Takeaways from the Chicago Bulls loss to the Cavaliers: Defending guards a major issue
The Bulls have failed to defend well for the strong majority of the season, and this one was no different. The Cavaliers young and dynamic guard combination of Darius Garland and Collin Sexton had their way from start to finish.
They started out hot, unlike the entire Bulls group. The duo scored 17 first-quarter points and had a number of opportunities for teammates they opened up by getting to the basket. Whether it was lobbing it to Jarrett Allen at the rim or kicking it for an open three-point shot, the Cavs guards were getting what they wanted at will.
It did not stop after the statement-making first quarter, either. Sexton finished the game with 30 points and 7 assists on a far too efficient 11-17 shooting. Garland, meanwhile, finished with 25 points of his own on an also efficient 8-13 shooting night.
Garland and Sexton had their way with the Bulls defense all night. If this team wants to win games they are going to have to do a much better job of keeping a body in front of opposing guards.
Although the Cavs have a dynamic pairing that most teams could struggle against, the effort, or lack thereof, is a major concern for Billy Donovan’s group. They only forced the Cavs guards into five turnovers combined, as if the shooting and scoring numbers were not bad enough.
Things get easier in terms of numbers against the Hornets but not necessarily in terms of talent. In that game, the Bulls will have to find a way to slow down dynamic scoring guard Terry Rozier. Easier said than done.
Will the Bulls be able to? It’s hard to see how they will solely based on tonight’s performance.