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Chicago Bulls: Why it’s too early to panic about this winless squad

By Thomas J. Brown

Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty ImagesChicago Bulls meets with Coby White #0 in the third quarter against the Atlanta Hawks during a preseason game at the United Center on October 17, 2019 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 Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty ImagesChicago Bulls meets with Coby White #0 in the third quarter against the Atlanta Hawks during a preseason game at the United Center on October 17, 2019 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 Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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Chicago Bulls
Chicago Bulls Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports /

The Chicago Bulls have faced quality opponents

Going winless through three contests is cause for concern, but there’s a difference between being concerned and being worried. The three teams Chicago has faced to this point in the season all have a legitimate shot at the playoffs. In the season opener, the Bulls went up against the Atlanta Hawks featuring a determined Trae Young.

Young is desperate to make the playoffs for the first time in his career. Atlanta’s front office has done everything they can to help him. He’ll have big man John Collins with him full-time this year, not to mention wily veteran Rajon Rondo who the Hawks added in the offseason. It’s not outside the realm of possibility that the Hawks wind up with the seventh or eighth-best record in the East when the smoke clears.

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On Saturday, Chicago lost to an Indiana Pacers team that was competitive in their first-round playoff series against the Miami Heat despite the absence of All-Star Damontas Sabonis. Putting up an impressive triple-double of 22 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists, Sabonis showed he’s fully recovered from plantar fasciitis that sidelined him during the playoffs. This was a lackluster effort from the Bulls, but the Pacers are a solid team nonetheless.

Sunday night’s loss to the Golden State Warriors was heartbreaking. Yes, double-teaming Stephen Curry to prevent him from making an open game-winner is a good idea. However, leaving the in-bounder wide open for an easy look defeats the purpose. Damion Lee made Chicago pay for their miscalculation with a game-winner from the top of the key. The absence of Klay Thompson will be hard on the Warriors organization this season, but they are still coached by Steve Kerr while also featuring Steph Curry and a host of veterans.

If the Bulls opened the season with losses against three teams with no shot at the playoffs, it might have been time to hit the panic button. As it stands now, they still have time to make a full recovery.

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