Chicago Bulls vs Orlando Magic: Three takeaways from win

Behind some lights out shooting, the Chicago Bulls beat the Orlando Magic for their second win of the season.

On the season, the Chicago Bulls only had one win, against the lowly Atlanta Hawks. A win is a win, but the Hawks are projected to be one of the worst teams in the entire NBA this year. Part of the Bulls struggles have been the dreadful offense, as they are ranked dead last among all teams with only 90 points per game, whole shooting 39% from the floor. A completely different team showed up against the Magic, as the Bulls shot lights out from three, completing 47% of their shots for 105 points.

Beating the Orlando Magic last year never would have been a big deal, but this year, they appear to be something that resembles a legitimate playoff contender. They have been dominating opposing teams, beating the Cavaliers and the Spurs in the process. Nikola Vucevic has taken the next step that everybody in the league wished he could have been. Playing with a newfound anger, and passion for the game, Vucevic is averaging 19 points per game with 8 rebounds on 53% shooting.

From the very beginning, the Bulls were in control of this game. The Orlando Magic did not look like the same team that had just beat the Spurs and the 2 years removed champions, Cavaliers. They struggled to shoot the 3 ball from the jump, something the Bulls took complete advantage of. This could have easily been the other way around, but Chicago was able to pull it off. Check out our three takeaways from the game.

David Nwaba, the starter

Last week, after the devastating beat down of the Bulls handed down to them by the Oklahoma City Thunder, Fred Hoiberg made a starting lineup change. That change ended up being David Nwaba being moved into the starting five ahead of Paul Zipser.

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In the beginning of his career with the Los Angeles Lakers, Nwaba was known for his defensive prowess. That ability earned him minutes last season with the Lakers, as they were intent on letting their young players get playing time.

David would parlay that late season surge into a new contract this year with the Chicago Bulls. Many thought that he would be a key member off the bench behind Kris Dunn, but he is showing that he belongs in the starting 5 of this team.

Teams three point shooting

One of the problems with the Chicago Bulls in the 2016-2017 season was the inability to shoot the 3 ball. With non shooters leading the team in Rajon Rondo and Dwyane Wade, they were one of the worst teams in the NBA.

Fortunes have changed this year, part of that is due to the team drafting sharpshooter Lauri Markkannen. Coming out of Arizona, the Finnish star was known his his ability to shoot the deep ball when needed. He has shown he can this season, with 20 threes, which ties him with 2 other players for 24th in the league.

The Bulls will likely be up and down with their shot all season, but shooting 48% on 29 shot attempts is something coach Fred Hoiberg will take any day of the week.

Stellar bench play

This may come as a shock to many Bulls fans, the starters were the unit who were supposed to lead the team the very few wins projected to begin the season. However, the early results on the second unit are promising. The benching of Paul Zipser appears to have rejuvenated him, as he finished with 10 points

Against the Magic, the bench unit combined for an outstanding 39 points. Yes, some of the minutes came in garbage time as the Bulls put the Magic away early, but it is nice to see the second unit not give up the lead.

Next: 5 point guards to consider in the 2018 NBA Draft

The Chicago Bulls are not projected many wins this season, so it is nice to see them get an early road win against the surprising Orlando Magic. What did you think of the Bulls play? Let us know in the comments below.

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