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.
Bulls Stun Nuggets with Three-Point Barrage and Bench Brilliance
The Chicago Bulls pulled off a surprising victory against the Denver Nuggets, thanks to an impressive second-half performance and a barrage of three-pointers. We outscored the Nuggets 68-53 in the final two quarters, with our three-point shooting making the difference. The Bulls knocked down 24 threes compared to Denver’s six, giving us a crucial edge in the math battle.
Despite giving up 84 points in the paint, our perimeter shooting and bench play proved to be the difference-makers. Billy Donovan made some key adjustments, including moving Patrick Williams to the bench, which paid off as Williams contributed 11 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists in 28 minutes.
The real story of the game, however, was the emergence of Matas Buzelis. The rookie showed flashes of brilliance, particularly in the second half where he displayed aggression and confidence. His highlight-reel play, dropping Aaron Gordon before finishing with a powerful dunk, exemplified the kind of energy and potential he brings to the team.
Dalen Terry also had a standout performance off the bench, scoring 13 points in just 13 minutes and shooting a perfect 3-for-3 from beyond the arc. His energy and efficiency were crucial in maintaining our momentum throughout the game.
Jan 27, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) works for the ball against Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) in the second half at TD Garden. | David Butler II/David Butler II-Imagn Images
The Knicks starters were having fun, the bench was having fun, the deep bench was having fun, Tom Thibodeau may have even cracked a smile at one point.
By the time the fourth quarter rolled around and the Knicks led the Grizzlies by 20 points, with Knicks backup point guard Cam Payne practically waltzing downhill, uncontested to the basket, there wasn’t a more fun game to be found on a Monday night. Definitely not for the Grizzlies, but they’re a resilient team who will learn from the loss.
What the win and the Knicks ingenuity — the way New York was dominant but allowed for a shifting dominance — made me think about was the Celtics. Specifically how last season Boston was celebrated for their competitive exactitude, and what their losses this season are showing about their rigidity. Namely, that it could cost them.
The most striking stat to me in the Knicks win last night was that the team tallied 32 assists compared to the Grizzlies’ 21. New York was shooting from everywhere but there can be a temptation with a lead that big for teams to start letting the ball fly from deep, chucking up hero shots because they’ve got the padding of points and a nice boost of confidence.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Trade Amid ongoing trade rumors, the Bulls managed to secure a win against Denver, demonstrating resilience and focus despite the uncertainty. The team is navigating potential roster changes with commendable professionalism. (Chicago Sun-Times)
Personnel Coach Billy Donovan has sparked a debate with his decision to adjust the playing time of Matas Buzelis and Patrick Williams, looking to optimize the team’s performance and dynamics on the court. Strategic adjustments like these highlight Donovan’s commitment to finding the best lineup. (Chicago Sun-Times)
Roster Patrick Williams has been benched, a move that underscores the Bulls’ ongoing efforts to find the most effective rotations and boost overall team performance. Roster decisions like this are critical as the team looks to solidify its strategies. (Chicago Tribune)
Opponent Nikola Vucevic and Matas Buzelis played pivotal roles as the Bulls faced off against the Denver Nuggets. The game highlighted key performances and tactical plays from both teams. Game highlights and player contributions are critical to understanding the matchup. (Chicago Tribune)
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Bulls podcasts.
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