It was a horrible three quarters for the Chicago Bulls. After leading 21-20 at the end of the first quarter, the Bulls proceeded to give up 37 points in the second quarter en route to a 112-94 loss to the Denver Nuggets.
This was not a sight Bulls fans were not used to seeing. Under Tom Thibodeau, the Bulls were one of the most dominant defensive teams in the NBA. It is very uncharacteristic for the Bulls to give up more than 100 points in a game, but in an effort for more offense, Chicago will have to sacrifice some defense. Fred Hoiberg is not the defensive coach Thibs was and Chicago's defensive numbers are sure to decline this year. The Bulls used to rely on their defense to win them games and now they might not have to or might not be able to. But the Bulls still have the same players who hone their craft on defense so expect some of Thib's teachings to stay with Chicago.
But that cannot explain what happened against Denver. The Bulls looked lost on both sides of the ball, and it led a disaster. On defense, they gave up 47 percent shooting to Denver and were blown out of the game by the third quarter because of it. Chicago cannot give up 37 points in one quarter and expect to stay in the game.
But there were a few bright spots. Nikola Mirotic led the Bulls with 18 points and Bobby Portis led all players with 16 rebounds. Even though it is the preseason, Portis is showing strength in rebounding and back to back double digit rebounding games has to impress the coaching staff. The Bulls also took 93 shots on offense in the game. They have taken 99 and 93 shots in each of their preseason games so far and it is clear that Fred Hoiberg's influence is there on offense.
Fred Hoiberg will be looking for a different Bulls team when they face the Timberwolves. Hoiberg could insert Doug McDermott in the starting lineup in place of Tony Snell. The young shooter has been playing well under Hoiberg and now McDermott will look to seize more playing time as an improved offensive system could be the tool to show how good of a player he is.
Expect the starters to get more playing time this game as the Bulls reserves were mostly used in the second half.
Chicago did not play well against Denver and it showed, but they will look to bounce back against Minnesota.
Chicago will struggle early in a new system as they are still adjusting to Hoiberg's teachings. But expect the Bulls to bounce back and learn from their mistakes as they look to go 2-1 in the preseason.