Dunn, defense help Bulls deliver a win without top two scorers
On a night when Zach LaVine was back in Chicago getting his ankle checked, Jabari Parker didn't play and Justin Holiday shot 1-for-10 from 3-point range, the Bulls somehow rallied from a 21-point deficit to stun San Antonio 98-93 on Saturday.
The game signaled the return of Kris Dunn, who scored 24 points, including the Bulls' final 6 of the game. In just his second start of the season, Dunn's performance evoked memories of last season's hot streak.
When the Bulls went 14-7 in the middle of last season, Nikola Mirotic played well, but Dunn was the true catalyst of that surge. The Bulls hadn't seen that version of Dunn since he suffered a concussion against Golden State back on Jan. 17. He missed a month with that injury, the Bulls went into tank mode after he came back, then he just returned from seven weeks off with a knee sprain.
During the 21-game burst, Dunn showed potential as a late-game finisher, using quick change of direction to create space for his midrange jumpers. He returned to that formula Saturday. After Bobby Portis' driving bank put the Bulls ahead with 1:39 left, Dunn hit two jumpers to push the lead to 3 points, then added a pair of free throws in the final seconds.
"He has proven last year and then tonight that he can close," Bulls coach Jim Boylen told reporters after the game. "That's important when you can find a closer."
Another important factor in this victory was the Bulls' defense in the second half. The Spurs scored just 31 points and shot 30.9 percent from the field after halftime.
This performance seemed to reinforce the idea that the Bulls can be a decent defensive team by simply bringing some energy, aggression and attention to detail. They forced some tough shots and didn't allow the Spurs to get anything easy.
"We were just a little bit more aggressive and we tuned in to the scouting report just a little bit more," Dunn said after the game. "But I thought in the first half we played good defense, too, they just made tough shots."
LaVine injured his ankle on the very last play of the Mexico City loss on Thursday and will probably miss a few more games. Two-way player Rawle Alkins joined the team in Oklahoma City and is likely to be active Monday against the Thunder.
As for Parker's future, it appears he's content to sit tight while the Bulls work on a trade. Since the second year of his contract is a team option, Parker essentially has an expiring contract.
But he makes $20 million this season, so the Bulls would need to take back at least $15 million in salary for a trade to work. The Bulls may be on the lookout for a team that would include a first-round pick or young player along with a bad two-year contract it wants to unload.
There are plenty of possibilities. Portland could send another former No. 2 draft pick and Chicago native in Evan Turner. Miami could offer ex-Bull James Johnson. New Orleans gave the Bulls a first-rounder last year and moving Solomon Hill could help the Pelicans re-sign Nikola Mirotic. All of those guys are signed through next season.
With still about two months before the NBA trade deadline, the Bulls don't have to be in a hurry to get something done.
Twitter: @McGrawDHBulls
Bulls game day
Bulls vs. Oklahoma City Thunder, 7 p.m. at Chesapeake Energy Arena
TV: WGN
Radio: WSCR 670-AM
Outlook: The first win of the Jim Boylen era was one of the Bulls' best this season. They knocked off the Thunder 114-112 at the UC on Dec. 7 behind 25 points by Zach LaVine. ... LaVine is not expected to play in the rematch because of an ankle injury. ... Starting with that loss to the Bulls, OKC (18-10) has dropped three of its last five games, but has won four straight at home. ... SF Paul George is averaging 24.9 points. PG Russell Westbrook is doing his usual, with 21.1 points, 10.5 rebounds and 10.0 assists. C Steven Adams has averaged 21.0 points over the last five games. ... The Bulls have won two of their last three in Oklahoma City.
Next: Brooklyn Nets, 7 p.n. Wednesday at the United Center
- Mike McGraw