Nov. 19--The Bulls improved to 8-3 with a 103-97 road victory over the Suns. Here are three observations.
An aggressive Jimmy Butler is typically an effective Jimmy Butler
Derrick Rose keeps telling him to shoot more. He keeps getting to the line, another sign of aggressiveness. Yes, Butler's 14-point fourth quarter and eighth career 30-point game is the stuff of big-time performers.
"I didn't carry the team," Butler said. "I just made a couple of shots. But it felt good to see the ball go in. My teammates just kept giving me the ball whether I wanted it or not. They said be aggressive, take shots I think I can make. So that's what I did."
Butler admitted he assumed a more aggressive role because Rose sat with a sprained left ankle.
"Definitely did," Butler said. "I talked to him about it before the game. He's always telling me to shoot more and be even more aggressive. It helps to have a superstar like him in my corner, coaching me up. Obviously, we want him out on the floor with us. And hopefully we get him back for the next win."
Kirk Hinrich continued his recent stretch of solid play
The veteran guard knocked down six of seven shots to finish with 14 points and six assists with just one turnover in over 23 minutes. Hinrich also sank a critical 3-pointer late after sitting for over a full quarter because he had neared his minutes limit but got called back into action when Aaron Brooks tweaked his left hamstring.
"He does such a good job of getting us into an offense and getting our defense organized," coach Fred Hoiberg said. "He's as good as anybody on our roster as far as doing that. And I think that's why we had the hot start, because he was getting us into a play. He made some big defensive plays as well."
Hinrich knocked down both 3-point attempts.
"Honestly, when I feel fresh, I feel good about my shot," he said. "I'm feeling fresh right now. Just try to keep up my conditioning, keep my health good and hopefully I can continue to contribute."
Such victories can produce confidence, which is good because the Warriors are next
As much of the postgame talk centered on the next opponent as it did the impressive victory over the Suns. That's because it's the Warriors, who take an unbeaten mark into Thursday's road game against the Clippers.
"We can't stick on this one too long because the team we got next is real," Butler said. "Their record speaks for itself. I don't think you have to say too much. They're undefeated. We got a task in front of us."
Butler said he would ask for the defensive matchup on Stephen Curry.
"I look forward to guarding everybody in this league, especially a prime time scorer like him," Butler said. "So I'll ask coach for that matchup. No disrespect to him but I like that."
