© David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
How the Chicago Bulls can keep their recent string of success going
The Chicago Bulls have seemingly flipped the switch since they lost to the Boston Celtics by a whopping 27 points, 124-97, last November 28. Since then, Chicago has racked up eight wins in its last 12 matches and appears to be on the right path.
However, as it often is in the NBA, things can take a downward turn just as quickly. So, how can the Bulls continue their recent string of success and avoid any potential pitfalls?
How to integrate Zach LaVine
The Bulls’ run has happened with All-Star guard Zach LaVine sidelined due to a right foot inflammation. Whether that is a coincidence or not, the Bulls have played unselfish basketball during this stretch. Players have stepped up to fill the void left by LaVine, and it would be crucial for the team to continue this style of play when he returns.
However, with LaVine’s return looming (provided he doesn’t get traded between now and then), it’s intriguing to speculate how this will impact the play of the other Bulls, in particular Coby White, whose stock has skyrocketed in the past few weeks.
During the 12 games in which LaVine was absent, White has excelled, averaging an impressive 23.8 points, 6.5 assists, and 6.3 rebounds. His shooting percentages have also been remarkable, as he has shot 49.3% from the field, including an impressive 43.8% from beyond the arc.
“When LaVine returns, the worst thing that could happen is White’s progress stalls. He has earned his place in the pecking order, and it’s good business to keep White ahead of LaVine in that department,” Joe Cowley wrote on the Chicago Sun-Times.
Continue to play defense
While the Bulls have shone on offense with White and DeMar DeRozan taking the lead, the team has also hit their stride on the other end. All-Defense Team member Alex Caruso has remained his disruptive self, while young players Patrick Williams and Ayo Dosunmu have shown flashes of their defensive potential.
“The key in the last 12 games has been the improvement and focus on defense. That’s where this team is at its best, causing havoc and getting out in transition,” Cowley continued.
“Since that loss in Boston, the Bulls have the seventh-best defensive rating (113.4) in the league. If that continues trending upward, so will the wins.”
