Chicago Bulls face challenges in loss to New Orleans Pelicans

Second quarter

Early on, Hutchison continued to show flashes of two-way ability making his way to the hoop for another dunk after nabbing the ball from the Pelicans.

Williamson is seen limping just south of the 10-minute mark. Through this point in the game, he had been having a bit of a quiet game.

At the same time, the Bulls had their share of problems at the defensive end giving up easy buckets to the Pelicans. Additionally, turnovers became a bit all too commonplace for the Bulls.

The Pelicans found themselves up 46-38 with 7:51 remaining in the first half.

A positive to note for both teams is they shot about 50% from the field just north of the 7-minute mark.

Still, the Bulls’ offense appeared stagnant at times. The two main bright spots keeping the game close were guards Zach LaVine and Coby White. With big man Lauri Markkanen sidelined, it was a welcomed sight to witness a bit of two-man action transpiring on the floor at times.

To the Bulls’ dismay, the Pelicans’ lead grew, in part, because of the play of Ingram, Redick and Ball, none of which were shy about shooting from deep.

This did not completely deter the Bulls, which is good to note. LaVine drained a three-point just north of the 3-minute mark to bring the Bulls to within 9 points of the Pelicans.

The Pelicans made it a point to keep pushing the pace as the second quarter drew to a close. In doing so, the Bulls’ defense was forced to scramble back after made shots to defend the Pelicans’ attempts at transition offense. This should not have come as a surprise to the Bulls. The Pelicans have been pushing for pace the last few seasons.

The Pelicans led the Bulls 72-62 at the end of the second quarter.