Chicago Bulls: Work in the trench, Veterans off the bench

Nothing has come easy for the Chicago Bulls so far this season, they have had to fight and claw until the final buzzer in just about every game. Win or lose the Bulls have been competitive in almost every game this season, minus a few duds.

With Zach LaVine leading the way they came out on top against a physical divisional foe in the Indiana Pacers on Feb. 15. It was maybe the most impressive win for this young team. The work in the trenches was a big key to this exciting win.

Center Wendell Carter Jr.’s presence was felt instantly in this game from the start. His defense was dominant, he showed his importance to this young core. After missing some time with a quad injury, WCJ went right to work. He finished the game going 4-7 shooting with 11 points and 11 rebounds. Not bad for his first game back.

Specs for the Chicago Bulls of late

Being physical down low was huge in slowing down Domantas Sabonis, WCJ showed up ready to work, battling in the trenches. The Bulls out rebounded the Pacers, grabbing 66 rebounds to the Pacers 54. Pulling down 13 offensive rebounds, for an impressive 25 second chance points. The Bulls did not back down and were up for challenge.

Patrick Williams showed again his potential on a veteran looking drive to the basket, a few minutes later he showed his grown man strength ripping a rebound out of the hands of the powerful veteran Sabonis. Williams showed up when the Bulls needed him most. His 9 rebounds came hard fought after an injury scare early in the game.

The veterans coming off the bench played the biggest role in the win. The Bulls bench is tops in the league and has been undervalued to this point in the season. They put the NBA on notice with a savvy and very clutch performance. They are starting to remind me of the bench mob the Bulls had in the past, just this time we call it, bench mob 2.1!

Thaddeus Young had his stamp all over this game, doing everything to help with this win. From offensive rebounds to taking a charge in the final minutes. His hustle and veteran leadership stand out and its crystal clear that Young is the most important piece to the puzzle for this young team. Young finished with a double -double 11 points and 11 rebounds.

Garrett Temple hit a few key jumpers, while Tomas Satoransky and Denzel Valentine have played huge roles in helping lead the second unit. The Bulls had seven players in double figures, with LaVine leading the way on  11-25 shooting with 30 points, none more impressive than his step back three to help force overtime.

Coby White came up huge with 19 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists. White hit some clutch shots and had a few very impressive drives late in the game. The Bulls outscored Indiana 15-7 in overtime to seal the win. A complete team win, and Billy Donavon has the Bulls now trending, this time in the right direction.

At now 11-15 the Bulls sit ninth in the eastern conference with a long-awaited playoff berth in our sites! Watching this Bulls organization develop has been stressful and hard to watch at times, but its exciting and fun. We have not been able to say that for a while. Take a seat and enjoy the show!