How the Bulls’ Game 2 clinic can carry over for rest of Bucks series

Can we get a doctor for this squad? Maybe a nurse? Any kind of medical personnel would be nice as this Chicago Bulls team just put on multiple clinics in their win against the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference playoffs Wednesday night.

This game was a nail-biter; however, the Bulls swiftly swayed their way through the closing minutes without any problems.

The mix of defensive prowess from role guys like Alex Caruso and elite shot making form the team’s stars, led Chicago to stealing home-court advantage. Coming into the series, it was almost a common consensus that the Bucks would easily win the series.

The start of Game 1 nearly proved that sentiment correct, as the Bucks jumped out to a double digit lead. The Bulls battled back and took the lead multiple times in the second half of the game– despite their stars each having awful shooting nights.

Game 2 was a different story, as the stars showed up and the role players defense was practically generational.

Alex Caruso led the Milwaukee Bucks through a jail cell clinic sponsored by the 96′ Bulls

Alex Caruso was an ecstatic facilitator and put on an assist clinic. Dime after dime, he was significantly putting on a show all night delivering out some nifty passes to teammates leaving them for easy shots. He finished with 10 assists and 9 points on the night. Patrick Williams played some quality minutes and had a wonderful game with 10 points in 32 minutes. He also notched up 9 rebounds and dished out 3 assists. He filled out the stat sheet well and was very diverse and dynamic in his performance.

The most important factor of the game was his defense.

Caruso was able to draw key charges and help double Giannis Antetokounmpo in the post. While Antetokounmpo still had a good game, Caruso’s defense bothered him in the final minutes of the fourth quarter.

That defense was contagious, influencing the entire team to up their pressure. The defensive pressure is what won Chicago the game.

DeMar DeRozan walked the Milwaukee Bucks through the DeMarvelous scoring clinic

DeMar DeRozan had a career night– dropping a playoff high 41 points in 44 minutes. He was putting on a mid-range jump shooting clinic all game and was a sniper off the dribble, burying shot after shot just inside the three-point line and in the lane.

Nikola Vucevic had a terrific game with 24 points in 36 minutes of play. He hit key three-pointers and displayed his crafty all-around game– mixing it up inside and hitting big shots in the lane. He finished with 13 rebounds to rack up a double double on the night.

Zach LaVine put up 20 points in 43 minutes and was a constant rifle getting to the rim on poor closeouts. He finished many difficult drives in the lane, showing that despite his knee concerns he can still convert tough finishes. He also finished the game with three 3-pointers– being the most consistent shooter for the Bulls in Game 2.

A ton is going good for the Bulls right now. They are playing phenomenal team basketball. All players are involved in each possession and are putting up great numbers. The unselfishness of each Bulls player is evident and the widespread production is off the charts.

If they play and compete like they did in Game 2 the rest of this series, they will have a tremendous chance of upsetting the defending champs. They have so much talent, skill, and athleticism and can beat anyone in this league if they play their cards right.

DeRozan, Vucevic, and LaVine will have to continue to carry the scoring load and have big games every night. The bench needs to also step up and do their part as well. The team is at their best when they play up-tempo style of play, create open shots for teammates and spread the floor to get to the rim.

The Bulls will look to take a 2-1 lead tonight at the United Center as the series shifts to Chicago for Game 3 and Game 4.

Check out the Bulls and cheer them on!

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