This is becoming a disturbing trend. The Bulls have a fine first half, but implode in the second. Such was the case last week against Denver,
Saturday against the Los Angeles Clippers and in Monday's
109-95 loss to the Detroit Pistons during their final game at The Palace of Auburn Hills. It tied the teams at
31-32, though they still hold onto the final two playoff spots in the East.
Even
without Dwyane Wade and Rajon Rondo due to injuries, the Bulls initially appeared not to need them, outpacing Detroit on the break, 10-0, in the first quarter and leading by as much as 14 during that frame. But the Pistons cut that lead to four by halftime and the contest was knotted after three quarters. The final frame was all Detroit, which opened it with a 12-3 run and ultimately outscored the Bulls, 30-16. That happens when your offense lasts longer and you take away easy chances on defense, though it helps when your opponent lets you score at will and can't respond.
Reggie Jackson was the Pistons' big player, scoring 24 of his 26 points in the second half and shooting a perfect 10 for 10 from the field during that time. Jon Leuer scored 16 and 13 points apiece came from Marcus Morris and Tobias Harris. Andre Drummond, whom the Bulls hacked for a bit in the third quarter (a strategy Will Perdue said changed the course of the game), had 12 points and eight rebounds. Aron Baynes, whom Australian Olympic coach Luc Longley was in the building to check out, put on a decent showing of 12 and seven.
Jimmy Butler regrouped from his bad game against the Clippers to lead all scorers with 27 points and grab nine boards. Robin Lopez was his usual reliable self in the pain, scoring 18. Cameron Payne showed a glimpse of why Gar Forman acquired him, hitting a game-high four 3-pointers during a 14-point game. Bobby Portis scored 10 and Jerian Grant dished a season-high eight assists.
It came down to who had more energy down the stretch and in this case, Detroit's 54-20 advantage on points in the paint over the final three quarters played a huge part. Little resistance from the Bulls on one end and employing shooters who aren't consistent enough on the other can only mean disaster. And too many turnovers, five of their 10 coming from Butler, gave Detroit more chances they were mostly happy to take advantage of. Worst of all, they looked defeated in the face of adversity during the second half and you cannot do that in the NBA.
Every game is becoming more pivotal as the season approaches its final month. The next one will be on the road Wednesday against the Orlando Magic. The Bulls' win there on Jan. 24 was the last time I blogged right after a victory. I'll be working this time however, so my next chance to feel good while writing after a game will have to wait a little longer, which just goes to show how elusive wins are becoming for a team that's still hovering around .500.
