I got to be honest, I’m even more upset about the Washington Wizards’ loss.
If the Chicago Bulls played like they did tonight, they would have beaten that depleted Wizards team by 40. This was a locked-in group from the opening tip-off on both ends of the floor. Unlike what we saw on Monday night, they understood what the Pacers’ weaknesses were … and they attacked.
Indiana gives up the second-most points in the paint per game. With that in mind, Nikola Vucevic was anything but an afterthought to begin this game. He had six shot attempts within his first six minutes of the game. This came after he took just FIVE shots TOTAL against the Wizards worst-ranked defense. Vucevic would finish the first half with 15 points on 7-11 shooting.
Thanks to this extra attention the Bulls’ bigs were drawing in the paint, they were also able to pull up for a couple of 3-balls. The team uncharacteristically went 9-16 from the downtown over the first two quarters. Overall, Chicago shot 55.6 percent from the field compared to the Pacers’ 35.0 percent. And, yes, things did continue to look that easy for the Bulls.
The Pacers would shrink things to a 6-point lead during the third quarter, but the Bulls pushed them back down a peg by doubling down on what was working. Andre Drummond overpowered Indiana on a couple of possessions to finish out the frame, and DeMar DeRozan did the same to begin the fourth quarter. With 5:33 left in the game, the Bulls found themselves back up as much as 23 points, and all Rick Carlisle could do was wave the white flag.
Both Vucevic and Drummond finished with double-doubles, and six total Bulls finished in double figures. They outscored the Pacers a staggering 60-38 in the paint, as well as outrebounded them 54-40. Just pure dominance.
Still, do you know who really pushed this game in the right direction? Javonte Green. While he only finished with 5 points and 4 rebounds, he was a +26 on the night. And rightfully so! When he made his second Bulls debut at the 8:33 mark of the second quarter, he immediately reminded everyone of how valuable he can be.
More on that here …
The Bulls would rattle off a 24-8 run after Green entered the game, paving the way for the easy victory. It’s good to have you back, Javonte!
Check out the full box score here.