Chicago Bulls: 3 takeaways from new starters versus Toronto Raptors
By Ryan Taylor
The most fun part of seeing the Bulls’ new starting lineup was the energy that they brought to the game. Satoransky and Young are known for bringing energy to the second rotation, however, they created it to start the game and gave the second rotation the momentum and responsibility of holding the early six-point first-quarter lead over the Raptors.
The Bulls outperformed the Raptors tremendously in hustle statistics. They won in team rebounds 60-37, which is an astounding margin. They also came away with 14 offensive rebounds. The team added six steals and seven blocks to the books on defense.
Impressively enough, the Bulls came away with 31 fast break-points. They are 17th in the NBA in fast-break points per game this season, averaging 11.8 points per game.
Another impressive figure was their ball security and decision-making, only giving up 12 turnovers to the Raptors. The Raptors are a tough team to compete against in that space. Toronto forces the most turnovers per game in the NBA averaging 16.5 turnovers from their opponents.
From Markkanen diving on balls, Arciadiacano taking charges, and Carter grabbing and putting up offensive rebounds, the Bulls came to play in this one and it paid off. The hustle certainly had to do with the lineup changes, by bringing energy to the starting lineup and power to the second rotation.