The new-look Chicago Bulls took the opportunity to announce their presence by beating up on the woeful Cleveland Cavaliers. A 131-95 tune-up is nothing to sneeze at, regardless of whether or not the games counted. And while the Cavs were indeed a bottom-feeder, we’ve seen the Bulls lose to those teams far too often in recent years.
But even more impressive than their absolute drubbing of the divisional foe was how they went about dismantling their opponent; with their tireless ball and off-ball movement, including several lobs from new point guard, Lonzo Ball.
It was about as close as you can get to “proof positive” as you can get at this point that this will all work.
The new-look Chicago Bulls didn’t have any fit issues in their preseason opener
The Bulls walked out of Quicken Loans Arena with seven players having scored double-digits. That included prized offseason trade-acquisition DeMar DeRozan, free-agent signee Alex Caruso, and reserve sniper, Matt Thomas. For Caruso, it was a really good all-around performance with a 10-point, 10-assist double-double off of the bench.
Everyone’s focus was on DeRozan and the starters. All offseason the naysayers (subscription required) pointed to the poor defense of Zach LaVine and DeRozan being a crippling drawback as well as the latter’s lack of a three-point shot.
There was also some bristling at comments made by Ball in regards to playing like a “traditional point guard” this season.
Most loved to point out how he wasn’t a half-court floor general when the Bulls traded for him.
Some backed off of that fear once DeRozan came aboard but others who held on failed to realize the playmaking potential of Ball, DeRozan, and LaVine in the halfcourt with the latter two taking the reigns.
DeRozan finished with 13 points, four rebounds, and four assists. Ball had just eight points but also had five rebounds, three steals, and a block with one turnover to go with his five assists. Many of those dimes found LaVine who went off for 25 points, three assists, three boards, and three steals.
The Bulls star also shot 64.3 percent from the floor and knocked down 4-of-6 threes.
If there is a knock on Ball and DeRozan, it is that neither was terribly efficient. Ball shot 37.5 percent as he was clearly looking for his range, hitting 2-of-5 three-point attempts.
DeRozan shot 35.7 percent, far too low for a player with just one attempt from beyond the arc. The good news is both have proven to be more efficient scorers than that.
The night was so explosive for the Bulls offensively that Nikola Vucevic had 10 points and nine rebounds and has hardly been mentioned by anyone talking about the game.
Javonte Green got in on the action with 13 points, eight rebounds, four blocks, and two steals. As did Troy Brown who had 13 points (kind of a theme on the night), two assists, and a rebound.
It really was what hopeful fans thought we would see. And, again, still only the first game of the preseason versus a bad opponent. We’ve seen impressive preseasons from the Bulls in the past. There are also still questions about rebounding and interior defense.
That the offense could possibly have come together so fast is still extremely encouraging heading into a pivotal season. The Bulls starved to be competitive again. But even with Zach LaVine’s contract status far from settled, things do appear to be looking up. Especially on the court where many had some valid concerns.