This Just In: Grant’s A Gamer
The Bulls spanked a shockingly bad Magic team
In a game that the Chicago Bulls needed to control their playoff destiny, they turned in — not just one of their best performances of the seasons, but — one of the the biggest blowouts in Bulls history .
The Bulls beat the Magic last night 122–75.
Chicago was short-handed. Orlando lacked any real effort because their season is over. Nothing new or interesting there. However, what was new was the decisiveness of Jerian Grant. It was almost as if Grant had absorbed Rajon Rondo’s skill set a la Space Jam. Assuming he can’t do that, it is clear that Grant has developed in a positive way over the course of this season. After the game he certainly sounded like he has developed in a positive way:
“Just making sure guys were involved, getting guys good looks..…Pretty much it’s win or go home.”
-Jerian Grant on the his play last night against Orlando
He has always shot enough 3-pointers to keep defenses honest and open up driving opportunities, but last night he was so aggressive that he had led the Bulls to a 21-point lead by the end of the first quarter.
Grant almost racked up 10 assists by halftime, finishing the game with 11. His ability to act as an efficient scorer or facilitator allowed Jimmy Butler and Dwyane Wade to combine for 30 points on a night where they were not looking at the 3-point line at all. Nikola Mirotic was affected positively by Grant’s play as well and continued his excellent post All-Star break play with 16 points on 50 percent from the field. All five Chicago Bulls starters scored at least 10 points, while Orlando was mostly content to chuck up outside shots and hope for the best.
This was the most dominating Bulls victory of the season, and it came at the perfect time. Fred Hoiberg does not appear to be any closer to settling on a final rotation, but fortunately, the team seems to be jelling as the regular season comes to a close. Chicago has been a good passing team all season. But since the All-Star break, the Bulls have been the 3rd best passing team in the NBA. Rajon Rondo has been a big part of getting the young players to buy in, and now the team is reaping the benefits in his absence. Rondo’s wrist injury appears to be serious, so it will be up to Grant to continue to keep the Bulls offense humming along in the biggest game of the season.
This Wednesday’s game at the United Center will be intense because a Bulls victory clinches the postseason. The Brooklyn Nets have been the worst team in the league all year, but they beat the Bulls 72 hours ago in a game that had just as much significance. If the Bulls get the same level of play from Jerian Grant on Wednesday and in the playoffs, it is possible that maybe — just maybe — he is setting himself up for a huge third season in the league…as a starter.
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