Dec. 17--The Bulls improved to 15-8 with a home victory over the Grizzlies. Here are three observations.
The backcourt vision got fully realized for one game
Derrick Rose attacked from the jump, Jimmy Butler ran in transition and the two former All-Stars combined for 43 points, nine assists and two steals. Their fingerprints were all over the the game-changing 11-0 run in the third quarter that turned a halftime deficit into a comfortable lead.
"We've been running better with that first group," coach Fred Hoiberg said almost gleefully. "We scored 30 in that first quarter just by pushing the ball. Derrick was attacking and probing and getting himself to the basket. If he gets into the paint generally good things happen. This was the aggressiveness I know he wants to play with and our team wants him to play with. It's a great confidence builder for Derrick to play like he did. Hopefully, he's off and running now. It was fun to see Derrick getting in there with that explosiveness."
Hoiberg used a closing rotation that should see more time
The first-year coach has made clear he will mix and match closing rotations depending on hot hands. And this flexibility has paid dividends at times. But Wednesday's closing five of Rose, Butler, Doug McDermott, Joakim Noah and Pau Gasol is one that should have some staying power.
When Rose and Butler are aggressive, it opens up shots for McDermott. With McDermott shooting so well from 3-point range, he creates driving lanes for the guards. Noah is looking quite lively of late and his playmaking ability and offensive rebounding acumen fits this group. Gasol is there if the offense bogs down. It's a good group.
The Bulls have been good on the glass
That's nine straight opponents that the Bulls have outrebounded. But more important than that since the Bulls have ranked first in overall rebounds for much of the season was the job the Bulls' did in preventing offensive boards. The Grizzlies only managed an opponent-season-low five offensive boards.
That allowed the Bulls to enjoy a 14-7 edge in second-chance points, an issue for much of this season.
