The Chicago Bulls‘ five-game losing streak has been extended to six.
Losing to the Indiana Pacers for the second time in seven days, 120-105, the Bulls are in a free fall as they reach a season-worst four games below .500, now 9-13.
While the Bulls were without Kevin Huerter, Isaac Okoro, Ayo Dosunmu, Jalen Smith and Tre Jones, Coby White returned after a three-game absence — tightness in the calf opposite the one that cost him the first 11 games of the season. White scored 22 points on 6-of-14 shooting. His relentlessness in attacking the paint, changing pace and generating rim attempts has been sorely missed for a Bulls team whose offense has been sputtering in recent games.
Zach Collins made his season debut after fracturing his wrist in the preseason. With Jalen Smith also missing time, the Bulls have desperately needed some defensive presence behind Nikola Vucevic.
Collins seems to be somewhat overrated defensively by the fanbase, partially because the Bulls were 10 points per 100 possessions better with him on the floor last season compared to when he was off, and partially because of his contrast with Vucevic. But Collins has never been an elite defender at any other point in his career, so it will be interesting to see how that progresses over the rest of the season. Still, he was effective in his return with eight points, six rebounds on 3-of-5 shooting and projects to be an important figure in the Bulls rotation.
With a game-winning jumper already in his back pocket, Pascal Siakam continued his mastery over the Bulls in the mid-range. He shot 13-of-24 from the field, making turnaround after turnaround and totaling 36 points.
Up next: Bulls host the Golden State Warriors on Sunday evening.
Tune into the CHGO Bulls postgame live:
Despite a much stronger effort during the first half compared to previous games, the Bulls faltered coming out of the break, giving up an early 15-2 run in just 3:20.
When the two clubs met last Saturday, Pacers center Jay Huff opened the game with 14 points on 5-of-5 shooting. I broke down how Huff was able to get clean looks because of the Bulls’ inability to recover on simple screening actions.
The breakdown started on the very first play, prompting Billy Donovan to call a quick time-out, just 53 seconds and one defensive possession into the third period.
Even after the timeout, the Pacers extended their early lead, going up 77-59 before the Bulls surged back on a 20-4 run to make the game competitive again during an electric third period before falling apart late.
Welcome back, Collins! Only the truly delusional thought he could solve most – or any – of the Bulls’ defensive issues. On his first defensive possession, he got lost on a switch to concede an easy layup for Indy. Then committed one of his two early fouls trying to get a stop in transition. It was an and-one instead. Not saying this to rag on Collins, just point out that one player’s presence — Collins, Isaac Okoro or anyone else — cannot solve what ails this team.
Loved the early and frequent aggression from Matas Buzelis (X points, X rebounds for his second double-double of the season), who made three separate trips to the free throw line in the first quarter. That one hesitation/fake/step-through move he used to get that layup down the left side of the paint? Glorious. He was also very active on the glass with strong, contested rebounds. More. More of everything. More of the more. Except for the turnover. Cut that out.
Why did Patrick Williams start the second half over Julian Phillips? …Why?
Vooch? …Bueller?
Please stay healthy, White. He attacked relentlessly, resulting in double-digit free-throw attempts. Always appreciate that. And the Bulls’ free-throw attempts have been lacking in his absence.
Ass.
For the last seven games, this team has been Ass. But tonight was absolute ass. Sheesh.
It was GREAT to see Buzelis have the 1st half he did. The rebounds and the aggression is what I really liked. Rebounding is an effort thing and he definitely put that in tonight.
Ass!
The entire organization should be embarrassed and ashamed of how they have performed these last few games. No fight. No effort. Felt empty. Sad to watch.
ASS.
Williams should not be playing let alone starting. I don’t know why Donovan is still using him as a viable option.
Ass.
Let me take some time to say peace to Jevon Carter, aka Mr. Stay Ready. That man is always ready to play, shoot and defend. No matter what. He has helped the Bulls tremendously this season.
Ass…..
— Big Dave
