to close out the Pacers

By Douglas Schwamb

CHICAGO, IL - NOVEMBER 2: Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers goes to the basket against the Chicago Bulls on November 2, 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 - NOVEMBER 2: Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers goes to the basket against the Chicago Bulls on November 2, 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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It’s been a problem all season for the Chicago Bulls. They have gotten off to a great start in the first quarter, but they’ve struggled to close out games.

Last night was another close loss to the Chicago Bulls, as they lost 107-105. Coach Fred Hoiberg knows that in order to win, you have to close out games and finish strong.

Antonio Blakeney had an opportunity to seal the deal on a win, when he hit a huge three pointer and drew the foul.

Blakeney was the best player on the floor for the Bulls. The former NBA G-League M.V.P finished the game with 22 points, which is his career-high.

The Bulls made many mistakes in the second half, but what stood out was the game winner for the Pacers. Darren Collison hit a wide open mid-ranger to seal the deal. Question is, where was the defense?

Another issue for this team was foul trouble. Because of multiple players being in foul trouble early on, it led to Fred Hoiberg going to his bench early. Wendell Carter Jr. and Zach LaVine had great nights, but probably would have been a lot better if they didn’t get into foul trouble early on.

Specifically with Wendell Carter. Carter led the team scoring to start the game, but due to two early fouls, Hoiberg had to rely on Cristiano Felicio.

Even though Carter had limited playing time, he showed early on, why the Bulls took him with the seventh pick.

The kid was all over the place, making significant contributions on each side of the court. He had seven points in the first three minutes of the game.

He was having a great game offensively and defensively, but what stood out was his ability to pass the ball.

Six assists is a career high for him and he continues his strong play this year. For the Bulls, if they continue to not close out these close games, it hurts their chances of making it to the playoffs this year, along with numerous injuries to key players, including, Portis, Dunn, and Markkanen.

Next. Blakeney scored 22 points against the Pacers. dark

The goal shouldn’t be to make the playoffs this year, unless your Fred Hoiberg. The goal is to develop the young talent, when healthy and to get a good sense of who will make a contribution to this team, when they do make the playoffs.

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