Hi! Welcome to our new (but hopefully familiar) postgame format!
Instead of our typical write-ups, we’re going to take a page out of the BN Cubs book and start an Enhanced Box Score. What is that exactly? Well, in short, I’m going to share the stats and my thoughts with some expert, high-brow analysis after each game in the form of an illustrated (enhanced) box score, and we’ll then get into an even deeper conversation about the rest later on.
As for this game, the takeaway is pretty clear. After blowing a massive lead against the Thunder (and ultimately losing in OT), the Bulls built themselves up a healthy lead again tonight and our palms started sweating … especially as the Rockets kept inching closer and closer to tying the game. But a huge fourth quarter (and overall game) from Zach LaVine plus an excellent night for Lauri Markkanen (7 rebounds, 18 points) helped the Bulls turn what would have been another dagger to the heart into a pretty easy narrative about their growth and lessons learned under Billy Donovan. Sure, they let the Rockets get back into this one, but they held on. That counts for something, right? Ah, in any case, more tomorrow.
For now, here’s the first Bulls EBS.
For a look at the full box score, click here.