Credit:
Derrick- 50%
The Bulls have the best record in the East because of our depth, and continuity in the roster in this shortened season. The Bulls are a contender, though, because Derrick is capable of putting the Bulls on his shoulder from time to time. Now, I realize this wasn't the highest degree-of-difficulty game for Derrick, Jennings was basically rolling out the welcome mat for him and the Bucks' frontcourt without Bogut is horrible defensively. But Derrick made 34 points on 14-24 shooting look easy. And twenty of those points came in the paint. This is what Boozer's shot chart should look like:
Brandon Jennings- 20%
I was secretly excited when Jennings went off in the first half, since he's the type of guy that will then look for his shot the rest of the game at the expense of his team. Brandon didn't disappoint, with questionable bricks and turnovers killing the Bucks' momentum whenever it seemed like they were going to go on a run. And, of course, he didn't even try to play any D on Derrick. Good work, Brandon.
Joakim- 15%
Maybe Jo does need to play his way back into playing shape. Two good games in a row from Jo, being active on the offensive glass and a bigger presence on D, which is exactly what the Bulls have needed from him all year. In fact, I'd say 15 points, 16 boards is his best game of the year so far. A good sign for the future.
CJ Watson- 8%
CJ did CJ, hitting some big shots and being pesky on D. Not much else to say, other than that I'm liking CJ + Derrick time more and more, especially with Rip out. Maybe if Rip struggles with his shot when he comes back TT will be more likely to use CJ at the 2 even with Rip healthy.
Taj Gibson- 5%
This wasn't Taj's finest game by any means, but he gets 5% since it wasn't bad for his first game back, and for not being Boozer. Hopefully his ankle gets better soon. (At least I assume it's not 100%, and that's why Boozer played the 4th quarter minutes, because otherwise I'm not happy with TT.)
Turkish D- 2%
Eh. Nothing great, nothing terrible. It's kind of refreshing that Asik never shoots from more than 8 feet out. While it might enhance his game, I also never have to be worried about Omer taking a dumb shot, because he never takes dumb shots.
No Credit
TBN- I felt like TBN was having a good game, playing lockdown D and making things happen on offense. Then I look at the box score and realize he's 2-13. That ain't not never good.
Fredo- Why stats are misleading part 1: Korver was +16 in this game, but he had nothing to do with that on either side of the ball. 3-9 from the field, and his trademark "passable" D, he just happened to not be on the court when the Bucks made their runs.
Boozer- Why stats are misleading part 2: If you didn't see this game and just looked at the box score, you would think Boozer had a good game. 20 points on 8-15, 13 boards, and a +5. But stats, even so called advanced ones like PER, don't take into account just how many more points the Bucks scored because Boozer was on the court refusing to play a whiff of help D. This was Boozer's worst defensive game of the season. He never went anywhere near Jennings when he came to the rim, preferring to stay near his man, who he still wasn't guarding. Jon freaking Leuer had 19 points on 9-11 from the field (I realize not all of that was on Boozer, but still). There was no reason the Bucks should have been anywhere near 100 points in this game, and wouldn't have been if Boozer and Taj's minutes had been switched. Since TT has proven this season he's not afraid to play Taj over Boozer in crunch time, I'm sure it was just a case of Taj not being 100% right now. It would be nice, though, if Taj over Boozer was an exception instead of the rule, though. Or if Boozer would just pretend like he wants to help on D.
Bring on the Heat!
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