Hoiberg keeps working on offense
After scoring at least 115 points in consecutive regulation games for the first time since 2010, Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg still worked on offense during Wednesday's light practice at the Advocate Center. The Bulls have scored at least 102 points in eight straight contests.
"The big thing is to reiterate what things we've done that have made us successful and just show all those little things," Hoiberg said. "I'll tell you what: One of the guys that has been a big key to the success we've had on that end is Taj (Gibson). He's getting out, running to the rim. He's flattening out the defense. That's where it starts.
By flattening the defense, Hoiberg means he wants his guys getting down the court quickly and pushing defenders under the basket or to the corners.
"If we can get that initial thrust and initial push, good things happen," Hoiberg said. "Our wings are doing a much better job of getting out and running to the corners. That helps with our overall attack. That allows a guy like Derrick or Jimmy to probe and get into the paint."
Butler has easy job:
Jimmy Butler was asked Wednesday to reflect on his offensive success. He has scored 74 points over the past two games, while shooting 59 percent from the field and tying a career high with 10 assists against Milwaukee.
"I'm just playing basketball, to tell you the truth," he said. "My teammates are always finding me in great positions to score the ball. And I play with such great passers, such great scorers, that my job is really easy.
"You've got to guard the guys around me, so I get a free lane to the basket. I get a steal in the open floor or I get a wide-open jump shot.
"A lot of it goes to them. Yeah, I put in the work to make sure I'm confident to take the shots I know I can make, but when you've got to guard the other four guys on the floor and the ball's in my hands, I have an easy job."
Bull horns:
Joakim Noah did not practice Wednesday and is considered day to day with his left-shoulder sprain. Noah is not expected to play Thursday against Boston. … Bulls rookie center Cristiano Felicio made his debut for the D-League's Canton Charge on Saturday, posting 17 points, 3 rebounds and 2 blocks in a 120-95 victory. The leading scorer for the losing Oklahoma City Blue was former Bulls guard Marquis Teague with 20 points. Felicio had 18 and 8 on Tuesday in the opener of the D-League Showcase.