As potent as the Chicago Bulls’ double-big lineup of Nikola Vucevic and Andre Drummond is, it cannot be regularly employed, especially when the opposing team features a big man who can hit long-range shots like Kristaps Porzingis or Anthony Davis.
However, with the Bulls facing off against the Cleveland Cavaliers squad that trots out prolific big men Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley, it was time for Vucevic and Drummond to shine.
And they did not disappoint.
In a game that saw the Bulls come out on top in double overtime, 132-123, it was Andre Drummond who helped push Chicago to the win. The former All-Star center dominated the glass, grabbing an incredible 26 rebounds in just 36 minutes of play. It wasn’t just on the boards where Drummond excelled. He also contributed offensively, scoring 17 points on an efficient 8-of-12 shooting.
Historic rebounding night for the Bulls
Drummond’s rebounding numbers were part of a historic night for Chicago. The Bulls set a new franchise record for most rebounds in a half with 39. Chicago’s total of 74 rebounds is also the highest mark of the season in the entire league.
Additionally, the Bulls scored 32 second-chance points—another season-high for the squad. Chicago's incredible effort on the glass marked the first time they surpassed the 70-rebound milestone since November 5, 1975.
After the game, DeRozan was all praises for the big man out of UConn.
"They don't make rebounders like Dre anymore," DeRozan said.
"You can't find me another Andre Drummond in the league. He's one of the unique ones who comes from the old school of rebounding."
Huge problem for opponents
For all the issues the Bulls may have with spacing and quickness when the two big men are on the floor, their rebounding prowess is a major problem for opponents. It not only helps them secure possessions and limit second chances for the other team, but it also sets the tone for a physical and gritty style of play that can wear down opponents.
"The math is very simple. You got two guys who are very good at rebounding, one of them historically being the best to ever do it and the other is right behind me," Drummond said.
"It makes it hard for teams. They gotta make a decision who they're going to try to box out, either me or (Vucevic). Pick your poison."
Deebo agreed with Drummond’s blunt assessment, adding:
"You got two of the greatest rebounders in our league out there at the same time. The dynamic they bring rebounding at both ends, we can be very dominant with that. It gives us opportunities to get out in transition and get stops. It's big when they're out there."
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