The Chicago Bulls can’t seem to find their footing as they lose their fifth straight game. Billy Donovan’s squad failed to get a win against the Brooklyn Nets, losing 123-115. They have dropped to 11th in the NBA standings and are one win away from the last play-in spot.
Anfernee Simons led the way for the struggling Bulls with 23 points on 10-of-17 shooting from the field. Newcomer Collin Sexton scored 21 points from the bench while Matas Buzelis finished with 18 points. The second-year forward has been one of the bright spots this season for Chicago. Buzelis has played all 54 games, averaging 15.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game.
Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (14) prior to the game against the Atlanta Hawks.
Chicago Bulls coach Billy Donovan keeps it straight after NBA trade deadline
Despite their recent struggles, the Chicago Bulls were among the busiest teams at the NBA Trade Deadline. They gave up Nikola Vucevic to the Boston Celtics in exchange for dynamic guard Anfernee Simons. The Bulls also acquired Rob Dillingham from the Minnesota Timberwolves for Ayo Dosunmu.
They bolstered their backcourt energy by trading for Collin Sexton, sending Coby White to the Charlotte Hornets. In addition, Chicago also received Jaden Ivey from the Detroit Pistons in a three-team trade. The Bulls did not forget about their frontcourt, adding Nic Richards and Guerschon Yabusele in separate transactions.
All in all, the Chicago Bulls added seven new players before the trade deadline. Head coach Billy Donovan acknowledged it will be a challenge to acclimate new players with several key players injured.
“It’s not going to be smooth sailing. It’s going to be a real challenge. We have to lean into it,” he said during a post-game interview.
The struggle was evident in their loss to the Nets. The Bulls fielded nine players versus Brooklyn, seven of whom were new. The only mainstays were Matas Buzelis and Patrick Williams.
Billy Donovan has a tough job, as they have only 28 games left in the season. They are still within striking distance of the play-in. So, they must make sure that the new members can get their groove back in this final stretch,
Chicago Bulls’ Jaden Ivey highlights silver lining after loss to Nets
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