© David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
What we learned from the Chicago Bulls loss to the Jamal Murray-less Denver Nuggets
The Chicago Bulls couldn’t get back on the winning track, as they lost to the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday night, 114-106, at the United Center. Even with Nuggets star Nikola Jokic getting ejected late in the second quarter, the Bulls weren’t able to take advantage and faltered in the second half. Here are two noteworthy nuggets from the game:
Bulls' bench couldn’t keep up
With Jokic out of the game and starting wingman Kentavious Caldwell-Pope also exiting due to injury, the Nuggets inserted two reserves to start the second half. Julian Strawther and Peyton Watson joined Reggie Jackson, who started the game in lieu of Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, and Michael Porter Jr.
Strawther didn’t disappoint as he fired in 16 points as the Nuggets’ reserves outscored their Bulls counterparts 50-23.
After the game, Bulls coach Billy Donovan didn’t pay any mind to Jokic’s ejection, saying it mattered more who was playing on the floor at the time.
“It’s really about the guys that are on the court at that time,” Donovan said.
“We didn’t do enough to win the game. They did, and you give them credit.”
Alex Caruso missed another game
Already without high-scoring guard Zach LaVine, the Bulls also missed the services of do-it-all guard Alex Caruso, who was sidelined due to a sprained left ankle. Donovan believes it won’t be long before Caruso returns to the floor.
“The fact that he's even going on the court to try to get himself ready to play, I think, would indicate that he's pretty close to being back,” Donovan said.
“It's just how much he feels like he can do.”
Donovan shared that the defensive whiz is still feeling some discomfort when quickly changing directions but is certainly feeling better.
“I think he has some discomfort with his cutting,” Donovan said.
“It’s certainly better as days have gone by. Talking to the medical staff, they didn’t think it was going to stretch into weeks.”
