NEWSLETTER
Let’s start at the end.
The Bulls found themselves in a winnable situation in the fourth quarter, so obviously, they lost. After battling the Bucks hard to grab a one-point advantage with 6:23 left in the game, the Bulls did what they do best – fall apart.
The Bulls finished the game 0/9 shooting after Coby White's three gave the Bulls the lead 99-98 with 6:23 left (17-2 Bucks).
— Jeff Mangurten (@JeffGurt) November 19, 2019
The Bucks went on a 17-2 run to close things out and drop the Bulls to a 4-10 record.
For once though, I’m just going to look at the positives after a loss. The Bulls have now posted two competitive games against, arguably, the Eastern Conference’s best team. Obviously, winning would be much more impressive, but that fact alone is encouraging.
Also, we can almost confirm this team finally has depth! During the game, the bench outscored the starting lineup a staggering 63-38.
The Bulls bench outscored their starters 63-38. The bench shot 26/49 (53%) while the starters shot 13/48 (27%).
— Jeff Mangurten (@JeffGurt) November 19, 2019
While this means we don’t have to bite our nails every time a substitution is made like last season, we’re witnessing an extremely worrisome performance from the starting lineup. But, I digress, we’re going to stay positive (it’s very difficult)!
The Bulls two leading scorers were their rookies, with Daniel Gafford and Coby White giving us at least a brief feeling of hope for the team’s future.
Head Coach Jim Boylen finally decided to throw Gafford into the rotation, and he did nothing but impress during his time on the court. He scored 10 points in his first eight minutes of action and provided a massive spark off the bench. He finished the game with a team-high 21 points on 10-12 shooting. The big man also finished with five rebounds and two blocks, one of which came on the reigning-MVP (clearly this means, Gafford >>>> Giannis).
The Bucks had no answer for Gafford as he threw down one ferocious dunk after another.
I mean, just look at this man:
We really wanted an excuse to bring Damn Daniel back, so we dubbed it over five Daniel Gafford dunks. pic.twitter.com/1Q8oZNW0x9
— Bulls Talk (@NBCSBulls) November 19, 2019
When all was said and done, Gafford had six dunks on the night, which tied for the most by any NBA player in a single game this season.
With Luke Kornet out of the rotation – and now off the court for at least a week – Gafford took full advantage of his opportunity (one that should’ve come a long time ago). It took just one game, but this kid already earned a lot more playing time.
As for our familiar friend, Coby White, he came up big when the team needed him the most. White knocked down two critical 3-pointers to keep the Bulls within striking distance in the 4th quarter. He finished the game with 13 points, three rebounds, and three assists.
The Bulls rookies single-handedly kept the team alive in this one, and it made for once heck of an exciting game to watch.
As a whole, the team did manage to win the rebounding battle 50-48 and outscored the Bucks in the paint 50-46. If we’re being honest, there are some positive things to take away here. I know it’s hard seeing another loss on the board, but the Bucks are one tough opponent.
My only question now, why can’t this team play like they do against Milwaukee in every game?
