Still Learning How to Close out Games.
We opened with a few positive takeaways, but the main highlight from this one was the Bulls are clearly still learning how to lose out games. It’s not surprising given the youth they rely on, but it’s something that needs to start trending in the right direction.
A 45 point fourth quarter is unacceptable. With that kind of late defense, the Bulls should be considered lucky to hang onto this win. If the team plans on making a real push for the playoffs in the second half of the season, they’re going to need to learn how to effectively close out games.
This isn’t the first time and won’t be the last time this group experiences some bumps late in games. That doesn’t mean it can be excused.
The defense completely disappeared in that fourth as the Pelicans shot an eye-popping 66.7 percent from the field in the final quarter. Further, they got to the free-throw line 15 times and the difference in the game was the five free throws the Pelicans missed in the final quarter.
Instead of winning by the other team not stepping up, the Bulls need to learn how to close out games and force teams to accept defeat.