Bulls vs. Magic

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Bulls vs. Magic

11/26/21


Family has been staying with us over the holidays, and since the Bulls play again tonight, I'm keeping my post-game analysis brief today.

The Bulls won big, 123-88, with 3 players scoring 20+ points, including DeMar (23), Zach (21) and Coby (20).  Vucevic also played well, tallying 16 points and 8 rebounds on 7-13 shooting over 28 minutes.  Except for Lonzo Ball (31 minutes), no one exceeded 28 minutes of action as Chicago was able to rest in the 4th quarter up by 30+.


Three Thoughts From Today's Game

1. Coby White

Coby White showed up and had his best game of the season last night with 20 points on 9 of 11 shooting.  He showed everyone what he is able to do for this team when he is playing aggressively and shooting well.  What he is able to do is be a legitimate third threat (or second threat if either DeMar or Lavine is sitting while he is in, which is most often the case).  He can single-handedly flip the script on our scoring becoming a grind when the bench enters the game.  In addition to the offensive boost he provided in this one, which is what allowed the Bulls to not just win the game but crush their opponent, Coby also played locked-in defense.  He looked inspired by his teammates.

But the Coby who comes into the game, plays passively, or takes and misses bad shots, and creates unforced turnovers through bad decision-making is also the real Coby.  He is a streaky player.  He reminds me a lot of Ben Gordon, with all his strengths and flaws.

That is why, at least until Coby White proves me wrong and consistently provides efficient scoring and a healthy +/- line, I am still in favor of trading him for an upgrade to the power forward or backup center position.  I've got thoughts about who the Bulls could/should target HERE.


2. Alex Freakin' Caruso

I've said it before and I'll say it again.  Alex Caruso is the D Rose of defense.  He is just fun to watch on the defensive end, and always good for a couple highlight plays.  This was one of his better defensive games and that's saying something!  I would be remiss not to mention Lonzo Ball and his 5 steals outdueling Caruso and his 4.  Both were awesome tonight!


3. Derrick Jones Jr.

DJJ fouled out in 10 minutes.  I'm starting to feel bad for the guy.  He's giving the Bulls good minutes but he's never playing the position he should be playing.  He's 60 pounds and several inches smaller than his opponent every night.  I hope this changes at some point this season.


What The Win Means

This was the bounce back win I was expecting after two massive duds.  The big win wasn't just fun either - it allowed the starters to get a little extra rest (mentally and physically), which should help erase some of the disadvantage of facing Miami in the back end of a back-to-back tonight.

Jimmy Butler and the MOSTLY HEALTHY Miami Heat will provide a good measuring stick for Chicago at this next phase of the season.

Go Bulls

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