Playoff games can be decided on the smallest of details and moments in a game.
You saw that today in Milwaukee.
The Chicago Bulls fell short to the Milwaukee Bucks down the stretch as the defending champs took Game 1, 93-86.
This game resembled one of those early 2000’s playoff matchups that was low scoring and more about who got the last stop on the defensive end, which showed in the fourth quarter as the two teams combined for just 34 points in the final 12 minutes.
As Billy Donovan said postgame, the ‘togetherness and competitiveness’ was there as a unit, but the shot making was not, which ultimately, was the downfall for the Bulls in a very winnable Game 1.
The struggles on offense were very real for Chicago. DeMar DeRozan could not find a groove as Jrue Holiday and company made it tough on him all day long. DeRozan scored just 18 points on 6-of-25 shooting from the floor, along with 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals.
“Offensively, I guarantee you we won’t shoot like we shot tonight again, but defense gives you an opportunity to win,” DeMar DeRozan said. “In the 4th quarter, a couple plays got away from us, but a good learning experience…gotta keep it up defensively and go to another level.”
Zach LaVine wasn’t far behind him as he had a tough shooting game as well, scoring 18 points and grabbing 10 rebounds while hitting just 6-of-19 from the floor.
Nikola Vucevic filled the stat sheet with 24 points, 17 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks, but like his fellow teammates, struggled shooting from the floor as he hit just 9-of-27 shots.
Now, for the defense? The Bulls played at a level in which they showed glimpses of at the beginning of the season. Alex Caruso was absolutely everywhere on the defensive end: forcing turnovers, picking off passes, and stepping in to take numerous charges.
If Chicago can continue to play defense at a consistent level, and their offense picks up, the Bulls can ensure that they don’t just roll over to the defending champs.
The Bulls will look to bounce back on Wednesday in Game 2.
