After big loss to Nets, Donovan wants Bulls to take responsibility for success
One pertinent question following Wednesday's late-night battle of the top two teams in the NBA's Eastern Conference was this:
If the Bulls match up against a full-strength Brooklyn squad in the playoffs, do they need a better defense to help slow down the Nets' three stars, or do they need more firepower to keep pace on the scoreboard?
The Bulls kept up with the Nets during the first half, but Brooklyn dominated the third quarter and won going away 138-112 at the United Center. This was the second leg of a back-to-back for the Bulls, following Tuesday's rescheduled game against Detroit.
“Even late in the game, two of their guys dove on the floor and one of them was Blake Griffin,” Bulls coach Billy Donovan said. “You could just tell they were coming in here and there was a mentality they had. I'm not saying we didn't want to win the game, but we've got to understand how to play in games like this.”
The Bulls (27-12) still won the season series over the Nets 2-1. They can only hope a return match will look better if they have a full lineup with Alex Caruso, Javonte Green and whoever else on the floor.
No matter the defenders or opponent, the Nets will be tough for any team to stop. No one matches up well against the 7-foot Durant. James Harden can bully guards in the lane, drain 3-pointers with ease and draw fouls like they're going out of style.
And that's before considering Kyrie Irving or Patty Mills, who knocked down 6 of 8 shots from 3-point range. The game is easier with all the attention Durant and Harden command. Harden finished with 25 points and an eye-opening 16 assists, while Durant had 27 points and 9 assists.
After the game, Donovan talked about the responsibility that comes with being at the top of the standings. The Bulls need to expect every team's best effort.
“The hardest thing to do if you want to play late in playoffs — obviously we have to earn our way every day — easy baskets are the most valuable thing that you can get,” Donovan said. “Our transition defense gave up easy baskets. We gave up transition 3s, layups, second-chance points. We fouled. Those are the easiest points you can give. And we had to fight for all of our points.
“Outside of DeMar (DeRozan), this is newer for everybody. We've got to be able to accept that responsibility, to learn and grow through this experience so that we can be a better team from it.”
The game began with bad news for the Bulls. Just 36 seconds in, Derrick Jones Jr.'s right knee buckled when he landed awkwardly on a fast break. Jones collapsed to the ground and had to be helped to the locker room. Needless to say, it didn't look good and the Bulls will await further tests.
That brought Alfonzo McKinnie into the game with the thankless task of trying to guard Durant. McKinnie and Durant were teammates in Golden State during the 2018-19 season.
The Bulls grew frustrated with their foul calls, but that's the way it's going to be with two recent MVP winners on the floor. McKinnie kept playing in the third quarter with 5 fouls. Rookie Ayo Dosunmu couldn't get himself involved after getting 3 quick fouls in the first half.
Durant and Harden combined to hit 18 of 19 free throws, all before the third quarter ended. When it was all said and done, though, the Bulls had more free throw attempts 31-28.
The game began with an electric atmosphere, with the crowd hyped up. During some first quarter free throws, Durant has a long conversation with some fans seated courtside.
The Bulls trailed by as many as 9 in the first half, but closed within 62-60 by halftime. The Bulls' potential all-stars seemed up to the task, with Zach LaVine (17 points) and DeRozan (15) the game's two leading scorers in the opening half.
Once the Bulls fell behind, their offense collapsed as players dribbled into triple teams and coughed up an endless string of turnovers, which made it even easier for the Nets to pile on.
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