Hoops Habit
Fansided

Chicago Bulls: Takeaways From Win Over L.A. Lakers

By James D. Tillman III

Nov 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) dribbles the ball past past Los Angeles Lakers forward Brandon Ingram (14) in the first quarter of the game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) dribbles the ball past past Los Angeles Lakers forward Brandon Ingram (14) in the first quarter of the game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
November 19, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Chicago Bulls head coach Fred Hoiberg watches game action against the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
November 19, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Chicago Bulls head coach Fred Hoiberg watches game action against the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Mental Toughness, Aggressiveness Contribute To Win

There were many instances last season in which the Bulls lost games simply because their opponents were the tougher team. On the heels of an emotional letdown against the Clippers the night before, that could been have been the case once again.

Instead of allowing that to carry over into this game, though, the Bulls were determined that they were not going to let another winnable game slip through their fingers.

They outrebounded the Lakers by a 56-37 margin. They attempted 28 free throws compared to 21 for the home team. Furthermore, the Bulls recorded a whopping 60 points in the paint to go along with 19 second-chance points.

"“Different group of guys,” Rajon Rondo said via the Chicago Tribune. “Think it’s a lot older team. I know we got 10 younger guys, but the leaders have strong mindsets. It’s always next play, next possession. And then we build from there.”"

The Bulls’ bounce-back effort not only proved that this group has a different mindset compared to last season, it also shows that they will be a difficult team to beat when they get contributions from just about every player on the roster.

Home/Chicago Bulls