Oct. 31--The Bulls dropped to 2-1 with a 98-94 overtime loss to the Pistons. Here are three observations:
Defensive rebounding has been an issue
The Bulls surrendered 20 offensive rebounds to the Pistons and rank 27th in the NBA in allowing 15.7 per game. That's a lot of extra possessions.
"You can't win that way," coach Fred Hoiberg said.
Jimmy Butler snared 11 defensive rebounds against the Pistons, so he crashed responsibly. And Nikola Mirotic has been an effective defensive rebounder thus far.
Pau Gasol grabbed nine defensive boards in Detroit, but Andre Drummond matched that total with offensive rebounds alone. Drummond is a beast rebounding matchup for many players, but the Bulls need to do better overall.
Doug McDermott isn't getting many looks
The second-year shooter attempted four shots in 14 minutes, 32 seconds and knocked down both 3-point attempts. McDermott currently is in the spot minute reserve scoring role.
But one minor issue is he has logged the majority of his minutes alongside Aaron Brooks and E'Twaun Moore. Those are shoot-first guards who don't look for McDermott often enough.
McDermott has been playing with increased confidence. But perhaps looking for him more could take that to another level.
Jimmy Butler got to the line
Perhaps the best indicator of Butler's offensive prowess is when he's attacking and getting to the line. Butler endured a tough shooting night, going 5-for-19. But he knocked down 12 of 14 free throws and posted a double-double.
Butler finished sixth in the league in free-throw attempts last season.
