The Chicago Bulls almost stole a game in Milwaukee tonight. Here are four thoughts after the Bulls’ road loss to the Bucks.
Once again, the Chicago Bulls struggled to close out a very winnable game. The Bucks didn’t shoot the ball well (6-of-33 from deep), but it didn’t matter. Thanks to a plethora of bad decisions by the Bulls and a possible alien wearing a Bucks jersey (Giannis Antetokounmpo), the Bucks were able to secure a home victory.
Giannis led the way for Milwaukee with 38 points and 16 boards. The Bulls did not have a guy with 38 points and 16 boards. That also played a factor in the result.
Here are four thoughts after the Bulls’ road loss to Milwaukee.
Zach LaVine’s decision-making is frustrating
Zach LaVine is one of the best athletes in the NBA, and yet, he continues to take frustrating ill-advised jump shots.
He finished the game with 25 points and seven assists – a pretty good stat line – but made some odd decisions down the stretch.
Late in the fourth quarter, Zach (wisely) drove to the basket and made a tough layup. In other words, he did what he’s best at. Then, the next time down the floor, he chucked an early, contested 3-point shot. I think my skin melted off my body as he let that one fly.
It’s not like that shot lost the game for the Bulls, but if he put his head down and attacked the basket, it likely would’ve put Chicago in a much better position. We’ll never know.
Coby White doesn’t lack confidence, and that’s a good thing
Coming off the best game of his young career, Coby White continued to throw flames at the basket tonight in Milwaukee. He picked up exactly where he left off two nights ago, unconsciously knocking down 3-ball after 3-ball.
He eventually cooled off, but his confidence remained sky-high. That’s a really, really good sign for the future.
Coby finished the game as the Bulls’ leading scorer (26 points) and shot-taker (23 field goal attempts). The fact that a rookie possesses that level of confidence on the road in a close game against one of the league’s elite teams is incredible.
He doesn’t care that he’s 19 years old. He’s a hooper.
Ryan Arcidiacono is grit personified
If you didn’t watch the game and only looked at the box score, you’d think Ryan Arcidiacono had an uninspiring night. He finished the game with seven points on 2-of-6 shooting from the field, dished out three assists and grabbed one rebound. But this was a classic numbers-don’t-tell-the-whole-story situation.
Arch was simply terrific tonight. He battled on both offense and defense all night long. He brought consistent energy. He sacrificed his body for the betterment of the team. Heck, he even had to guard Giannis down the stretch.
Yes, you read that correctly. Ryan Arcidiacono (you know, the relatively short guy) had to guard Giannis Antetokounmpo (you know, the relatively massive monster) down the stretch. And you know what? He actually did a pretty good job.
Nothing with Arch should ever surprise me anymore. I’m done trying to put a ceiling on him.
Wendell Carter Jr. needs to be more careful
Look, I love the way Wendell Carter Jr. has been playing this season. I’m on record saying I think he’s the Bulls’ best player right now. But he has to stop getting himself in foul trouble.
Tonight, he was undoubtedly the Bulls’ best player for the short time he was on the court. He scored 14 points on 6-of-7 shooting from the field, grabbed six boards and had a +5 plus/minus in 21 minutes of action. He fouled out early in the fourth quarter, though.
That can’t happen.
The Bulls need Carter on the court in close games. He’s too valuable on both offense and defense to be sitting on the bench.
Chicago will look to turn things around Saturday against Brooklyn.