After two losses in a row, the Bulls bounced back perfectly by winning 104-96 in Portland, a formation that has been difficult to maneuver in recent games. A complicated but logical success since Chicago has generally mastered its subject from start to finish.
Particularly thanks to his defense, and this is perfectly illustrated by this monstrous counter from Julian Philipps on Malcolm Brogdon. It's in the same place as Victor Wembanyama's counter on Anfernee Simons, and it's even more violent since Philips crushes Brogdon like a volleyball player, with both hands! A way to respond to Deandre Ayton's big counter on Coby White at the very start of the match.
It is precisely White who is the most prominent for his rhythm and his creativity. Like on this fixation to send Nikola Vucevic to dunk (19-17). With the exception of the two mega pancakes, we were a little bored and Chicago led 26-23 after twelve minutes. Fortunately, Chicago's replacements bring energy, like Andre Drummond or the leaping Julian Philipps in the alley-oop (42-37). The outside skill is catastrophic but the waste creates quick play situations, and the Bulls take advantage of this to escape: 53-42 at the break.
Bulls “Blockorama”
After returning from the locker room, the Grant-Ayton pair moved up a gear. The first takes advantage of the “mismatches” to impose his size near the circle, while the second feasts on Brogdon’s caviars.
The Blazers picked up the score (59-57). Billy Donovan puts Phillips back into play, and the rookie seizes every gap to go to the end (67-63). But the lack of external skill begins to weigh, and the Blazers take advantage of it to take the lead (73-72) thanks to Malcolm Brogdon. It's short-lived but the Bulls are warned.
Fortunately, the Drummond-Phillips duo is much more skillful than the starters, and the two sign a 7-0 to widen the gap (83-75). DeMar DeRozan supports them, and the gap stabilizes around 8-9 points difference (91-83). Opposite, Anfernee Simons refuses to abdicate, and he brings the Blazers to -3 at the start of “money time” (92-89).
And it’s yet another second knife that will make the difference on the Chicago side. This is Ayo Dosunmu. The back covers Simons for the 10th against the Bulls, then he plants the 3-pointer which frees his formation. Final victory, 104-96, and Chicago moves forward.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– Pat Williams at a standstill. Injured in the foot against the Bulls, the power forward was not in uniform and he even wore a protective boot. He could keep Zach LaVine company in the infirmary since the medical staff requested an MRI. To replace him, Billy Donovan decided to play “very small ball” with only Nikola Vucevic as an inside in the starting five.
– Compass in the eye. Festival of 3-point clumsiness on both sides. The Bulls finished 8 of 32 from behind the arc, or 25%. It’s worse for the Blazers with a 6 out of 33, or 18%…
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
