Bulls vs. Knicks 11/21

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Bulls vs. Knicks

11/21/21

The Bulls knocked off the Knicks in an ugly, foul-ridden contest.  Ultimately, a win is a win and the Bulls prevailed 109-103.  With the victory, Chicago moves to 12-5 on the season and a tie for 1st place in the East with the Brooklyn Nets.

The biggest x-factor in this one was Coby White.  In by far his best game yet, he shot 5-11 from the field for 14 points.  His impact was greater than that stat line though, as he hit 3 huge threes and a couple nice drives when the Bulls needed it most.  The Knicks had taken control of the game in the third quarter.  Coby not only stopped the momentum, he swung it the other way.  It was the critical moment in the game, and honestly the Bulls probably don't pull it off without Coby tonight.  And despite how he performed in the first three games back from injury, if Coby can turn the tide in one out of every four games, that will probably work just fine for the team.

What else keyed the victory besides Coby White's second half play?  Let's take a look back at my keys to the game and investigate what went right, and what went wrong: 

Keys to the Game

  • REBOUNDING - Limit offensive rebounding opportunities and second chance points. 

    How did we do? We tied on the boards, 44-44, and lost the offensive rebounding battle by only one, 12-11.  Several of the Knicks' offensive rebounds did result in and-one baskets, so while it hurt, the net damage was largely trivial. 

    GRADE: B+


  • GUARD PLAY - DeRozan and Lavine will need to be on in this one.  
     
    How did we do?  Well, one out of two ain't bad.  DeRozan carried the Bulls with 31 points on 10-20 from the floor, 2-2 from distance, and a perfect 10-10 from the line.  Zach Lavine struggled mightily through three quarters but made a couple strong drives in the 4th, and knocked down a series of clutch free throws to help the Bulls gain separation while finishing with 21 on the night.

    GRADE: B


  • LONZO BALL - If he is hitting his threes, it will go a long way toward helping the Bulls avenge their loss.  He will also need to do a better job clamping down on the Knicks point guards, who carved up the Bulls' defense in the last one. 

    How did we do?  Lonzo went 3-7 from downtown and played tough defense while guarding every position but center.  He got into foul trouble in the second half after a frustrating 45 seconds and three foul calls.  But on the whole he performed solidly, and the opposing guards and wings all shot terribly from the field: Kemba 3-9, Fournier 1-7, Rose 3-11, and Quickley 4-11. 

    GRADE: B+


  • REIGN IN RANDALL - It seems like Randle will have free reign in the paint tonight.  It will have to be a team effort.  Still, if he is the only one going off, the Bulls should be able to weather the storm.

    How did we do? Not so well at limiting Randle.  But like I said, we could withstand a big game from Randle if the other guys were shut down.  And shut down they were!

    GRADE: D

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