After that beautiful W to start the season against the Miami Heat, the Chicago Bulls dropped back-to-back games against the Washington Wizards and Cleveland Cavaliers, sinking their record to 1-2. Let’s be honest, the schedule makers did the Bulls no favors putting their home opener on the second night of a back-to-back, but there is no excuse for dropping that game against Washington. The Bulls got behind early in both losses and had to fight the rest of the game to get back within striking distance. That’s not a recipe for success.
On the plus side, Zach LaVine played in the Home Opener against Cleveland tonight and looked pretty good. He had a decent stat line, but beyond that, he was moving well, with speed and confidence. I hope he can play in Monday’s game against the Boston Celtics, another elite team that the Bulls need to prove they can beat.
And speaking of elite teams, guys, I know this is a Bulls blog, but I think the Cleveland Cavaliers are for real. Donovan Mitchell could not be stopped tonight. Evan Mobley is a 2-way phenom and most likely future MVP of the league. Jarrett Allen is, and has been for years now, a rock solid, rim protecting SOB. And Darius Garland didn’t even play tonight because of a cut on his eyelid! Cleveland spanked the Bulls 128-96. It was ugly, it was embarrassing, and I know I made the back-to-back excuse earlier in the post, but I don’t think it would have mattered if the Bulls played them after a week of rest. BOLD PREDICTION: Cleveland is making the Eastern Conference Finals this season.
Back to the Bulls.
Patrick Williams was benched at some point during tonight’s beatdown. I think it happened in the 2nd quarter, but I couldn’t tell you for sure, because even when Pat was on the floor I never saw him. I have a feeling Javonte Green will be starting Monday against the Celtics. Williams better see the light soon, the trade deadline isn’t that far away, and the Bulls want to compete now.
That’s about all I got for you right now. Monday it’s the Celtics, Wednesday the Indiana Pacers, and the week concludes with another Friday/Saturday back-to-back against the San Antonio Spurs and Philadelphia ’76ers respectively. The Bulls are going to have to reach down deep and find some intestinal fortitude to get through the first month and a half of this season. Until they do, thanks for reading and GO BULLS!
RokDeez Bulls Blog 