Bulls Finally Win Their First NBA Cup Game, Beating Hawks
A Dominant Performance
Bulls coach Billy Donovan found himself in an uncomfortable place Friday night: up by double digits late against the Hawks with his starters still on the floor, trying to run up the score like a college football coach trying to impress poll voters with a lopsided victory.
Running Up the Score
That’s the NBA Cup for you. Thanks to a game-high 26 points from guard Zach LaVine, the Bulls ended their winless streak in the league’s in-season tournament, beating the Hawks 136-122 at the United Center to improve to 1-1 in pool play. Point differential is one of the tournament tiebreakers, which is why Donovan had his starters in late. Shoot first, answer questions later.
A New Format
It’s not a format he enjoys.
“I don’t know if there’s a different way to do it,” Donovan said. “When you’ve only got these four games, there’s got to be some sort of separation if these teams have the same record. But I don’t love that part of it, personally. It is what it is, those are the rules, and we’ve just got to play with them.”
Rookie Performance
Rookie forward Matas Buzelis was more involved than he has been, scoring nine points in 20 minutes of playing time.
A Learning Experience
“Offensively, [I] could have been better,” he said. “Two travels, so I’ve got to be better on that. I’m a learner. I’m always going to learn, but offensively, I didn’t think I was that good.”
Step Up Performance
With Patrick Williams (inflamed left foot) out for a second straight game, others were needed to step up. Donovan started Ayo Dosunmu in Williams’ place rather than Torrey Craig for matchup purposes. Dosunmu set a tone right from the opening tip, scoring seven points in the first quarter with two assists and a steal.
Ayos Decision-Making
“I think his decision-making has steadily improved the last two years,” Donovan said of Dosunmu, whose outside shooting numbers remain lower than expected. “The shooting part, I think, will be fine. He’s taken the right [shots]. He hasn’t shot the ball well, but I think he’s the one guy on our team, especially in transition, [who] can get to the rim, and that’s an area that we’ve struggled.
Ayos Pressure on Defense
“His decision-making and the pressure he can put on the defense, that’s helped. I think he’s done a good job in terms of setting the pace for us. He’s able to play fast and move it up the floor really well.”
Conclusion
The Bulls (7-10) weren’t used to being on the dominant side of the situation, having lost all four pool-play games last season in the inaugural tournament and dropping their Cup opener in Cleveland last week.
FAQs
Q: What was the final score of the game?
A: The Bulls beat the Hawks 136-122.
Q: Who led the Bulls in scoring?
A: Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 26 points.
Q: Who started in place of Patrick Williams?
A: Ayo Dosunmu started in place of Patrick Williams.
Q: What is the Bulls’ next Cup game?
A: The Bulls’ next Cup game is Tuesday night against the Wizards on the road.
