3 takeaways from the Chicago Bulls' remarkable comeback win over the Boston Celtics
The Chicago Bulls pulled off a remarkable comeback win over the Boston Celtics on Monday night, turning what was once a 19-point deficit into an 18-point victory, 120-102. And while plenty can be said about the Bulls' impressive performance, here are three key takeaways from the game.
Bulls bench responds
A few days after being called out by head coach Billy Donovan for their lack of ball movement, the Bulls' bench responded in a big way against the Celtics. Chicago didn't look good early on as they trailed 16-35, with 3:32 left in the first. A minute later, Donovan inserted Dragic, Caruso, Drummond, and Green to join Zach LaVine.
That unit worked wonders as the Bulls cut the deficit to nine at the end of the first before pulling in front, 46-44, with under eight minutes to go in the second quarter.
After being outhustled and outworked in the first half against the Cavaliers on Sunday, Chicago's second unit was what set the tone against the Celtics and kept the Bulls in the game until the starters could take over. That's a good sign for a team that will need to lean on its bench players more as the season progresses.
Jones Jr. and Dosunmu deliver
Heading to the season, talk surrounding the power forward position involved young gun Patrick Williams and Green, the 29-year-old journeyman. However, the former slam dunk champion has quietly made a case for himself for a spot in Donovan's rotation with his performance against the Celtics as he produced impactful numbers and helped disrupt the Celtics' vaunted wingmen with his relentless defense.
Sophomore guard Ayo Dosunmu had a fantastic debut against the Miami Heat but struggled in the next two games, combining for just 12 points and five assists. Against the Celtics, the Illinois native found his groove once again, piling up 22 points on an impeccable 9-of-10 shooting. Dosunmu also showed uncanny patience on his drives and an improved outside shot as he connected on all four three-point attempts.