Don't make too much of Bulls' blowout win
An eye-opening road win is still just one of 82.
The Chicago Bulls couldn't have started the circus road trip much better than defeating Portland 113-88 late Tuesday night. The Bulls built a 35-14 lead after the first quarter and never let it slip away.
"I think it was our most complete game we've played," coach Fred Hoiberg told reporters after the contest, according to bulls.com.
It's an encouraging result for the Bulls, but don't get carried away. Winning the opening game of the annual circus trip has become commonplace. They've done it in six of the last seven seasons, minus 2011-12 when the lockout erased November basketball.
The six-game trip as a whole will be a better barometer of whether fans should feel optimistic about this team. The Bulls face another tough game Thursday against Utah, then play the L.A. Clippers and Lakers on consecutive days this weekend.
The Clippers have been the NBA's best team so far, while the Lakers might be the biggest surprise. The Bulls rarely win in Denver, then finish the trek in Philadelphia on the day after Thanksgiving.
As far as tangible reasons to feel good about the Blazers blowout, the Bulls can credit their depth. Jerian Grant hadn't played much this season, but he started at point guard Tuesday and performed well in place of Rajon Rondo. Grant finished with 18 points and helped keep Portland's high-scoring backcourt in check.
"When you talk to people that have been in that position, they just tell you to stay ready," Grant said after the game. "Your opportunity is going to come; 82 games in this league. Things happen."
Grant joined the Bulls from New York in the Derrick Rose trade. His playing time has been limited, obviously, but one early hypothesis is he's more of a scorer than playmaker.
Paired with Jimmy Butler and Dwyane Wade, Grant could be a good fit. Butler and Wade are good at making plays for others, and sometimes Rondo's lack of an outside shot has bogged down the offense.
Rondo did not practice Wednesday and may be a game-time decision in Utah. Rondo sprained his left ankle in practice Monday at the Advocate Center.
Doug McDermott remains out with a concussion.
"Jerian was terrific guarding the ball," Hoiberg said Tuesday. "That's one of the toughest covers in the league with (Damian) Lillard as hot as he can get."
Lillard, who started the night averaging 30.7 points, scored 19 points against the Bulls.
Another good sign is Butler continues to thrive in Wade's superstar mentor program. During the past week in particular, Butler has not just increased his scoring, he's also filling the stat sheet. On Tuesday, he finished with 27 points and a team-best 12 rebounds.
"I'm talking to D-Wade," Butler said, "and he's telling me about how I have to approach the game: 'Go out with the killer instinct; make them adjust to you. Go out with the full head of steam and show why you're one of the best players on the floor.'
"That's what I try to do every single night. If it's coming from him, there's got to be some truth to it."
Wade won three NBA titles during his 13 seasons in Miami, so Butler and all of the Bulls know Wade's wisdom carries some value.
"We're buying into the process; everybody's working on their games," Butler said. "We're actually paying attention to the scouting reports and doing what we're supposed to do on the defensive end. When you guard, the game looks really easy."
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Bulls game day
Bulls vs. Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena, 9:30 Thursday
TV: TNT
Radio: WLS 890-AM
Outlook: Utah owns a 7-5 record, despite a number of injury issues. PF Derrick Favors (10.5 points, 6.7 rebounds) won't play against the Bulls because of left-knee soreness, according to the Salt Lake Tribune. PG George Hill (20.4 ppg) missed the last five games with a sprained thumb and is questionable for this one. SG Rodney Hood (17.4 ppg) missed the loss to Memphis on Tuesday with an illness but is expected to play against the Bulls. Top scorer SF Gordon Hayward (22.5 ppg) missed the first six games of the season with a broken finger. The Jazz ranks second in the league in points allowed at 93.8 per game. On their last five trips to Utah, the Bulls have won three and lost twice in overtime.
Next: Los Angeles Clippers at the Staples Center, 9:30 p.m. Saturday
- Mike McGraw