This was a perfectly winnable game for the Chicago Bulls. And that sucks.
They held the recently on-fire Toronto Raptors to just 42.7 shooting from the field and 27.0 percent from downtown. Six players scored in double figures in a game where the Bulls shared the ball decently well and adjusted to the relentless double-teaming of DeMar DeRozan. Nevertheless, if you don’t take care of the basketball and allow offensive rebounds … none of that will ever matter.
The Raptors dominated Chicago in the 2nd-chance points department 27-13. Just as bad, they won the points off turnover battle 23-12. The Bulls deserve at least some credit for fighting hard and hitting some timely shots from behind the arc to keep the game within striking distance. But, ultimately, they also deserve the blame for letting the Raptors take advantage of way too many mistakes.
They now have to devour some film and quicky adjust for Round 2 of this matchup tomorrow night at the United Center. The hope is that Zach LaVine will rejoin the starting lineup to put that much pressure on this Raptors defense. Fingers crossed.
Check out the full box score here.