Bulls vs. Lakers 11/15

 

Bulls vs. Lakers

11/15/21

More Lost Shoes, Bulls Identity, DJJ's Big Game, Coby White's Return, and More!

Alex Caruso was given a nice welcome by the Laker faithful, the King, and his company, and the Lakers proved excellent hosts as they bowed down before his new team.  Chicago controlled the game from the opening minutes, and cruised to a 121-103 victory over the LA Lakers.  The Lakers drop to 8-7 on the season while Chicago improves to 10-4, a half game behind the first place Nets Sixers Bucks Heat Wizards. 

The Bulls received contributions from many players. Of course, there was Zach Lavine who again hit 6 treys for 26 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists.  And Lonzo Ball continued to perform magnificently against his former teams, hitting on 7 of 10 3's and 10-13 overall for 27 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals, and excellent defense.  But DeRozan was the headline most of the night.  His 38 points on 15-23 shooting led the way as he was in peak form with several highlight drives and crafty shot-making.

The Lakers were once again without LeBron James.  Anthony Davis did not have the big game many expected, though it had less to do with poor shooting than it did lack of touches, but credit the Bulls for denying him the ball and forcing him to pass out of doubles when he tried to make something happen inside.  Davis was frustrated and eventually ejected in the 3rd quarter after acquiring his second technical foul in a bit of a strange moment; he took offense to the ball being inbound while he was still getting his shoe back on... because losing shoes is something that happens in every NBA game now.  While there is nothing in the rulebook to support Davis' gripe (a ref is not obligated to wait for a player to fix his equipment sans a timeout), it did feel like it was bad etiquette on the part of the ref.  Regardless, the Bulls had already secured a big lead by that point, and Davis's ejection likely did not effect the outcome of the game.

The win marks the first time since 2011 that the Bulls beat both Los Angeles teams in a single season.

So what did we learn tonight?

Three Thoughts From Today's Game

1. The Bulls Have An Identity

The Bulls for so long lacked a clear identity.  Now they have one: The 3 D's

Defense + DeRozan + Division of Labor

First, DEFENSE.  It's one of the best in the NBA by any metric.  But it probably performs even better under the eye test.  They have jumped all over opponents on the defensive end from the tip (even in the Golden State loss), and it's becoming their calling card.  They play hard on that end, but they also play very smart and together.  Sometimes, as a player, you can get focused on your own man and as long as they aren't scoring, you feel fine.  But the Bulls do not get caught up in any of that individualistic thinking; they take on the challenge as a team.  Caruso and Ball are two of the best in the league as on-ball defenders, but also as help defenders.  And Dosumnu, Javonte, and DJJ are no slouches either.  It's such a luxury!  

Next, DeRozan.  Much maligned by some industry insiders as one of the worst acquisitions of the offseason due to his high price tag, those experts are now effectively being called out for their... Bull.  At this point, he might be considered the best acquisition of the offseason.  I know Bulls fans will agree.  He brings the scoring, yes, but he also brings a steadiness to the team.  You get the sense he is having a big impact behind the scenes as well.  He has helped more than anyone else to make this team feel mature, and therefore ready for a serious run. As Stacy King says, he is DeMarvelous!

Finally, Distribution of Labor - This team is balanced and each individual is allowed to do what they do best.  Everyone feels comfortable in their role, and because of this, the Bulls have been one of the most efficient teams in basically every area of the game.  In fact, things are running so smoothly that it actually makes making any kind of trade a little scary.  You don't want to disrupt the great chemistry and on-court comfort, but an upgrade at the backup center position feels important as Tony Bradley had another miserable night.  Now, bring Vucevic back into this mix playing the way he was starting to play before he got sick, and wow!  Maybe he feels less pressure to perform well after watching the convincing LA wins, and maybe that actually helps him perform better going forward.

2. DJJ Rises To The Occasion

Derrick Jones Jr. had his best game of the season.  He played solid defense, but where he really made his impact in this one was on the offensive end.  Watching Tony Bradley in this game gave me flashbacks to Tyrus Thomas leading the fast break (remember him?).  You're thinking "No, no, no, no, no!" the whole way because you know nothing good is going to happen.  Bradley had several turnovers as he looked extremely hesitant with the ball near the top of the key.  Then, insert DJJ and he immediately showed the value of your role players being aggressive.  He converted on 3 and-one baskets, presumably flexing afterward, though it was difficult to tell given his wiry frame.  He finished 6-7 for 13 points.  He won't always do that, but just by being aggressive, he makes himself a threat that has to be respected, and that opens up things for other players.  Dosumnu continues to be aggressive in his minutes, but he has to learn when to slow down and how to get his shot up without getting blocked -- it happens a lot -- and that usually takes a season to adjust to.  But watch what happens here when Dosumnu makes a quick, aggressive drive.  

DeRozan ends up with an open 3 because of a quick, aggressive decision following the quick pass out of the double team.  It also did not hurt that Ayo took out a defender as he lost his footing, but it was a good play by both men, and indicative of what we need from our role players on a consistent basis.  MAKE YOURSELF A THREAT!  

If DJJ and company make the type of plays they made tonight, the Bulls will be very difficult to stop.  Well, even more very difficult to stop!

And when Coby White gets back to form, he should provide another boost as an additional threat.

Speaking of which...

3. Coby White Returned

It was Coby White's first game back.  And that's pretty much all there is to say about that.   I hope you tempered your expectations like I asked you to do!  He finished 0-2 for 0 points, 1 rebound and no other stats in 11 minutes of play.  Give him time to shake off the rust.  

In the meantime, enjoy the wins, and, as Lonzo Ball probably still says all the time from his Pelicans days, laissez les bon temps rouler!