Chicago Bulls: Keys To Victory For Game 5 Vs. Celtics

Apr 23, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) talks with Chicago Bulls head coach Fred Hoiberg during the second half in game four of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

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Apr 12, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Paul Zipser (16) reacts after making a three point basket against the Brooklyn Nets during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

Bulls Must Close Gap From Three-Point Range

I realize this statement may come as a bit of a surprise to some of you due to the fact that the Bulls were one of the worst three-point shooting teams in various stretches during the 2016-17 campaign.

However, they finished the regular season as the 11th-best team three-point shooting team, converting 34 percent of their attempts from beyond the arc.

In the last two games, though, the Bulls have been anything but proficient from distance. In their 104-87 loss in Game 3, the Bulls shot just 6-21 from distance, while the Celtics made 17 of their 37 attempts.

That’s a difference of 33 points folks.

The Bulls followed that up with another dismal showing from beyond the arc in Game 4, as they converted just five of their 24 attempts (21 percent). While the Celtics didn’t exactly set the nets on fire either (shooting 10-for-37), they still outscored the Bulls 30-15 from distance.

So after the Bulls managed to keep the margin respectable through the first two games (72-54), the Celtics have dominated in this area with an 81-33 advantage in Games 3 and 4.

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to understand that the Bulls must do a better job of limiting the Celtics’ opportunities from long range.

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