Alex Caruso instills confidence in the Bulls' ability to replicate their Top 5 defense from last season

Caruso believes that Chicago can mirror their defense from last year.

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After ranking fifth in defensive rating (112.2) last season, the Bulls' total defense has decreased, which has contributed to their difficult start in 2023-24. However, they are progressively regaining their intensity and collective attention to detail, which were significant factors in their 9-4 record over the last 13 games.

Defense is the key

Following their Tuesday dub against the Atlanta Hawks, the Bulls are now residing as the 16th-best team in terms of defensive rating (115.0). For Alex Caruso, the work continues to improve it.

AC stands optimistic that they can replicate their defensive showing from last season, as he believes that what they currently fulfill this year is just a repetition of what they did in 2022-23.

"Honestly, I think this is the same trend we did last year," Caruso said. "There's a lot of controllable stuff---boxing out. We got a lot of stops earlier in the year and then we'd watch the film and we got five guys inside the charge circle trying to rebound the ball and it's bouncing over our head.

"And then fouling, not fouling, taking care of the ball. Just little things that are pretty controllable that we've done a pretty good job of over this last month."

Hats off to the stars

The Bulls’ continuing progress in defense revolves around the offensive stardom of their trio of DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Nikola Vucevic.

As the team’s defensive lead, Alex pays appreciation for the defensive effort and commitment of the three in helping the Bulls attain their desired goal.

"You have to at least be intelligent and the willingness to do it," Caruso said. "I think all of those guys have sacrificed a little bit, whether it's how we want to play offensively or the schemes and designs and roles we have on defense. It takes a lot for guys who have played 10-plus years, been All-Stars, scored 25 per game a year. It takes a lot to sacrifice and put towards to the team.

"That might not be something everybody sees from the outside. But in house, we definitely appreciate them and honor that sacrifice they made for us."

"We've still got a lot of road to cover" - DeMar DeRozan says of the task in front of the Chicago Bulls