On the night of Nov. 14, the Chicago Bulls faced the Los Angeles Clippers, in a game that they won 100-90. This was a huge win for the Bulls as they were coming off their worst loss of the season against the Warriors. The Clippers were on a seven-game winning streak, and the Bulls took them down on the road.
That being said, every game has its positives and negatives. Here are mine:
What I liked for the Chicago Bulls No. 1: Alex Caruso in the starting lineup
Head coach Billy Donovan put Alex Caruso in the starting lineup for the first time this season. Caruso has had a great season so far and is establishing himself as an elite defender. Despite Caruso’s poor shooting night (2-11), he had a huge impact on the floor. Caruso had nine rebounds, five assists, three steals, and the highest +/- in the game.
What I didn’t like for the Chicago Bulls No. 1: Players trying to do too much when double teamed
This mainly pertains to Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan. Throughout the game, the Clippers frequently double-teamed the Bulls two stars. This was a pretty effective strategy. On multiple occasions, both players tried to dribble around the double-team or take an ill-advised shot. If the Clippers are doubling, then someone has to be open.
I don’t think the Bulls ever found that man. When the Bulls did pass the ball to an open player, they usually just reset the possession. What needed to happen every time is that the ball needs to swing around to the open player.
What I liked for the Chicago Bulls No. 2: Bulls hold the Clippers under 100
This is the fourth instance the Bulls have held their opponents under 100 this season. They are 4-0 in those games. The Bulls played super hard on the defensive end last night. Both teams played small ball for most of the game and the Bulls had the upper hand. When the Clippers did score, they were tough ones. The Bulls did not give up anything easily. The Clippers shot 36 percent from the field and 32 percent from three. Both are well below league average.
What I didn’t like for the Chicago Bulls No. 2: Lonzo Ball two-point shooting
Lonzo Ball has shot an excellent 42 percent from three this season. He has been very reliable from behind the arc. He has not been so reliable within the arc. Lonzo has shot an abysmal 35 percent from two. In most games, the majority of his shots have been three. Against the Clippers, Lonzo shot 2-8 from two.
The two makes were layups. I swear Lonzo has not made a mid-range jumper all season. He continued his struggle last night. Lonzo needs to stick to his strengths. When he is at the elbow area, he needs to either drive for a layup or dish it.
What I liked for the Chicago Bulls No. 3: Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan combined for 64
Zach LaVine went for a season-high six triples on 13 shots. He finished with 29 points. He had 21 points in the second half. DeMar went 12-16 from the field. He finished with 35. He had 21 points in the first half. This is exactly what the Bulls hoped DeMar could bring to the table.
Each star took over in one-half. In both halves, the Bulls had a scorer whom they could look to every time down the floor for a bucket. These two “professional scorers” lead the Bulls to victory time in and time out. How can you lose when a team has this volume of scoring on the floor?
What I didn’t like for the Chicago Bulls No. 3: Clippers offensive rebounding
The stats aren’t as bad as it felt. The Clippers had nine offensive rebounds. That isn’t too bad, but there were a few instances where the Bulls gave up multiple offensive rebounds in a row. As a fan, this has to be one of the most frustrating things to watch. Your team doesn’t make the effort and three offensive rebounds later, the opposing team makes a three. It’s draining for the team, the fan, and is a momentum shifter.
The Bulls stay in LA and face the Lakers on the night of Nov. 15, who are without LeBron James. The focus should be to contain Anthony Davis.