Dec. 03--The Bulls improved to 11-5 with their home victory over the Nuggets. Here are three observations:
The pick-and-roll action between Derrick Rose and Pau Gasol is a consistent option
Even with Rose's pronounced shooting struggles, which have featured him going 19-for-70 since returning from his sprained ankle, his chemistry with Gasol on this action is hard to ignore. Rose posted a season-high nine assists versus the Nuggets and Gasol scored a season-high 26 points, several of pick-and-pop action.
"When we run our pick-and-roll action, it's tough to cover because he's a great penetrator. He dribbles the ball with force and explosiveness," Gasol said. "My guy has to be concerned about my pops and my shot outside. We kind of put them in a predicament and make a lot of plays from there."
Rose's defense has been solid
Touted rookie Emmanuel Mudiay shot just 2-for-13 and while some were simply missed shots and not all against Rose, the Bulls' guard is doing a better job of navigating screens to contest shots. Rose also had a strong defensive showing recently against the Trail Blazers' Damian Lillard.
Fred Hoiberg challenged his team again
In his third-strongest public comments since taking the job, the first-year coach continued to implore the Bulls to play with more pace. This means even after made baskets by the opponent.
This wasn't quite the level of Hoiberg's "when I played..." blistering following the home loss to the Timberwolves in which he expressed displeasure with the Bulls' effort. But it was clear frustration.
"It wasn't our best energy game," Hoiberg said. "But we kept at it. We have to find a way to be better. After they made a shot, we'd have four guys just kind of look at the ball, take two or three steps, kind of mosey down the floor. You have to keep playing. You have to come back with thrust and pace. That's when we're at our best."
