10 observations: Bulls fall to Knicks in OT in season finale

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10 observations: Bulls fall to Knicks in OT in season finale originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago

Presented by Nationwide Insurance Agent Jeff Vukovich

NEW YORK — The Chicago Bulls closed their 39-43 regular season with a 120-119 loss to the New York Knicks in overtime on Sunday afternoon.

They closed their regular season one game worse than last season but one seed better.

They will face the Atlanta Hawks at 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday at the United Center. If they win that game, they’d face the loser of the Philadelphia 76ers-Miami Heat matchup on Friday on the road.

Here are 10 observations:

—The Bulls played their NBA-high 11th overtime game and 44th clutch game, the third-most in the league. They led the NBA in clutch minutes played and clutch victories with 27 despite the loss.

—Despite being locked into the ninth seed and a home play-in game Wednesday against Atlanta, the Bulls treated the matinee like a regular game. DeMar DeRozan, Nikola Vucevic and Alex Caruso rested on Friday in Washington.

—DeRozan, who led the NBA in minutes, played 44. Vucevic logged 42, while Caruso played 41 and Coby White 43.

“I think there’s always that fine line, right? Guys obviously missed the back-to-back, which was good for them. And then having this game and a few more days until we play again, I think there always has to be a balance of what their comfort level is in terms of playing to keep a rhythm. So you have to rely on them,” coach Billy Donovan said. “There’s nothing medically that is holding them out. I think for them the repetition of playing is important. So you want to give them what they feel they need on the court.”

Asked about the potential for second-guessing if any players suffered injuries, Donovan grew philosophical.

“When you’re dealing with players, they could get hurt in practice Monday or Tuesday. Something could happen—god forbid—driving home. I think if you get into situations where you’re just constantly trying to play protection mode, you may not be getting ready or prepared for what’s in front of you,” he said. “I do think the players have to have an ownership into…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/10-observations-bulls-fall-knicks-204033138.html

Author : NBC Sports Chicago

Publish date : 2024-04-14 20:40:33

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