Chicago Bulls: 5 observations from 5-game win streak

MILWAUKEE, WI - DECEMBER 15: Malcolm Brogdon #13 of the Milwaukee Bucks drives between David Nwaba #11 and Jerian Grant #2 of the Chicago Bulls during a game at the Bradley Center on December 15, 2017 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

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4. Bulls’ reserves continue to step up

As a result of rookie forward Lauri Markkanen sitting out the last three games with back spasms, Fred Hoiberg was forced to insert Nikola Mirotic into the starting lineup. With the second unit losing a key contributor, the question was whether or not this unit could produce.

The answer to that question is a resounding yes.

In the team’s 119-111 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Dec. 8, the Bulls’ bench produced 32 points on an efficient 14-for-23 from the field. In the following two outings against the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics, the Bulls’ reserves produced 54 and 55 points, respectively.

Although the second unit didn’t have a great showing in the next outing against the Utah Jazz (20 points on 8-for-22 from the field), this group bounced back with a 48 point-outing in a 115-109 win against the Milwaukee Bucks on Dec. 15.

For the season, the Bulls’ second unit is averaging 37.6 points per contest, but during the winning streak, that number has jumped up to 41.8 points per outing. Even though the overall goal is to lose enough games in order to secure a high draft pick next year, the front office has to be happy with the progress that some of the younger players have made so far.

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