Jan. 15--The Bulls improved to 23-15 with their overtime road victory over the 76ers. Here are three observations:
This is truly historic stuff from Jimmy Butler
Butler has dismissed any and all comparisons to Michael Jordan, and rightfully so. Jordan did what Butler is doing over a decade-plus. Butler has turned in two franchise-record performances in 12 days.
But the only small similarity for this very small sample size from Butler is the sheer will and audacity of the performances. The Raptors loaded up their defense to stop Butler and he hit shots he doesn't usually hit---left-handed runners off the glass, spot-up 3-pointers in defenders' faces---while breaking Jordan's record with a 40-point second half.
On Thursday in Philadelphia, Butler played the final 37 minutes, 3 seconds without a break. He played through exhaustion and kept scoring even though the Bulls' offense basically consisted of him getting the ball and creating. He twice waved off teammates coming to set a screen for him because he felt his chances to score in isolation were better.
That's Jordan-esque.
"Don't talk about it," Butler said when asked about Jordan comparisons. "Michael is the best player to ever play this game. I'm just playing my role on this team. And I wear his shoes. He's got a couple notches up on me, a lot of them actually."
E'Twaun Moore needs to stay in the rotation
Dating back to the huge 3-pointer he sank in last season's home victory over the Thunder, the unheralded veteran has a knack for delivering in big moments. He did so again, scoring 10 straight points at the end of regulation and into overtime.
Moore didn't play by coach's decision eight times since Dec. 21. That needs to change, particularly since Moore also often delivers solid, physical defense.
Nikola Mirotic is regressing
The runner-up in last season's Rookie of the Year voting, Mirotic continued his feast or famine routine with a glaringly tough night. He missed 11 of 13 shots with five turnovers and often flailed around as if he is a player who has lost confidence.
Coach Fred Hoiberg said afterward he stayed with Mirotic during a rough third quarter because the 76ers were using a small lineup. But it will be intriguing to monitor how long Mirotic's leash remains.
