Bulls vs. Jazz 10/30/21

The Bulls held off a late run by the Jazz to move to 5-1 on the season. The win feels especially good after the sobering news of Patrick Williams' (regular) season-ending injury and Zack Lavine's nagging thumb issue dropped after the Bulls' first loss at the hands of the Knicks.

3 Thoughts From Today's Game

1. First Big Win
   This was the team's first win against a good team in a game that matters. Maybe this game, more than any other, shows what Chicago is capable of this season. The Bulls will have plenty of opportunities to prove this was not a fluke as they face quality opponent after quality opponent until we are getting ready to feast on turkey and mashed potatoes.

2. Patrick Williams and the Rotation
   While I hate to lose Patrick Williams because he is an asset due to his size, defense, slashing, and shooting ability, and because he has a high ceiling and now misses out on a whole season of growth, I think I actually like Javonte and his energy over Patrick Williams in the short-term. Why? Williams was still looking pretty timid and indecisive in the first 3.5 games. You don't notice when he's out there because he doesn't impact the game a whole lot. Javonte, on the other hand... well, you notice him when he's scrambling for loose balls and dunking on people's heads. He is a much more decisive, confident, and hungry player at this point in their careers. So based on this game, Javonte eats Williams' minutes, and then Derrick Jones Jr. and Tony Bradley eat up Javonte's off the bench. I don't know if we can say that that will be the rotation every game going forward. The matchups are really dictating the rotation in the early going and, overall, I like that. Unlike previous coaches, I haven't had much to complain about so far with Billy Donovan. The biggest issue I've had is I wanted Bradley to have a chance in earlier games where they were getting crushed on the boards. I do think we need more Derrick Jones Jr. and Bradley in most games because we are so small and DJ provides length and athleticism that is sorely needed. Bradley, too, is a solid rim protector and pick-and-roll finisher. Good traits. I'm looking forward to seeing more in the next game.

3. Closing Games
   Adding DeRozan and Vooch to a team with Lavine feels like we should be able to close games well. But so far that hasn’t exactly been the case. Both in the preseason and in the regular season, including in this game, the Bulls have narrowly avoided disaster after blowing big leads late. The Bulls were up 17 with about half the quarter left to play before Utah came storming back, mostly thanks to the 3-ball. Vucevic came up huge with a few timely buckets in an otherwise miserable offensive game to keep Utah at bay, but it got much closer than it should have been. Speaking of Vucevic, he has always had problems with mobile shot blockers. His off night was not a surprise, and I expect him to struggle mightily against the Joel Embiids and Anthony Davises of the world as well. But save for those long athletes, Vooch should start making buckets at a more efficient rate. Numbers have a way of balancing out over time and right now Vooch's percentages aren't where they should end up.
   
   But back to closing. Why is it a problem? Well, because when the defense really tightens up at the ends of games, a point guard who can penetrate and get the defense scrambling is essential for getting guys good looks. Ball is not quick enough to be a strong creator and although he has good court vision, he has also made more than his fair share of questionable passes in the early season, leading to unforced turnovers. Lavine comes closest to fitting this role, but while his skill and athleticism leaves me in awe more often than not, he still lacks the IQ or decision-making to be an elite player. Too often he gains an advantage only to give it up in favor of a step back jumper -- a shot that he is good at hitting -- but it still is not the kind of looks he could be creating with his ability. He is still progressing on when to shoot and when to pass as well. No one else on the team can really penetrate quickly and either score or dish. I know what you’re thinking. What about DeRozan? He doesn’t fit the mold of what I’m talking about, but I do think he is the best go-to player we've got in the clutch between his steady ball-handling, veteran decision making, and scoring ability that often gets him better looks than anyone else on the team. I expect we will have just enough talent (and competent free throw shooting) to close out a good share of games, but without a true penetrating point guard (a Chris Paul type), wins will not always come easy down the stretch.