NBA Notes: Bulls, Josh Giddey, Blazers, Jrue Holiday, Hawks

Bulls

Josh Giddey keeps putting up numbers, but the Bulls want to make sure he’s not giving them all back on the other end.

Defense has been the knock on Giddey since he entered the league, yet head coach Billy Donovan said he’s seeing real progress.

“He’s probably similar to (Coby White) early in his career,” Donovan said, via Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times. “Teams were targeting him. As a player, you’ve got to shut off that running water. Eventually coaches say, ‘There’s no point trying to exploit this anymore.’ That’s one-on-one pride.”

Donovan added that Giddey’s size lets him guard bigger forwards, and that he’s been “much more physical” than he was a year ago.

It’s showing up in his play. Giddey delivered 21 points, 14 rebounds and six assists as Chicago snapped a five-game skid with a road win over the Nuggets — Denver’s first home loss of the season.

Trail Blazers

Portland has been holding its breath on Jrue Holiday. The veteran guard missed Sunday’s loss to Dallas with right calf soreness and is listed as doubtful for Tuesday in Phoenix.

As Sean Highkin of the Rose Garden Report noted, Holiday’s absence stings even more with so many of Portland’s other point guards already sidelined.

“Jrue is our core,” forward Deni Avdija said. “He puts us in our positions. He’s a true point guard and a leader. When he’s out, it’s definitely felt.”

Hawks

Atlanta wrapped up a 4-0 West Coast trip thanks to a monster fourth quarter from Nickeil Alexander-Walker. The newly acquired guard poured in 16 points in the final 12 minutes to help wipe out a 22-point deficit against the Suns.

“I just think we have a resilient group,” he said, via Lauren Williams of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “We put our head down and came together this entire trip.”