It was extremely enjoyable to watch the Chicago Bulls finally end that dreadful six-game losing streak. Maybe, the most important win of the season, but the Bulls are hitting a key stretch with little to no room for error, with play-in tournament a realistic expectation.
Even a Brooklyn Nets team without James Harden and Kevin Durant in the lineup is not an easy team to defeat. The Bulls took care of business still, holding on to a 115-107 victory at the United Center on April 3.
Thanks to a giant spark off the bench from newcomer, forward Troy Brown Jr. He was challenged with the impossible assignment of guarding All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving. Irving was a rare 12-of-27 shooting from the field. And he dished out 15 assists, just not enough scoring in the final minutes of the down to the wire nail-biter.
The Bulls locked down on defense in the monumental win. An 0-4 start since the trade deadline was becoming a hard pill to swallow for Bulls fans. Chemistry is starting to materialize and it is being noticed on the defensive end. Fans are now granted a new face to replace the old habits.
Yes, you heard that correct, Brown was a defensive spark, playing his most important and impactful minutes since his trade from the Washington Wizards. He has not seen much playing time since joining the Bulls, which may be about to change very shortly.
Brown showed grit and played very physical at the point of attack. He brings a skill set that has been absent so far this season. He is 6-foot-6 with a 6-foot-11 wingspan. His most impressive attribute is his ability to keep his feet moving, being able to maneuver around screens on the perimeter.
Even for his size, Brown’s speed allows him to keep pace with smaller guards as well as being a stout interior presence. He crashes the glass with intensity, his eagerness for an opportunity was exactly what he needed.
The uncertainty Brown dealt with in his role in Washington was a struggle for him, not knowing how to get minutes was confusing. Billy Donovan’s lineups have been a mere smokescreen of fog due to injuries.
Learning the right guys who can be the most productive together mid-season is the biggest challenge of his tenured career. One thing Donovan has figured out is how to get his players ready, keeping them focused and prepared for any and all circumstances that the team may be up against.
Chicago Bulls’ forward Troy Brown Jr. spoke to reporters after the game about his opportunity
"“Defense is more of a pride thing and more of an effort, and so right now that is all that I am focused on. Just trying to come in and bring that energy and bring that grit”."
Locating an offensive rebound that translated into All-Star guard Zach LaVine icing the game with a deep three to send the Nets on their way with a loss, is just one of many altering plays executed by Brown, that helped catapult the Bulls to sneak the home win.
"“The hardest thing in Washington was I didn’t know what would get me on the court. Like if I scored, if I assisted, if I played defense, it was hard for me to figure it out,” Brown said."
Brown averaged a career-low in minutes at just 13 per game this season in Washington. It is quite telling, he was the 15th overall pick in the 2018 draft. The unknown was the most challenging part of his stint as a Wizard.
Brown also reiterated Donovan was straightforward and told him from the beginning that defense was the way to earn more minutes, his path to more playing time may not be a foregone conclusion but at least he knows what is being asked of him.
His all-around defense was well noted by coach Donovan. Rare praise on the defensive end for the first-year coach. It also speaks to how in touch he is with the reality of what is in front of him.
Chicago Bulls forward Troy Brown Jr said, Donovan was straightforward with what he expected from the moment they had their first conversation.
"Troy Brown Jr said “First day I got here I talked to Coach Donovan and he told me, ‘Hey I need defense right now.’”"
The defense has been terrible this season, any help is needed and good help is cherished. Brown should get plenty more opportunities to show his importance to the team.
With more playing time Brown and the new-look Bulls could be gearing up for a winning streak. In the meantime let’s keep an eye on this kid, possibly he and the second unit have figured out their new roles.
This newfound energy and defensive focus have been a missing element, being assertive while having the ability to stay aggressive is a commodity. Brown brings a different component to his game, he is much more than just a defender.
He has shown flashes of his shooting ability and athleticism. He can create his own space off the dribble and is capable of scoring in many ways. His three-point struggles should become history. His maturity and intelligence were evident after the game, letting his game speak on the court.
Taking advantage of his playing time will give him the needed reps and game-time action to improve his very underrated offensive arsenal. Helping the frontcourt fix their inadequacy is sufficient evidence that he will be more active.
Next up is another five-game road trip. Starting with the Indiana Pacers on April 6th. If the Bulls are looking to move up in the standings anytime soon it starts with this divisional foe.