10 observations: Bulls beat Pistons, clinch homecourt for play-in game

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10 observations: Bulls beat Pistons, clinch homecourt for play-in game originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago

Presented by Nationwide Insurance Agent Jeff Vukovich

DETROIT — The Chicago Bulls clinched the ninth seed and homecourt advantage for next week’s play-in game against the Atlanta Hawks by downing the Detroit Pistons 127-105 on Thursday night at Little Caesars Arena.

Here are 10 observations:

—Alex Caruso is now eligible for All-Defense awards, meeting the league’s new 65-game minimum requirement. Caruso is a virtual lock to repeat as a first-team member. He entered leading the league in deflections per game, tied for second in total deflections, tied for fourth in steals and averaging a career-high 1 block. He’s the only player in the league with at least 100 steals and 70 blocks.

—DeMar DeRozan posted an 18-point third quarter, his second-highest scoring quarter this season, and finished with 39 points with seven assists. DeRozan sank a season-high four 3-pointers as the Bulls shot 53.1 percent overall with 28 assists. Nikola Vucevic added 27 points, 11 rebounds and four assists in a balanced offensive effort.

—The play-in game is currently scheduled for Wednesday. Coach Billy Donovan said the team remains under the assumption the game will be played then, but there’s a potential scheduling nightmare for the league. The NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers play at home next Tuesday, which is when the play-in game between the 7th and 8th seeds is scheduled. And if the Philadelphia 76ers finish seventh, where they currently are, the schedule will need to be addressed.

—Donovan recently pointed out how Javonte Green’s innate ability to cut at the right time and in the right place jazzes up an offense that can be moribund at times. Right on cue, Green cut for two dunks and a layup early as part of his 11 points. Caruso, who finished with a season-high 10 assists, found Green twice early.

—Andre Drummond missed his first game of the season with what Donovan called “a pretty decent ankle sprain.” Drummond is wearing a boot to protect his left foot and Donovan also said he’s using a motorized…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/10-observations-bulls-beat-pistons-012410542.html

Author : NBC Sports Chicago

Publish date : 2024-04-12 01:24:10

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