Chicago Bulls: What to watch for in Preseason Game 2 against Bucks
By Ryan Heckman
The Chicago Bulls enter preseason game no. 2 against the Milwaukee Bucks fresh off a win against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Sunday night, we got our first look at the 2018-2019 Chicago Bulls. For the most part, they did not disappoint. Just about everybody who took the court for Chicago looked ready to go. It was an impressive win over the Pelicans that featured plenty of offense.
Six different Bulls scored in double figures against New Orleans, including a trio of 21-point performances by Zach LaVine, Bobby Portis and Antonio Blakeney.
More from Da Windy City
- 3 takeaways from Chicago Blackhawks shootout loss to Nashville
- Chicago Cubs in the middle of chaos that is Shohei Ohtani’s free agency
- The Chicago Cubs are on a roller coaster of emotions chasing Shohei Ohtani
- Chicago Bears quietly compiling list of head coaching candidates
- Chicago White Sox News: Erick Fedde signs two-year deal
LaVine looked quicker and a whole lot tougher, physically. He looked like a man on a mission to prove he can excel on both ends of the floor.
Blakeney and Portis both showed that the Bulls’ bench could be a strength this season.
Point guard Kris Dunn and forward Jabari Parker both played well also, each with a moment or two that made fans get up out of their seats.
Wednesday night, the Bulls will travel the short distance up to Milwaukee to take on the Bucks. Coming off their win against the Pelicans, here are a few things I’m watching for in this one.
Three is company
No, I’m not talking John Ritter or Suzanne Somers, here — although, it’s a classic.
What I’m looking for against the Bucks is whether or not the Bulls can get the three-ball going collectively. As a team, they were just 4-of-18 from downtown against the Pelicans. Obviously, this starts with guys like Parker and Blakeney. Can LaVine develop a comfort and consistency from long-distance as well?
Here are the best plays from last night's win over New Orleans - who had the play of the night? pic.twitter.com/tlu8tLJQ9s
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) October 1, 2018
Run like the wind
Following the win over New Orleans, LaVine credited his team for running nonstop and getting the ball to the open guys. Per The Daily Herald:
"“We’re going to run fast, get open shots. Whenever somebody has it going, we’re going to look to go at him. We played at a good pace, we all contributed, didn’t really force up any tough shots. For the first time, it was good.”"
The more comfortable this team gets with the run-and-gun type of offense, the better they will be. This team is not built for a successful half-court offense. They are young and capable of running. The confidence will build even higher as they continue to get open shots.
Match-up with the freak
I am eager to see who head coach Fred Hoiberg uses on Giannis Antetokounmpo in this matchup. My guess is that Parker will be the primary guy, but you could also see someone like Justin Holiday or even Wendell Carter Jr. on him at times.
Antetokounmpo is as versatile a player as they come, and for the Bulls to have any shot at competing in the East this year, they will have to figure out how to match up with guys like him.
Next. Bulls send strong messages in Preseason Game no. 1. dark
Game Time
Tip-off is at 7:00PM CST and, fortunately for those out of market, we can all watch on NBATV.
Enjoy the game, and let’s hope for another strong showing as the regular season inches nearer.