Chicago Bulls: 3 takeaways from new starters versus Toronto Raptors
By Ryan Taylor
There were two things that I discussed in my last article (link below) that highlighted their game versus the Miami Heat. Passing and paint control. Against the Heat, the Bulls only scored 36 points in the paint (against a team that allows the second-least of them), but were only one assist shy of tying the Heat in that category with 25 team assists on the night.
On Sunday night against the Raptors, the Bulls recorded 50 points in the paint. Remember, the Raptors are second to the Heat in this space, allowing just 41.2 points per game in the paint. Markkanen, while shooting poorly from the field, highlighted this space personally by making two of his field goals through contact.
What helped the Bulls score so much in the paint? Passing — and a lot of it.
The Bulls assisted each other on 35 of their 44 field goals. Let that sink in for a second. The Bulls’ offense is something fans have not seen this year. Dive cuts and backdoor cuts worked to perfection, they were passing well on transition and overall helping each other out.
Next. Chicago Bulls: 3 takeaways from loss to Miami Heat. dark
The Bulls epitomized team basketball versus the Toronto Raptors on Sunday. While the Raptors were without Pascal Siakam and OG Annunoby, the Bulls beat a team they were supposed to beat in the best fashion. No big games necessary from LaVine and Markkanen, the team helped each other create opportunities and executed properly.