Chicago Bulls: Player grades from the road loss to Brooklyn
The Brooklyn Nets gave the Chicago Bulls some problems during Tuesday night’s 122-117 loss. Here’s a look at the progress of several key players.
Leading up to tipoff, the Chicago Bulls had lost 13 of their last 14 games.
Tuesday’s loss left several questions unanswered regarding the Bulls and their ability to make good decisions in late-game situations.
Who’s to blame?
Let’s be honest, it would be too easy to blame it on the front office.
For one thing, head coach Jim Boylen reportedly entered the game wanting to see the Bulls make good decisions only for the scoreboard to reflect otherwise.
The Nets provided a good test for the Bulls in different ways.
Not only did the game remain close throughout much of regulation, but also the matchup featured two franchises with young rising stars. For the Nets, it must not go unnoted how well point guard D’Angelo Russell and center Jarrett Allen took to the floor making their presence known. As for the Bulls, it was Zach LaVine, Lauri Markkanen, Wayne Selden Jr., Robin Lopez and Jabari Parker having an impact on the game.
Let’s take a look at the Bulls and the progress made in Tuesday night’s loss.
Guard. Chicago Bulls. ZACH LAVINE. B+. LaVine finished the game with 26 points, 5 assists and 2 steals. He had several nice drives to the basket, but he resorted to shooting from beyond the arc in a late-game situation. This has been a knock on LaVine all season long. He shot 1-of-4 from the three-point line by the time the final buzzer sounded.
A-. Markkanen put together impressive stats pairing 18 points with 19 rebounds. He had an efficient game, shooting 3-of-7 from beyond the three-point line. Markkanen did not get a lot of touches in the paint. With all the muscle he put on during the offseason, it’s frustrating to see him settle for long shots especially when mismatches arise.. Forward. Chicago Bulls. LAURI MARKKANEN
A-. Selden put up 6 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists in his second start as a member of the Bulls. He impressed with his midrange game on top of his floor vision. It cannot go unnoted how officials ruled that Selden stepped out of bounds, right when he completed what was then considered a much-needed three-point shot to help close the deficit in a late-game situation. By the game’s end, he shot 0-of-2 from beyond the arc.. Guard/Forward. Chicago Bulls. WAYNE SELDEN JR.
Lopez had 4 points to go along with 2 rebounds in one of his less effective games of the season. Let’s face it, not everyone can be productive every night. Lopez has a proven track record of being Mr. Effective night in and night out, so it’s difficult to blame him for the Bulls’ loss to the Nets. Still, it didn’t help to see the way Lopez failed a number of times to provide help to his teammates when the Nets’ guards utilized picks set by their big men to collapse the defense. Russell feasted off the Bulls and their mistakes.. Center. Chicago Bulls. ROBIN LOPEZ. C+
A. Parker filled his stat sheet with 22 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists in 22 minutes of action. He continues to demonstrate why he is worth the big contract the Bulls awarded him last summer. At only 24 years old, Parker is showing his value. He was able to play during the game’s closing minutes, which is something the Bulls coaching staff should consider doing more of in close games.. Forward. Chicago Bulls. JABARI PARKER
It’s no question the Bulls have homework to do after losing a game to the Nets. The hope is the Bulls will get in the film room to turn it around by Wednesday night when they head south to face the Miami Heat.