What we learned from the Chicago Bulls' puzzling loss to the undermanned Toronto Raptors

It was a bad Tuesday night for the Bulls.

© Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bulls had a prime opportunity to add to their win total when they faced off against a Toronto Raptors team missing three starters. When the dust settled, the Bulls lost by 11, 118-107, in a game where they led by as much as 16 points. Here are two takeaways from the distressing defeat.

Lackadaisical start to the second half

The Bulls entered the third up by 10, 63-53, but ended it down by one, 90-89. Why? Rather than step on the Raptors’ necks and blow their opponents out of the United Center, the Bulls relaxed and paid dearly as Raptors wingman Jordan Nwora sparked the Raptors’ comeback.

"I just don't think we come out as aggressive in the third as we do at the start of games," Vucevic said postgame.

"At times, we ease into it a little bit, especially when we have a lead. We get comfortable, and teams take advantage of it."

DEFENCE ➡️ OFFENCE pic.twitter.com/wYIShe7KyC

— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) January 31, 2024

Lost focus

The Bulls took their eyes off the prize and fell into a maze of errors down the stretch. Trailing by four and the crowd roaring after a highlight slam by DeMar DeRozan, the Bulls committed two straight turnovers, which the Raptors converted into five straight points for a 109-100 lead. That was the story of the game as the Bulls turned the ball over 20 times, which the Raptors turned into a whopping 30 points.

YESSIRRRRRR 😤 pic.twitter.com/6beEn2MIt9

— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) January 31, 2024

Chicago Bulls blows a 16-point lead and fails to get it done against a shorthanded Toronto Raptors squad