National Basketball Association
Chicago Bulls vs. Washington Wizards: 3 Takeaways
National Basketball Association

Chicago Bulls vs. Washington Wizards: 3 Takeaways

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

Jimmy Butler leads the way against the wounded Wizards as the Chicago Bulls improve the 6-4.

Heading into this game, the Bulls had the clear advantage over the advantage over the Washington Wizards.

Not only were the Wizards without both John Wall and Bradley Beal, but they were facing the Bulls on the second night of a back-to-back set.

That being said, Chicago should have made quick work of their vulnerable opponent. At least, if the Bulls want to be taken seriously this season.

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However, winning this game was not necessarily as easy as it should have been.

The Bulls were down early as they struggled in the first quarter. Nonetheless, they fought back and were able to keep the game close heading into the half.

Then, the third quarter came and the Bulls really turned it on outscoring the Wizards, 28-14.

Through 10 games, the Bulls are now two games above .500. Even so, it is tough to get a good grasp on what this team’s final record will look like at the end of the year.

One thing is for sure, however: their offense has far exceeded anyone’s expectations.

The Bulls will really be tested as they begin their seven-game Circus Trip against the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday.

Oct 31, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) attempts a slam dunk against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports

Jimmy Got Buckets

Jimmy Butler was spectacular on Saturday night. He messed around and nearly got a triple-double putting up 37 points, eight rebounds and nine assists while adding three steals.

    He has shown this year that their is one truly elite skill he possesses besides his defense: his ability to get to the free-throw line. Butler was 14-14 from the line, bailing the Bulls out in late shot clock situations a couple times. Some possessions the offense stalled, but Butler was able to will his way to the basket and get to the free-throw line.

    There is a fair share of nights that the Bulls have to rely heavily on Jimmy Butler’s offense. Tonight was one of those nights. It’s tough to imagine the Bulls winning this game against an undermanned Wizards squad without Butler.

    That is a little bit of a concern. Jimmy Butler hasn’t been the most durable player since assuming a starting role in 2013. He has missed an average nearly sixteen games per season since 2013, which brings up the question as to how the Bulls would fair without Jimmy Butler.

    An injury where Butler has to miss an extensive amount of time could spell doom for this team. Of course, this isn’t a problem if he is able to stay healthy, but that’s not something the Bulls can’t count on.

    All the Bulls can do is hope and pray that their star is able to on the court.

    Nov 2, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Chicago Bulls point guard Rajon Rondo (9) during the fourth quarter against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. The Boston Celtics won 107-100. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

    Rajon Rondo Struggles

    Rajon Rondo has yet to find his footing in his first season with the Bulls. Tonight may have been his low point of the season as he was held scoreless, missing all six of his shot attempts. Not only that, but it becomes more and more evident each game that Rondo limits the Bulls offensively.

      Chicago been able to get through many of the spacing concerns that were posed during the offseason, but Rondo’s inability to shoot has been a problem. Whoever is guarding Rondo often times completely ignores him when he is standing out by the three-point line. His defender will float towards the paint and clog up the lane, and Rondo isn’t able to make the other team pay for implementing this strategy. He is shooting just 25 percent on 3s this season. It appears that his three-point percentage last season (36.5%) truly was a mirage.

      So, what can Fred Hoiberg do with Rondo? Whatever he does, he has to approach this situation with supreme caution. Rajon Rondo can become a danger to the locker room real quick, just ask Dallas Maverick head coach Rick Carlisle.

      It’s tough to see where Rondo can make up for his inability to shoot, because he hasn’t been great on the defensive end either. There isn’t a real clear area where he adds value. Plus, the Bulls have looked better with Isaiah Canaan in the game rather than Rondo.

      Fred Hoiberg could have a sticky situation on the horizon if Rondo continues to play this poorly.

      Mar 14, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Chicago Bulls forward Doug McDermott (3) during the game against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. The Bulls beat the Raptors 109-107. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

      Doug McDermott, Concussion Protocol

      Doug McDermott suffered a scary-looking fall in the fourth quarter. As he was slashing toward the basket he was looking to throw down a slam dunk with authority, McDermott leaped and cocked the ball back as Wizards forward Markieff Morris attempted to prevent McDermott from getting an easy two points.

      Morris went for the block but caught McDermott’s off-arm and ended up pulling him down. McDermott came crashing down on his side and his head bumped off the hardwood.

      Although it didn’t seem like there was any sort of malicious attempt, Morris was assessed a flagrant one. It looked like it was simply a hard foul, but it was certainly a scary play.

      He appeared to be in clear pain and Chicago sent him to the locker room to undergo concussion protocol.

      Taj Gibson was the first one to check up on McDermott after his fall, and he appears to be very concerned about McDermott:

      Fred Hoiberg also said, “I feel bad for the kid.

      It’s tough not to feel bad for Doug McDermott. He recently returned after suffering a concussion on October 31.

      It seems to be unclear the extent of the injury, but everyone is wishing the best for Dougy McBuckets.

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