Jan. 02--The Bulls improved to 19-12 with their home victory over the Knicks. Here are three observations:
The bench is on a roll
That's an average of 48.3 points over the last three games, all home victories. For the second time in three games, coach Fred Hoiberg rode the hot hands and closed with mostly reserves, this time using a seldom seen lineup of E'Twaun Moore, Jimmy Butler, Doug McDermott, Nikola Mirotic and Bobby Portis.
Moore hadn't played in five games but pushed the ball often, freeing up catch-and-shoot opportunities for McDermott. Almost unbelievably, McDermott outscored the Knicks by himself, 11-8, in the final period.
"It shows how talented we are up and down this roster," Butler said.
Mirotic needed a game like this
That sound Mirotic may hear is Portis coming on strong. The rookie isn't going anywhere. In fact, Hoiberg reiterated postgame that Portis will remain in the rotation even when the team is at full strength. That means Mirotic could be the odd man out because his minutes would all have to come at small forward.
Portis averaged 14.7 points and 8.7 rebounds in the three-game homestand.
The Bulls still lead the NBA in opponents' field-goal percentage
Given the number of injuries and lineup changes and tweaks the Bulls have endured, it's fairly remarkable the Bulls still lead the league in this important defensive category. Opponents shoot just 41.6 percent. The Knicks connected at 36.9 percent.
"It still starts with our defense," Butler said.
