The new Chicago Bulls project led by veteran DeMar DeRozan has started the new basketball season in an exceptional way. Last night they achieved their third consecutive victory (3-0), the second against the Pistons so far, by a final score of 82-97.
DeRozan led the offensive baton with 21 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists; accompanied by center Nikola Vucevic, who dominated under the boards with 15 points, 19 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and 3 blocks.
“We’re going out there to play with each other,” DeRozan pointed out to the middle. ESPN. “We know it will take a while for the offense to start, but I prefer to keep it that way for now. We can continue to build our game defensively while fine-tuning our attack, “he explained.
The Bulls closed the game at halftime with a 54-43 lead, thanks mostly to their superb defense. In the second period they came to steal up to seven balls, but the problems in the launch were a constant with 18 of 45 in the first half.
“We didn’t pitch well, but I think we held up defensively,” coach Billy Donovan admitted. “When you have a night like the one we’ve had shooting, you want to be able to give yourself a chance to win. And without a doubt our defense made it possible, “he added.
Detroit opened the can with a 9-0 start; however, it was all a mirage. From that moment on, Vucevic amassed 5 points and 3 rebounds in less than a minute to turn the electronic around; and they went downhill and without brakes with 38.6% in field goals and only 5 hits 28 triples attempted. All a drama from beyond seven meters.
Saddiq Bey was the standout with 20 points and 16 rebounds, including 8/16 on the pitch. Only reserves Trey Lyles and Kelly Olynyk would contribute double digits with 12 and 10 points respectively.
A final effort by the Pistons thanks to a 20-2 run in the final period brought them very close to achieving their first victory, but first Zach LaVine and then Vucevic scored two separate pitches that avoided any kind of surprise.
The Bulls star had 14 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists; and his partner backcourt Lonzo Ball completed with 13 points, 3 steals and 4 blocks.
Unforced errors
The Pistons would have a feast of unforced errors with a total of 20 turnovers, and 9 of them in the second quarter alone. For their part, Chicago would take advantage of the gift scoring up to 24 points after loss.
“Nobody can win if they neglect the ball so much,” said Dwane Casey. “We have been preaching it since September. I take full responsibility. Obviously I am not putting so much emphasis on this issue, “he concluded.
Match Notes
Pistons: The number 1 of the 2021 Draft, Cade Cunningham, could make his debut soon. He is currently recovering from a sprained right ankle while training with the G League Motor City Cruises.
Bulls: Alex Caruso, one of the favorites of his new hobby, received chants of ‘MVP, MVP’ when he jumped onto the floor. The former Lakers contributed 12 points, 4 assists, 5 steals and 1 stopper as a reserve.
(Cover photo: Gregory Shamus / Getty Images)