The Chicago Bulls have already clinched a sure spot in the Play-in Tournament — at least — but that’s not a reason for DeMar DeRozan to celebrate, especially after his team just lost to the Atlanta Hawks on Monday at home, 113-101.
“We got to remember this feeling,” DeRozan told reporters in the locker room following the defeat (h/t Darnell Mayberry of The Athletic.
The Bulls are struggling to establish consistency of late, as they have gone just 4-6 over their last 10 outings.
Chicago Bulls Fall to the Hawks Despite Big Game From DeMar DeRozan
DeRozan’s big effort against the Hawks saw him produce 31 points on 10/23 shooting from the field. He went just 0/3 from deep but was 11/12 from the foul line. Coby White added 22 points, while Ayo Dosumbo chipped in 15 markers. for the Bulls, who are still technically in the running for a guaranteed playoff spot. As a team, though, the Bulls shot poorly, going only 39.4 percent from the floor and 7/28 from the 3-point region.
Chicago’s not really known for its outside sniping, as the Bulls are just 20th in the NBA with 35.9 percent shooting from downtown, but they have to be better in that area. They are also just 23rd in the league so far this season with a 53.2 effective field goal percentage.
Mediocre shooting has been a running problem this season for the Bulls, but they still have time to get their rhythm heading to the Play-in Tournament.
The 36-40 Bulls are currently ninth in the Eastern Conference standings and will face the New York Knicks at home this Friday.
More must-reads: