Bulls hope to recreate their inside edge against Cavs
The Chicago Bulls' victory over Cleveland on Dec. 2 at the United Center was not a sign of what was in store for the Bulls.
They've gone 6-11 since that date, losing eight games in the standings to the first-place Cavaliers, who host the Bulls on Wednesday night.
Still, that was a fascinating game from the Bulls' perspective.
To say the Bulls dominated inside that night is an understatement. They piled up 78 points in the paint against Cleveland. Their second-highest total this season is 60.
The Bulls also dominated the glass with a 49-33 rebounding edge and won the second-chance points 22-2.
Once Timofey Mozgov jumped to the Los Angeles Lakers in free agency, Cleveland decided to basically play without a true center.
The Cavs use a combination of Tristan Thompson, Kevin Love and Channing Frye at center - two power forwards and a 3-point shooting specialist.
Based on the first meeting, the Bulls seemed to match up well against the Cavs.
Not only did Taj Gibson (23 points) have a favorable matchup, there wasn't a rim protector when Jimmy Butler (26 points), Dwyane Wade (24) and Rajon Rondo (15) drove to the basket.
"Tristan Thompson, I'd categorize him in today's NBA as a center," Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg said Tuesday at the Advocate Center. "He's a guy that can protect the paint, protect the rim. Great rebounder, especially on the offensive end.
"That's a real weapon for the Cavs. If he's not scoring on the second chance, he's kicking out to the shooters."
Cleveland is playing the long-range game this season.
The Cavs rank second in the league in 3-pointers made per game (13.1), and if they hit 15 or more it's pretty much lights out for the opponent. They went 10-for-26 that night at the United Center.
It's possible the stats from that night were a fluke. Cleveland has not been burned inside all year. In fact, the Cavs are 12th best in points in the paint allowed at 42 per game. The Bulls allow more at 45.3.
The Bulls are the best offensive rebounding team in the NBA, but Cleveland has done fine on the boards, ranking eighth in overall rebound percentage.
"They are playing some smaller lineups," Hoiberg said. "LeBron (James) can guard anybody 1 through 5. They can get away with it based on their personnel.
"They put you in a real bind on the floor with five guys who can make a play and make a shot. You have to go in there with the right mentality, mentally tough, mentally strong."
Rondo hasn't played at all for the Bulls the past two games. Maybe he will get a chance Wednesday, and if not, new starter Michael Carter-Williams does many of the same things.
Carter-Williams and Doug McDermott did not play against Cleveland the first time.
For the Cavs, point guard Kyrie Irving is questionable with a hamstring injury. Love and James have been sick, while shooting guard J.R. Smith is out indefinitely with a broken thumb.
Another factor in the Dec. 2 game was the Bulls limiting Cleveland to 7 fastbreak points. The Cavs aren't great in this category, but they average 12.2 points on the season.
The Bulls made just 3 of 18 shots from 3-point range that night, so to prevent James and the Cavs from running downcourt with some long rebounds was an achievement.
"We need to take away easy baskets with that team," Hoiberg said. "They attempt the third most 3's in the league and such willing and excellent passers. We have a real challenge on our hands."
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Bulls game day
Bulls vs. Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena, 7 p.m. Wednesday
TV: Comcast SportsNet, ESPN
Radio: WLS 890-AM
Outlook: The Cavaliers have gone 13-2 since losing to the Bulls on Dec. 2, but they are dealing with some health issues. PG Kyrie Irving missed the past two games with a hamstring injury and is listed as questionable for this one. PF Kevin Love left Monday's win over New Orleans early with food poisoning, and LeBron James reportedly is battling the flu. Meanwhile, SG J.R. Smith will be out for a while with a broken thumb, and former Bull Mike Dunleavy has missed the last two games with an ankle sprain. James is having a great season, as usual, averaging 25.6 points, 8.6 assists and 7.8 rebounds. Irving is at 23.9 ppg and Love is at 21.8. The Bulls have won four of their last five games against the Cavs, but Cleveland is 18-2 at home this season.
Next: Toronto Raptors at the United Center, 7 p.m. Saturday
- Mike McGraw