The Chicago Bulls are a formidable opponent for most NBA franchises and to the Golden State Warriors they should at least be considered a major threat. Getting psyched for this game will be no problem given as it is a homecoming for two of the Warriors, Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingston. Not to mention the fact that the team is playing for an all-time record tonight. It is also where Steve Kerr played the best ball of his career, playing in 378 games over five seasons, winning three championships.
This seasons Bulls roster is at least eight players deep and understanding not only their talents but their tendencies is of the utmost importance. Their coach Tom Thibodeau is also one of the most respected coaches in the league, known for having his teams ready defensively better than just about anyone. Taking a look at a couple of Bulls games this week this is how they’ve been playing.
Derrick Rose is struggling to find his groove, shooting a Mendoza like 42% and only playing 26.5 minutes per contest. The former MVP has primarily been used in the high screen and roll game with Joakim Noah and hasn’t been as aggressive in driving the basketball in this situation as we’re used to seeing.
Jimmy Butler has been the talk of the town scoring 21.6 points per game shooting 49% and playing his trademark excellent defense. The Bulls are finding a variety of ways to use Bulter on the offensive end whether it’s been two down (post), in early offense, the mid range game, as a spot up shooter, or as an opportune glass crasher. A one dribble pull up to the right has been his main weapon of choice.
Mike Dunleavy is playing with a fire under him that we rarely saw as a Warrior, always moving never standing around. He’s been used as a three point shooter, his cuts to the basket have been a have been hard and determined and his slashing has been on point. He’s got a quick trigger going right now and should be played accordingly.
Noah can and will be found at the free throw line on both offense and defense. Offensively he’s been playing the role of high post distributor. A shooter out to 18′, he is also the primary screen setter for this team and is his usual chippy self.
Pau Gasol has set up a camp on the block and is playing his best basketball in years right now. The primary post player of the Bulls is for the most part doing it without the help of screens. He’s been comfortable shooting up to 18 feet and is showing off his back to the basket abilities playing with a crispness to his game that is getting him and the rest of his teammates right into the flow of the game. Defensively, Gasol is manning the middle.
I’ve got three words… Dunk on him.
Nikola Mirotic is 23 years old and not playing like it. He’s the Bulls jack-of-all-trades. At 6’10” he’s shown to be an unconscious shooter from up to 30′ shooting 39% from three-point range will attest to his confidence. Also driving the ball and setting sound screens Mirotic should not be guarded by a center this evening.
Kirk Hinrich is playing like a coach on the court, calling out the offense and generally running it. The Warriors need to keep a close eye on him if he’s lurking baseline, as he’s been hunting the short porch three which is the easiest of them all.
Aaron Brooks is his usual Warrior-killing, penetrating, and three point popping self. He’s shooting the three at a career best 44% this season and should be treated as any other spark-off-the-bench type player. The Warriors need to deny him the ball.
Side Notes: The Bulls ran horns with the game on the line earlier this week. They also have a play where the power forward sets multiple screens for multiple curlers coming around him for dribble handoffs that has been effective for them. They play outstanding man to man and team defense and are looking like a truly cohesive unit.
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