Chicago Bulls: 5 Keys To Remaining In Playoff Picture

Feb 6, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Chicago Bulls center Pau Gasol (16) and forward Taj Gibson (22) react during the third quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. The Timberwolves won 112-105. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /

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Apr 13, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Pau Gasol (16) and forward Taj Gibson (22) keep Brooklyn Nets forward Thaddeus Young (30) from the net during the third quarter at Barclays Center. Chicago Bulls won 113-86. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Bulls Must Regain Defensive Edge

In past seasons, the Bulls found ways to win games despite key players missing from the lineup. Most of that success was due to how well they played defensively.

Although their offense was not always a thing of beauty, opposing teams knew they were going to be in a dogfight when they played against the Bulls. This year, however, the Bulls have had difficulty playing with that defensive edge that brought them success in years past.

Sure, their defensive rating is slightly better than it was a season ago. At the same token, though, they have given up over 100 points in seven straight games. Furthermore, they are allowing 101.9 points per contest, which places them in the middle of the pack (No. 17) in this category.

"“In previous years, we had a lot of defensive guys that [had] dog in them.” Gibson told ESPN. “Now we got a bunch of young guys [with an] offensive mentality. Now we’re just trying to figure out a new system.”"

There are some nights when the shots aren’t falling, but defense is all about heart and effort. And unless this team finds a way to regain its defensive edge, Bulls fans can expect to see more of the same inconsistent play over the next 30 games.

Next: Time For Rose To Blossom

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