We were pumped up for the Bulls game on Friday night. Sure, there was the whole Grayson Allen thing, but it was a visit from the defending champ Milwaukee Bucks; it was a battle for 3rd place in the East. It was an important game, with the Bulls trying to stop a 3 game losing streak. As the game went on, it sure felt like a playoff game. There were a lot of good moments in this one, but at the end of the night, the Bulls continued sliding, losing their 4th game in a row 118-112. This 4th loss in a row helped put the Bulls in 4th place in the East. That was quick.
We knew things at the top of the East were close. With the 1st to 6th seeds being separated by a mere 5.5 games, we knew a losing streak could quickly change things for the Bulls, who were atop the East what seemed like yesterday. 4th ain’t bad, but let’s get this straight. The Bulls aren’t going anywhere OK? Sure, there’s the Bulls record against the top teams in the league, which ain’t good. And sure, every team has had to deal with injuries, but… the Bulls haven’t been healthy all year really. When did we lose Patrick Williams? Don’t bother, it was the 5th game of the season. So for a whole 4 games we were full strength… Between COVID and other injuries, feels like everybody on the Bulls roster has missed extended time. Caruso and Ball being out so long… it catches up to you. The Bulls have been riding high regardless for so long, they were bound for a down turn; it’s here.
I’m not lining up the excuses here; it’s just facts. When the Bulls get healthy, they will be a better team. All the minutes that have been spread around due to the missing guys will pay off. The lineup tinkering, the different combinations out there, will allow Billy to ride the hot hand at different points of different games. By the way, I like the big lineup that started this one, with Thompson and Vooch both starting. It’s not our best lineup by any means, but it’s an important variation. This didn’t return short term results, but that’s OK; this was a long term move. Adding yet another lineup possibility… The Bulls depth has helped all season; the Bulls depth will be greater when everyone’s back. I can’t wait.
Until then, the Bulls need to maintain; we need to keep our head above water. It doesn’t get any easier. In a particular brutal stretch, the 76ers are next… in Philly. Is the East all the way back? I don’t know… it feels like it, especially because for the East to be back, the Bulls need to be back too. We ARE back; don’t let this losing streak fool you… try not to get down too, too much. I know, I know… it sucks, it hurts, our brains may start wandering, but stay strong Bulls fans. We are here to stay. The playoffs are in our future this year, regardless of the seed. And yes, the expectations have been raised since the season began, but that’s OK; that’s how it should be. Let’s be patient; let’s get healthy. Most urgently, let’s end this losing streak. I want to feel that winning feeling again; man do I miss it when it’s been a while. It’ll be back soon, don’t worry. Go Bulls!
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