Chicago Bulls: 3 takeaways from 2017-18 season opener

TORONTO, CANADA - OCTOBER 19: Jonas Valanciunas #17 of the Toronto Raptors shoots the ball against the Chicago Bulls during the game on October 19, 2017 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Mark Blinch/NBAE via Getty Images) /

3 of 4

CHICAGO, IL – OCTOBER 13: Head coach Fred Hoiberg of the Chicago Bulls gives instructions to his team against the Toronto Raptors during a preseason game at the United Center on October 13, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

2. Second quarter proved to be Bulls’ downfall

More times than not, there is a stretch in every game that contributes to the final outcome and this matchup was no exception. After hanging close for first 12 minutes and temporarily giving the impression this was going to be a competitive game, the Bulls simply fell apart in the second quarter.

In fact, the Raptors opened the second frame with a 20-2 blitz, allowing them to take a 45-25 lead. The Raptors finished the quarter with 33 points, while the Bulls managed to produce just 14.

How bad was the second quarter?

Well, the Bulls recorded more turnovers (seven) than made field goals (five) in the period. Needless to say, this was definitely the turning point in this contest — something Fred Hoiberg readily admitted.

"“That was the key stretch of the game,” Hoiberg told NBC Sports Chicago. They got downhill, they picked us up (defensively). We didn’t respond well to that,” Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg said. “They got in the paint, spread us out and hit shots.”"

In the absence of veteran leadership, Chicago’s margin for error is very thin, to say the least and if they hope to have any measure of success this season, they will need to make sure these instances don’t happen too often.

Home/Chicago Bulls