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

3 keys for Chicago Bulls to win series against Milwaukee Bucks: Knock down open shots

While attacking the paint is a great way for Chicago to apply pressure to Milwaukee’s defense, ultimately the team is going to have to put points on the board in a variety of ways. Eventually, Coach Budenholzer is going to make adjustments to keep the Bucks’ big men out of foul trouble. That’s when Coach Donovan is going to have to make adjustments to make sure Chicago’s offense does not get stagnant.

When the defense collapses of LaVine or DeRozan, they must have the wherewithal to find the open shooters. That’s when the onus falls on players like Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu, and Alex Caruso to capitalize on their opportunities.

If Chicago’s guards and wings can knock down open three-point looks with regularity, it will discourage Milwaukee from clogging the paint with bodies. Once that happens, DeRozan and LaVine can drive to the basket as often as they’d like.

Another option Chicago can use to their advantage is using Nikola Vučević’s shooting ability to draw Brook Lopez away from the basket. While Lopez is not afraid to launch shots from deep when he is on offense, he does not like to stray too far out of the paint on defense.

By allowing Vučević to knock down a few long-range shots, the Bulls will force Lopez to leave the paint. Once again, this opens up lanes for dribble-drive attacks. However, all of this is predicated on knocking down shots. If Chicago is not making the most of their opportunities, Milwaukee will not be forced to make adjustments.