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3 keys for Chicago Bulls to win first-round series against Milwaukee Bucks

By Thomas J. Brown

Nov 14, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan talks to forward DeMar DeRozan (11) and guard Zach LaVine (8) during a timeout of the NBA game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center. The Bulls wins 100-90. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan talks to forward DeMar DeRozan (11) and guard Zach LaVine (8) during a timeout of the NBA game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center. The Bulls wins 100-90. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports /
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Chicago Bulls, Milwaukee Bucks
Jan 21, 2022; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Chicago Bulls forward DeMar DeRozan (11) drives to the basket against Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (22) in the first half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports /

The Chicago Bulls must dictate the pace during their first-round playoff series against the Milwaukee Bucks.

Last summer, the NBA rumor mill was abuzz about the potential landing spot of several big-name players. Some of the names were free agents, capable of signing with whichever ball club suited their needs both financially and otherwise. Other names were disgruntled players whose desire to relocate were among the worst-kept secrets in sports. One of the players destined to find a new home was DeMar DeRozan.

There are lots of rumors surrounding the circumstances that led to DeRozan signing with Chicago, but the fact is, he’s fit the team like a glove ever since his arrival. His pairing with Zach LaVine has gone surprisingly well.

They both proved to be unselfish, team-first guys, and each of them was selected to the All-Star team. In addition to DeRozan, Chicago also picked up wily veterans like Lonzo Ball, Alex Caruso, and Javonte Green. These players, along with Nikola Vučević and Ayo Dosunmu, created a formidable core that led the team to the top spot in the Eastern Conference.

The Chicago Bulls are major underdogs heading into their playoff matchup against the heavily favored defending champion Milwaukee Bucks.

Unfortunately, life in the NBA can be just as unpredictable as weather in the Windy City. Lonzo Ball went down with a mid-season injury and is yet to return. Alex Caruso suffered a torn ligament in his wrist, missed significant time, and hasn’t quite regained his shooting touch. Ayo Dosunmu hit the rookie wall and Zach LaVine suffered several nagging injuries that caused him to miss games. In the midst of all this, the team fell from number one in the conference to number six.

However, the regular season is now in the rearview mirror and the team must focus on the task at hand. While the franchise is happy to return to the postseason for the first time since 2017, they must not get complacent.

They have a chance to do something special: win a playoff series and knock off the defending NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks in the process. Let’s take a closer look at the strategies the Bulls must utilize if they are going to pull off the biggest upset of the season.

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