With only 38 victories, to say that the Bulls have had a good season would obviously be an exaggeration. However, with this qualification for the “play-in” and the thrill that goes with it, they saved their exercise, which was even though it got off to a bad start after a few weeks.
Indeed, on December 1, 2023, they were in 13th place in the Eastern Conference, with 5 victories for 14 defeats. For a month, the Bulls will move up the rankings, finally settling in 9th place on January 8 and have not left it since!
“I’m happy for the guys. When you're in the moment, you don't have the opportunity to look back and where you came from.” insists Billy Donovan. “I’ve already said it: we got off to a bad start. I enjoyed seeing the guys stay together, fight, not give up, not make excuses or point fingers at others. Throughout the season, we lost players, but they never changed from that. What they did to get there is brilliant. »
Difficulties all season which hardened the group
The victory against the Pistons ensured home field advantage against the Hawks on Wednesday for the play-in. If Chicago wants to reach the playoffs, it will still have to win two matches, but only one away, at the 7th or 8th in the conference. That's good, but it's no guarantee of success.
“I always thought it was good to play at home, in front of an electric crowd. It's up to us to give our viewers reasons to be happy. But teams won away last season: Atlanta at Miami, Oklahoma City at New Orleans, us at Toronto. It's good to play at home, but it's not a guarantee,” warns the coach.
Over the last six seasons, the Illinois franchise has only had the right to one first round of the playoffs, in 2022. Can Bulls fans hope to face the Celtics in a week? It will be hard, but at least with the play-in they can dream.
“We have experienced all the emotions this season and we must use this resistance to give everything next week”notes DeMar DeRozan. “Our bad start hardened us, prepared us for complicated times. We know we always have to fight. I can count on our team for that. We went through hardships. »
