Hoops Habit
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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 /
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Nov 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Isaiah Canaan (0) gets a pat on the head from forward Taj Gibson (22) after he was called for traveling in the second half of the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center. Bulls won 118-110. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Isaiah Canaan (0) gets a pat on the head from forward Taj Gibson (22) after he was called for traveling in the second half of the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center. Bulls won 118-110. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

Bulls Bench Thrives Despite Losing Scoring Battle

One of keys for the Lakers coming into this matchup was the fact that they lead the NBA in bench scoring with more than 50 points per game.

Led by 25 points from Lou Williams and 18 points from Larry Nance Jr., that trend was on display once again as they outscored Chicago’s second unit by a 59-32 margin.  Despite the scoring disparity, however, the Bulls did have a couple of noteworthy performances from their second unit.

Denzel Valentine, who missed most of training camp due to a sprained ankle, chipped in with eight points on 3-for-7 shooting.

Isaiah Canaan, who is showing that he can be a dose of instant offense off the bench, poured in 17 points on 6-for-10 shooting to go along with two rebounds and two steals.

On most nights, the starting lineup will be expected to carry the team. But in order to have long-term success, the Bulls will need contributions from the bench, which is exactly what they got in this win against the Lakers.

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