Dec. 31--The Bulls improved to 18-12 with their home overtime victory over the Pacers. Here are three observations.
That's twice Jimmy Butler has defended (fouled?) Paul George at the buzzer to preserve victory
On Nov. 16, Butler scored the go-ahead basket and then blocked George's jumper at the buzzer. On Wednesday, he did the same, although this time it was a lob attempt to George.
On Nov. 16, Pacers coach Frank Vogel calmed the fury directly after the game, saying "I don't think there was a foul." Not so much this time. Vogel stormed onto the court to argue the no-call and later said "no comment" when asked about it.
George told the Indianapolis Star he thought he was fouled.
"I got bodied and I couldn't finish. He didn't touch the ball. There was no block," George said. "I couldn't shoot the layup because he came down on my arm. It sucks but I've been fighting this battle for a while."
Butler has the utmost respect for George.
"He's a helluva player man. He can really go. He does everything really well," Butler said. "He can shoot, handle, finish. But in the end, I think I got a good piece of the ball. I knew he was going to get the ball. I didn't know where. I heard Taj yell out lob."
The Bulls keep having success with the Pau Gasol-to-Butler lob
Even though this game-winner was an audible, the set play has produced consistent results all season.
"People have to guard Pau. If Pau's open, he's going to shoot it. And not only is he going to shoot it, he's probably going to make it," Butler said, when asked why the Bulls have had so much success with the play. "And he's an incredible passer too."
Bobby Portis has to remain in the rotation
Coach Fred Hoiberg had already set this plan in motion before Joakim Noah suffered a left shoulder injury, sliding Nikola Mirotic to small forward. What happens if and when Noah and Mike Dunleavy are healthy could be an issue.
But Portis shouldn't be the odd man out. The rookie can flat-out play.
"I talk all the time about Bobby's work ethic and toughness. He's a kid who isn't out there thinking. He just reacts and plays," Hoiberg said. "Generally, you're a much better when you do that."
