What does it honestly take to be a lethal NBA team for a young squad? Team chemistry? What about team comradery? Can’t forget about team swag? How about teamwork? Last but not least, team effort? The Chicago Bulls have all of this set in stone, no doubt about it. Each of the guys’ skillsets, athleticism, and basketball IQ; combined with their personalities and ambitious demeanor to get that W night in and night out speaks for itself.
The Bulls 2021-2022 season is going to be a real, entertaining, and thrilling 8-month team dance party that will be opening eyes, turning heads, and drawing attention to our basketball world.
Has it ever crossed your mind that we could be in the process of remaking a mid to late 90’s Bulls squad here in the Windy City? Is this something that can be identified after watching these men hoop throughout the month of October? Will our individual talent unite as one to remain #1 in the Eastern Conference?
With our first win of the season under our belts against a talented cropped Pistons team Wednesday night (10/20), there are glimpses and signs of these guys bringing back the good ole’ days of title after title with six championships during the Michael Jordan era as the months and years go on. Our team chemistry, team comradery, team swag, teamwork, and team effort have been at an utmost high since the start of preseason action.
The individual talent that is identified out of each Bulls member is off the charts. As the season progresses and continues, we will see a ton of these newcomers and youngins stepping out of their shells, having some big games, and honing their overall ability.
With a true battle to open up the regular season, the Bulls and Pistons went back and forth the majority of this Oct. 20 game in Detroit.
Zach LaVine did “typical, dominant Zach LaVine things” and kept the Bulls close throughout the game. LaVine finished the game calmly and collected 34 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. It’s very clear that this Bulls squad can flat-out play together at a high level. They proved this in their preseason games by blowing teams out of the gym.
Our depth at the guard and wing position is at an ultimate “holy cow” high and the best it’s been at in recent seasons, and our big man game down low is getting there too. Nikola Vucevic had a night to remember with a nifty double-double with 15 points and 15 rebounds.
DeMar DeRozan utilized his top-notch athletic ability and finished with 17 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 assists. Lonzo Ball had a great all-around game and filled out the stat sheet with 12 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists. Rookie Ayo Dosunmu had a solid debut with 7 points and 2 rebounds.
Chicago Bulls player analysis ahead of the Pelicans game
LaVine: As I said, LaVine performed like he needed to. He came around at all the right times, savored the moment, and took matters into his hands to lead this team to a win. His pull-up jumper from 12-15 feet is at an elite level and is as pure as ever. He gets to the rim with ease.
He finished well in the lane with some tremendous drives to the hoop. Finished a critical AND-1 with three minutes left in the third to tie up the game 65-65. And LaVine dished out some great dimes to fellow teammates.
Vucevic: Nikola did his job on both ends of the floor, and was a huge presence on the boards. Vucevic finished around the basket well with both hands, displayed some good post moves, and grabbed the rebounds down with authority.
Also, he threw out some dimes to teammates and found himself being a playmaker as well. Was a monster down low all game each possession.
DeRozan: DeMar put up a clean slate and put it all out on the floor until the final minute of this game. He was all over the place and displayed an upbeat, versatile performance on both ends of the floor. Is a heck of an athlete with the uncanny ability to get to the rim or nail the mid-range jumper. Sent off some terrific dimes to fellow teammates as well.
Lonzo Ball: Lonzo proved his profound point guard capabilities and provided that spark all game. Created that up-tempo style and pushed the ball up the floor to make this contest a fun one to watch. Delivered some high-caliber dimes to fellow teammates and hit some key shots throughout the game. He mixed it up inside with the bigs and got some boards as well.
Alex Caruso: Alex also sped the game up and dished out some incredible dimes to fellow teammates. He finished the game with just three points, however, he had a remarkable floor game and was very effective on the defensive end. Caruso can shoot the three-ball with a wonderful, pure stroke. He was a miraculous firecracker on the defensive end.
Ayo Dosunmu: Ayo is another guy with superb athletic ability. Established a track meet all game long getting out on the wing and running the floor efficiently. He can finish at the rim at a high percentage. Is a versatile scorer and can find ways to put the ball in the hoop. Played very well in his NBA debut. Was a cheetah on both ends of the floor.
Patrick Williams: Patrick had a solid game. Has a high basketball IQ. Is very fundamental and has a great feel for the game. Ran the floor well to finish some easy buckets. Moves well without the ball. Was an effective presence on both ends of the floor.
In conclusion, the Bulls are heading in the right direction after a disappointing season last year. They are making a name for themselves, and are igniting this franchise to new heights. There is a ton of potential and talent with these guys within Coach Billy Donovan’s squad. The sky is definitely the limit and there is a lot of excitement to look forward to. The Chicago Bulls have their first home opener of the season tonight, October 22nd, against the New Orleans Pelicans. Come catch the game at 7:00 p.m. in the United Center. They are then back at it again with a home game against the Detroit Pistons tomorrow, October 23rd. They will then be traveling out to Toronto to play the Raptors on October 25th.