Chicago Bulls: 5 Keys To Forcing A Game 7
5. Knocking Down Threes
The Chicago Bulls are at their best when they’re knocking down three-pointers. Technically, that statement could apply to pretty much every remaining playoff team, but it applies most especially to the Bulls, a team that often doesn’t find enough minutes for reserves like Nikola Mirotic or Tony Snell.
But no matter who is taking those threes, it’s worth noting that in their six wins during these playoffs, Chicago is has converted 41.3 percent of their three-point attempts. In their five losses, that number has dropped off to 34.3 percent.
Dunleavy is so important this series for Bulls, who figure to play Mirotic less this series. Shot 54.8 percent on 3-pointers vs. Bucks.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) May 4, 2015
Limiting the conversation to just this series doesn’t change the numbers much either; the Bulls have made 41 percent of their three-pointers in their two wins and in the three losses, have only made 33.8 percent. In Game 4, a game the Bulls were in position to win, Chicago made 42.9 percent of their threes as well.
In front of their home crowd, hoping to stave off elimination, the Bulls will need to come out firing on all cylinders. That includes knocking down some three-pointers, especially for starters Jimmy Butler, Derrick Rose and Mike Dunleavy.
Next: No. 4