Cordaro Johnson (Haize) here, the host of the daily Locked On Bulls podcast, with your daily Locked On Bulls newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Bulls and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Chicago Bulls’ Resilience Shines in Victory Over Orlando Magic
Oct 30, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan gestures to his team against the Orlando Magic during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images|David Banks/David Banks-Imagn Images
A Rocky Start and a Strong Finish The game against the Orlando Magic began on a challenging note for the Bulls, scoring only 18 points in the first quarter compared to the Magic’s 33. However, the Bulls demonstrated their resilience by bouncing back with impressive performances in the second and third quarters, scoring 34 points in each. Despite a tough fourth quarter where both teams struggled to score, the Bulls managed to secure a win, showcasing their ability to overcome adversity.
Key Players and Their Impact One of the pivotal moments in the game was the dynamic play of Kobe White and Ayo Dosunmu. Their effective shooting and solid defense were instrumental in narrowing the deficit and eventually taking the lead. White’s 21 points and Dosunmu’s consistent performance were crucial in maintaining the Bulls’ momentum.
Nikola Vucevic also played a significant role, contributing 18 points, 14 rebounds, and 5 assists. His consistent performance has been a highlight this season, marking a renaissance for the player. Vucevic’s ability to dominate the boards and facilitate plays was vital in the Bulls’ victory.
Defensive Prowess The Bulls’ defensive strategy was another key factor in their win. They finished the game with a defensive rating of 98, well below the league average of 110. This impressive statistic underscores their ability to limit turnovers and control the game defensively. Patrick Williams, despite modest scoring, had a significant defensive impact, guarding key players and contributing to the team’s overall defensive success.
The Rise of Josh Giddey
Oct 30, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (3) reacts after making a three point basket against the Orlando Magic during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
David Banks/David Banks-Imagn Images
Josh Giddey’s performance was another highlight, with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists. His shooting accuracy, particularly from beyond the arc, has been a revelation this season. Giddey’s development as a player is evident, and his ability to adapt and contribute significantly to the team’s success cannot be overlooked.
Looking Ahead As the Bulls continue their season, the focus will be on maintaining this momentum and building on their recent successes. The upcoming games against teams like the Brooklyn Nets and Utah Jazz will be crucial in assessing the team’s potential this season. The Bulls’ ability to perform consistently against tough opponents will be a true test of their capabilities.
In conclusion, the Chicago Bulls’ recent victory against the Orlando Magic is a testament to their resilience and strategic gameplay. As they continue to face new challenges, the team’s ability to adapt and perform will be key to their success. Tune in to Locked On Bulls for more insights and updates on your favorite team.
Last week in this space, I briefly mentioned the huge number of whistles we’d seen this season compared to the previous campaign, something that’s since been corroborated by others. But there’s another leaguewide trend worth watching. The NBA is seeing a surge in offensive rebounding — one that I think will stick.
The average offensive rebounding rate sits at 28.9%, the highest for a 10-day sample in the last decade by a mile. After a nadir in offensive rebounding in the late 2010s and early 2020s, the last few seasons have seen rates ticking slowly but surely back up, like a turtle climbing a hill. But nothing in recent history has compared to what we’ve seen in these first 10 days:
Graph by Mike Shearer
So what’s going on? Offensive rebounding used to be considered a double-edged sword. In general, crashing the glass meant giving up more in transition, and for years, the increasingly trendy focus on limiting fast break opportunities (thanks for killing fun, Coach Popovich!) cut off the O-boarding oxygen supply.
But teams are increasingly figuring out how to balance the two in pursuit of winning. Several of last year’s best regular-season teams emphasized window-wiping: New York, Denver, Phoenix, and Boston were all top-11 offensive-rebounding teams. (So were Portland and Utah, to be fair, but teams that struggle to score in more traditional ways often emphasize the offensive glass, too.)
Why are teams hungry to recover their own misses, and how are they doing so? (And don’t forget to click through for the Mildly Interesting Stat of the Week!)
Mike Shearer (@bballispoetry) has written about the NBA full-time since 2021 at various and sundry places. For more from Mike, check out his Substack bestseller, Basketball Poetry, where he uses unnecessary metaphors and the occasional haiku to discuss the NBA’s happenings with an analytical lens.
Home and Away
Watch The Bulls defeated the Magic 102-99. Couldn’t tune in? Watch the full game highlights.
Analysis This team has a lot of fight. The Bulls’ victory last night marked the first time since 2001 that the team has come back to win back-to-back 20-point deficit games. (Chicago Bulls on SI)
Must Read Sinful. Diabolical. Those are just a couple of the words The Ringer’s Danny Chau uses to describe LaMelo Ball’s playing style.
Analysis Chris Herring of ESPN+ looks at the Cavaliers, KAT, Morant, and more in an early-season status report.
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Victor Wembanyama’s Early Struggles In Fantasy Basketball
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) works to steal the ball from Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) after he fell to the floor during the second half at Paycom Center.
|Photo by Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
The NBA season is in full swing, and with it comes a slew of injuries and unexpected player performances that can significantly impact your fantasy basketball strategy. Here’s a look at the latest updates and insights to help you navigate these changes.
Key Injury Updates
Scottie Barnes is out with an orbital fracture, sidelining him for at least three weeks. This opens up opportunities for other Toronto Raptors players to step up, potentially offering valuable fantasy pickups.
The New Orleans Pelicans are dealing with injuries to CJ McCollum and Herb Jones. McCollum’s adductor issue and Jones’ shoulder problem could keep them out for multiple games, affecting the Pelicans’ lineup and fantasy prospects.
Player Struggles: Victor Wembanyama and Zion Williamson
Victor Wembanyama’s early-season performance has been underwhelming, especially for those who drafted him high. In a recent game, he took only five shots, raising concerns about his role and usage. While it’s too early to panic, fantasy managers should monitor his situation closely, as his potential remains high.
Zion Williamson is also off to a rocky start, with shooting percentages well below expectations. Despite playing 33 minutes in a recent game, his field goal percentage has been alarmingly low. This could be attributed to lingering effects from an illness, but it’s a situation that requires close attention from fantasy managers.
Click the button below to learn why there’s concern over Jrue Holiday, as well as a possible new streaming option out in Indianapolis.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Bulls podcasts.
Chicago Bulls Cut Onuralp Bitim & Kenny Lofton Jr | Is THT A Lock To Make Roster? Haize welcomes Bobby & C-Dub to the show to discuss the Bulls moving closer to finalizing their roster by cutting Onuralp Bitim & Kenny Lofton Jr. The guys also break down what they want to see in the Bulls’ final preseason game & more.
Lonzo Ball Looks Great In Return To To The Court | Bulls Offense Has Best Game Yet Haize reacts to Lonzo Ball’s performance in his first game back. He also talks about Coby White’s big night and the team’s offense.
Chicago Bulls Reportedly Eyeing Contract Extension WIth Josh Giddey Haize reacts to reports the Bulls could be looking to extend Josh Giddey’s contract before the start of the season. He also asks of the Chicago Bulls should be playing their starters in tonight’s preseason game and gets excited over Lonzo Ball’s return to the court.
