The Bulls struggle in the first quarter, but found a second wind to beat the Pelicans in the preseason opener
Look around Chicagoland and you’ll likely find very few people excited about the Bulls opening the preseason against the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday. But there still was a fraction of the population who wanted to watch. Their time was well spent in a 113–109 comeback victory.
The first quarter featured passable offense, but poor defense as the Pelicans outscored the Bulls, 46–30. As the second quarter went on, the Bulls began to show signs of a decent basketball team and eventually cut the deficit to 11 at halftime. They blossomed in the second half as both the offense and defense cracked down until they gained a lead they held most of the rest of the game. The Pelicans nearly took the game back, but a layup from Antonio Blakeney and Jarell Eddie’s 3-pointer to beat the shot clock in the final minute iced the outcome.
In perhaps a sign of things to come, eight Bulls scored in double figures. Cristiano Felicio was the leader with 15 points while Nikola Mirotic and Justin Holiday each had 14. Denzel Valentine scored all 12 of his points from beyond the arc. Mirotic and Bobby Portis each grabbed nine rebounds while Jerian Grant dished out nine assists.
We could go on about only 13 free-throw attempts or getting outscored in the paint by 16, but the story was that the Bulls didn’t go through one or two players. If they’re going to have any success this year, that’s how it’s going to have to be. They don’t have the star power or even enough talent to let anyone turn into a one-man wrecking crew. Doing so won’t lead to very pleasant results.
It could also be an indictment of the Pelicans that they allowed a Bulls team not expected to win. After all, they’re coming off a 34–48 season, and their only major additions are Rajon Rondo and a full season of DeMarcus Cousins. Other teams won’t be so forgiving, though. Heck, the Bulls are slated to play in Cleveland before the regular season begins.
The Bulls will get right back to work Wednesday as they travel to face the Dallas Mavericks. It will be the second preseason game for both teams. Regardless of what number it is, don’t expect this or any other exhibition contest to generate much discussion. It’s all about guys playing for jobs and spots in the rotation.
Hamblen dies: On a sad note, former Bulls assistant coach Frank Hamblen, who served on the 1997 and ’98 championship staffs, died Saturday at the age of 70. When he first arrived in Chicago, he was the only one at training camp who didn’t have a ring, and Michael Jordan told everyone the team’s motivation that year was to get him one. He won the two with the Bulls, then five more as Phil Jackson’s assistant with the Lakers. The man was a winner, and he will be missed.
