In Josh Giddey’s first game back since December 29th, he returned to help the Cardiac Bulls of Chicago pull out another close victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Chicago Bulls defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves, 120-115.
Giddey Up
In Josh Giddey‘s first game back since December 29th, he returned to help the Cardiac Bulls pull out another close victory. This was an impressive win for Chicago, one I did not foresee. Playing on the road against a very thorough, defensive team in the Timberwolves, I thought the Bulls would have their hands full. And for the most part, they did. Minnesota got off to a hot start in the first quarter. They opened the game on a 13-3 run, fueled by Anthony Edwards & Julius Randle. Meanwhile, the Bulls were absolutely stifled by their defense, especially in the paint against Rudy Gobert. But when Anthony Edwards checked out halfway through the quarter —
Josh Giddey checked in. And the rest was history.
Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
Giddey checked in and gave the Bulls eight points in five minutes. He repeatedly attacked the rim, giving the Bulls all of their points inside the paint for the quarter. Giddey immediately showed why his presence has been extremely missed during his absence, and his efforts are what got the team rolling.
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Was that a mid-range shot? It absolutely was.
Just like the mid-range shot is rare to see in Billy Donovan’s offense this year, seeing this team at full-health is just as rare. With Giddey returning to the lineup, the Bulls showed yet again that when healthy, they can compete with any team — on any given night.
Where’s Balto*?
I can’t guarantee that anyone was looking for Waldo last night. But I can guarantee that the fans of Minnesota were looking for the Timberwolves, who usually play inside their Target Center arena. Historically, for the past three seasons, Chicago has outplayed Minnesota in the second quarter. They kept up with tradition on Thursday night. The Bulls outscored the Timberwolves 34-29 in the quarter.
Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
Behind great defensive play, Chicago played tug-of-war with Minnesota. Matas Buzelis scored seven of his 12 points for the game in the second quarter alone. He scored five of those seven points during a period when the Bulls went on a 14-4 run, to bring a twelve-point Minnesota lead down to just two. It was a very encouraging stretch of play, as Buzelis clamped Anthony Edwards up on multiple possessions. Keep showing off that two-way ability, Matas.
“Bonus Points”
The Bulls came out in the second half and continued their relentless play from the second quarter. They continued to attack Minnesota, putting the Timberwolves in the bonus at the 6:56 mark. While it was Josh Giddey who got the ball rolling, it was Tre Jones who kept the ball bouncing. Chicago went on a 16-7 run at one point, and Tre Jones contributed eight big points in five minutes. Sound familiar?
It should. That’s exactly what Giddey did in the first quarter, and Tre Jones came in and replicated that effort in the third. That alone speaks to the depth of this team. Important contributions from up-and-down the roster. When one guy falters, the next guy steps up. It was an all-around effort from the Bulls in the third quarter. They battled their way into the final quarter, leading the game: 93-90.
Nothing Is “ImpossiBull”
Chicago came out in the fourth quarter and put the “bull” in improbable.
They opened the quarter on an 11-7 run fueled by back-to-back threes.
Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn ImagesCredit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
Minnesota battled back, regaining the lead at around the seven-minute mark.
The Timberwolves proceeded to go on a 13-0 run, as the Bulls missed nine straight field goals. Even though they were missing their field goals, the Bulls kept attacking. At the 4:10 mark of the quarter, Giddey ended the Timberwolves’ fans’ chances of free Chick-Fil-A — while also ending a four-minute scoring drought for the Bulls. Both teams continued to duke it out, with the Timberwolves holding a four-point lead with 1:17 remaining in the game. And then came the Cardiac Bulls.
Chicago went on a 9-0 run in the final minute of the game.
The effort of the Bulls made me a PROUD fan. Guys were diving on the court for loose balls and battling in the post for big rebounds. Coby White scored five HUGE points during the run, while also battling for the aforementioned rebound attempt. Tre Jones then made an incredible defensive play in the same possession, before proceeding to make the go-ahead layup in the final 30 seconds. It was a beautiful sight to see. Minnesota then got the ball back, and the entire arena held their breath as Anthony Edwards put up a three from the top of the key, with the Timberwolves trailing by one. Brick. Maybe they should change their rules for “Bricken for Chicken”, because Edwards would’ve fed the entire arena on both of his game-winning attempts. Game. Set. Match. Bulls Win.
Game Notes
Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
It was a great showing from Coby White. White put up 22 points, but it was the ways he contributed outside of his scoring that were encouraging to see. Battling on defense and for rebounds, especially in the closing minutes of the game, was huge for the team and instrumental to the win.
Chicago also completely demolished Minnesota in the free-throw department. This was a very shocking development, especially with them going up against the Great Wall of Rudy Gobert, himself. Battling the way they did and repeatedly going inside amongst the trees, while also containing the superstar that is Anthony Edwards — made this one of the most impressive wins of the season.
Stats courtesy of Pivot Fade
What’s On Tap Next
The Bulls return to the United Center to host the Boston Celtics on January 24th. They will be putting the jersey of one of the greatest point guards to ever do it up into the rafters. Let’s hope they come out with the same intensity that Derrick Rose and the Bulls did in his playoff debut against the Celtics back in 2009.
Tip-off will be at 7 p.m. C.T.
See you there, and as always … See Red.