First of all, this was my first extended look at the Bulls’ new additions. They definitely weren’t the biggest problem in the loss, but they also don’t improve on any of the team’s current problems: consistent offense; someone to replace Joakim Noah’s rebounding, as he continues to play limited minutes; coaching, etc. The issues switched jerseys numbers, but didn’t change.
In fact, just based on this game, you can say the Bulls’ added a problem: The Bulls aren’t as athletic in the front court, and the Wizards took advantage of this.
On the brighter side, a new player — Flip Murray — did provide us with this move. (Go to the 1:22 mark to see Flip’s dunk.)
That play got Neil Funk and Stacey King talking about this play. (Kirk Hinrich, Flip would like to introduce you to Lil’ Flip.):
Whether the Bulls are better with the new players or not, the Bulls looked bad in Washington because they reverted back to the November Bulls. Offensively, when the Bulls were struggling, there was too little Derrick Rose. The Bulls scored only 16 points in the third quarter — if you watched the third quarter, you’re probably surprised they scored this many. Between 10:56 and 4:47 in the quarter, Rose only took two mid-range jump shots and the Bulls scored 0 points.
Randy Foye, who guarded Rose for most of the game, has something in common with about 95% of the league: He can’t guard Rose. In the six minutes drought, it was very November Bulls-like not to isolate Rose at the top of the key. Given space to maneuver, Rose gets to the basket.
The Wizards’ bigs are big and athletic, so they may create a problem for Rose at the basket, in terms of blocking shots. But I’d rather take my chances with the Bulls’ best player doing what he does best. It’s far better than the alternative of watching the team try to run a “offense.”
After figuring out, Rose with ball equals good early in the fourth quarter. The Bulls slipped again. Rose took over the fourth quarter — at least, some of the fourth quarter. Rose looked like the guy we’ve seen in recent weeks: The one comfortable dominating the ball and taking over.
Then, with about 2:00 left and the Bulls down by 2, he stopped. He managed, only, one 3-point shot for the rest of the game. And even that shot was more of a desperation heave with time winding down, than it was a shot set-up for him to take.
New players or no new players, the Bulls need Rose to go on offensive rescue missions; tonight, they didn’t really give him a chance.
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