Portis’s Career Night Pushes Bulls Past Jazz
In their second game without Dwyane Wade, the Bulls edged out the Utah Jazz just like they did in ’97 and ’98 (maybe not).
It was a very ugly start for Chicago on Saturday night, as they could not get many shots to fall in the first frame. After scoring a season low nine points in the first quarter vs Boston last week, the Bulls barely surpassed that with 16 in the first.
Prior to the game, it was announced that Nikola Mirotic would be starting over Bobby Portis to make the 19th different starting lineup that Fred Hoiberg has used this season. Mirotic played just 17 minutes in his starting role, pitching in only five points on 2-of-7 shooting.
Paul Zipser got his second straight start but only attempted one shot all night, scoring four points. After only playing five minutes vs the Wizards on Friday night, Cristiano Felicio was only on the floor for 11 minutes as Fred Hoiberg looks to shorten his lineup. Newly acquired big man Joffrey Lauvergne was able to make an appearance, scoring zero points in seven minutes.
Michael Carter-Williams was again Fred Hoiberg’s backup point guard, as former starter Jerian Grant was glued to the bench for the 2nd straight night. MCW had nine points on 4-of-10 shooting in 27 minutes.
Bobby Portis made the most of his recent move to the bench. The 22 year-old was on fire right as soon as he checked in. The former Razorback shot 10-of-13 from the field, scoring 22 points in 31 minutes.
Rookie Denzel Valentine registered his first career double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds. Valentine knocked down three 3-pointers while scoring nine of his 11 points in the 4th quarter (move over Isaiah Thomas).
Jimmy Butler was as aggressive as ever after struggling since the All-Star break. Butler had a game high 23 points and seven assists.
The Jazz were without Rodney Hood, but George Hill filled in nicely. He scored 18 while Utah’s star Gordon Hayward had an off night, scoring just 14 points.
With more lineup changes, the Bulls players have to be frustrated with the inconsistency. Portis did seem to fit in with the second unit playing alongside Denzel Valentine, but with only 12 games left in the regular season, the lineup and rotations should already be set. The Bulls climbed to a 33–37 record with this win and sit dead last in the Central division. They are only 1.5 games behind the Milwaukee Bucks for the 8th seed in the Eastern Conference.
The Bulls will have a few rest days before traveling to Toronto to face off against the Raptors on Tuesday night. The Bulls will be looking for their 11th straight win against our friends from the North.
