With the Bulls lineup changes, it’s no surprise that John Paxson and his management team wouldn’t mind picking a few extra losses down the stretch, as long as the team’s young talent shows signs of improvement.
Robin Lopez and Justin Holiday will not dress tonight, according to Fred Hoiberg.
— Nick Friedell (@NickFriedell) February 22, 2018
The veteran duo did in fact sit tonight, but the Bulls still almost pulled off an 18 point comeback at home against a playoff-bound Philadelphia team.
Keyword: almost.
After falling behind 25-7 to start the game, it appeared that the Bulls were in for a long night. That was until Bobby Portis went off for a career-high 38 points.
21 points in 15 minutes for Bobby Portis. Did we mention there are still two more quarters left? pic.twitter.com/ahXrKDgIM4
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) February 23, 2018
Lavine had 23 points, including 5 three’s, and Holiday’s replacement in the starting lineup David Nwaba added 21 points and 9 rebounds in 33 minutes. Kris Dunn and Lauri Markkanen both had forgettable nights, combining for just 8 points on 3-19 shooting, but there are going to be off nights for them. it’s part of the nature of being a young NBA player. Despite off nights scoring, they both made big plays in the closing minutes that helped extend the Bulls lead, a major sign of maturity.
Great pass by @KrisDunn3! Can BP make it 40? pic.twitter.com/OqS3Qbjn1T
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) February 23, 2018
Lauri Markkanen help defense block on Embiid pic.twitter.com/vUBjywspwy
— ⓂarcusD (@_MarcusD2_) February 23, 2018
With a minute left in the game, Lavine put the Bulls up five with this clutch bucket:
No tank in Zach pic.twitter.com/guhGlmxrOB
— ⓂarcusD (@_MarcusD2_) February 23, 2018
But that wasn’t enough to hold of the 76ers, thanks to this profoundly dumb turnover by Denzel Valentine.
— ⓂarcusD (@_MarcusD2_) February 23, 2018
The 1 point loss was crushing for the players I’m sure, but at the end of the day they put together a competitive performance against a playoff team, thanks to some major performances from key young players. For now, the Bulls will take that result 10 times out of 10.
