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Chicago Bulls: Observations From Loss To Wizards

By James D. Tillman III

Feb 19, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls head coach Fred Hoiberg talks with forward Taj Gibson (22) during the first half of an NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 19, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls head coach Fred Hoiberg talks with forward Taj Gibson (22) during the first half of an NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 16, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) drives to the basket as Washington Wizards guard Ramon Sessions (7) defends during the first half at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 16, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) drives to the basket as Washington Wizards guard Ramon Sessions (7) defends during the first half at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Defensive Woes Continue

Aside from the mediocre 33-33 record, one of the most disappointing things about this Bulls team is its inability to step up the intensity on defense. During the 2014-15 campaign the Bulls allowed just 97.8 points per contest, which was the ninth-best mark in the league.

This season, however, they are giving up 103.2 points per game, placing them at 18th. That porous defensive effort was on display against the Wizards, as the home team converted 49 percent of its shot attempts, including a 13-for-21 effort from three-point range.

"“We’re just not the tougher team,” Butler told ESPN. “I think all the way down this roster we’re not the tougher team every night and it shows from the jump ball all the way to the end. When there’s a loose ball we’re not getting it. If there’s a rebound, people got to fight for it, we’re not getting that. We’re just not the tougher team. And I think it shows a lot of the time.”"

I’ve said this before and will do so again. Defense is about heart and effort. And as long as the Bulls fail to put forth the required effort on defense, this will be the result.

Furthermore, if this trend continues for the rest of the season, the front office should seriously consider acquiring players who are capable of carrying out Hoiberg’s principles at both ends of the floor.

Next: Another Game, Another Injury

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