Bulls Game No. 63: Doug McDermott gets aggressive, but Bulls fall in Indy

84. 24. 98. 100. Final

Despite the Bulls falling on the road to their Central Division rivals in Indianapolis on Friday, the Chicago Bulls were at least able to get their first-round pick’s training wheels off even in defeat. Doug McDermott’s aggressiveness was on full display in Friday’s loss.

The Bulls entered Friday’s night contest against the Indiana Pacers with a wave of momentum from Thursday night’s thrilling victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder.

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Unfortunately for the Bulls, that momentum lasted just 24 hours after the Pacers scored 32 points in the final quarter and defeated Chicago for the second time in three meetings this year, 98-84. Six Pacers scored in double figures, led by Solomon Hill‘s 16 points.

Even with another loss to their division rivals, the Bulls did walk away with a minor positive in the loss. Doug McDermott, the rookie that was acquired in a draft-night trade with the Denver Nuggets, scored a career-high 16 points in the most action he’s seen all season.

"“I think I was pressing. I was out a long time and not playing a lot then thrown out in the mix the last couple games,” McDermott said. “I wasn’t quite comfortable. I took a deep breath and just went out and played basketball. I think Jo was really unselfish getting me going with some great passes.”-Doug McDermott on his game, CSNChicago.com"

McDermott scored 16 points on 8-of-17 shooting and provided a key spark off the bench on Friday night in 16+ minutes. Last year’s National Player of the Year in college hoops did get a couple shots rejected around the rim and couldn’t buy a foul call on a few drives, but “Dougie McBuckets” remained aggressive and continued to learn about the NBA game with time on the floor.

"“I learn a lot from Niko and Tony (Snell) during his good stretch. You’re gonna make mistakes, you’re not gonna be perfect. Thibs doesn’t expect you to do everything right. For me it’s huge having a guy like Niko around. He’s really turned around his game because he has that short term memory. I need that in my game and my life as well.”-Doug McDermott on making mistakes, CSNChicago.com"

It’s been a tough year for McDermott, who missed over a month during the winter months after a minor knee surgery. In 27 games this season, McDermott’s only shooting 41 percent from the floor and 22.6 percent from three-point land. His long-range shooting was a big reason that he became a lottery pick coming out of Creighton during this past NBA Draft.

"“I’ve never gone through an injury like that where I missed a large portion of time, especially during the season,” he said. “Other guys are playing a lot more games, they’re in rhythm, then I have to come back and restart from training camp. Right now I feel really comfortable. Having a game like this, I think will help me.”-Doug McDermott on his game, CSNChicago.com"

Notes on McDermott:

I attended Friday night’s game in Indianapolis and whether you were watching at Bankers Life Fieldhouse or in front of a television somewhere else, McDermott’s aggressiveness was clear on his first touch of the game. For the first time all season, it appeared that he was trying to find his own shot.

Although it’s not his bread and butter, McDermott attacked the rim a handful of times. That was the telling sign of being aggressive. He did get a couple shots sent back around the basket, but McDermott does have the ability to move without the basketball and can finish around the rim. This play — off a good pass from Joakim Noah — shows McD’s ability to get to the rim.

McDermott’s best play of the night came off a beautiful backdoor pass from Noah. He battled through the contact and missed the initial shot, but battled on the offensive window and finished the possession with a tough bucket underneath.

Next up for the Bulls (39-24): San Antonio (on ABC), 3/8, Noon CT.

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