The Chicago Bulls had their share of detractors when they were blowing away teams during the preseason.
The hype was not yet a hot commodity, even if they defeated teams by an average of 21.5 points per game.
But seven games into the 2021-22 NBA season, the Bulls continue to stampede their way through opponents.
Aside from convincing wire-to-wire victories, they’ve also proven against the Boston Celtics that no lead is safe against them.
6-1 and we’re just getting started. pic.twitter.com/SW8u5shMHq
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) November 2, 2021
They managed to win by 14 despite trailing by 19 with three minutes left in the third quarter.
At 6-1, the Bulls share the best record in the Eastern Conference with the Miami Heat.
Credit their success to acquiring complementary players that continue to confuse defenders.
Billy Ball Reigns Supreme
No one gave the 2019-20 Oklahoma City Thunder a chance to reach the playoffs.
But they pushed the Houston Rockets to seven games thanks to their devastating three-guard line-up featuring Dennis Schroder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Chris Paul.
Bulls head coach Billy Donovan repeats that formula with Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Lonzo Ball.
LaVine is a known scorer, but he gets better looks at the basket thanks to Ball’s playmaking abilities.
Zach LaVine is an elite scorer.
Number 8 has over 8,000 career points (and still counting) 🔥 pic.twitter.com/fmfddMpJtS
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) November 2, 2021
As LaVine covers the three-point area, DeRozan shows improved decision-making in taking medium-range jumpers and making more passes.
With the Bulls having two shot creators who can dominate any given night, Ball fills the other gaps on their offense by facilitating plays and cutting through open lanes.
The former Pelican has also become a reliable spot-up shooter who can keep defenses honest.
These three players form the nucleus of the efficient Bulls offense that score 109.7 points per game.
Lonzo Ball is 3/3 from three 🔥 pic.twitter.com/aGRtG9A1j4
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) November 1, 2021
While that figure ranks 14th among NBA teams, their balanced attack ranks them sixth in field goal percentage (46.9) and third in three-point shooting (38.8 percent).
Sending them to the free-throw line isn’t a good idea either because they convert a league-best 86.8 percent from the stripe.
DeRozan and LaVine tally 25.6 points per game apiece, putting them in the top 10 scorers early in the season.
Other Valuable Pieces Of The Puzzle
Aside from their three-guard rotation, their supporting cast gives Chicago the ability to generate points from everyone.
Nikola Vucevic can convert elbow jumpers and low post opportunities while cleaning up the boards.
Meanwhile, Alex Caruso brings energy off the bench and makes defensive plays at the perimeter.
Caruso and Ball are great help defenders, which forces the other team to turn the ball over.
Bulls' closing lineup of Lonzo Ball, Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, Alex Caruso and Nikola Vucevic through 7 games: 110.2 offensive rating, 88.3 defensive rating, +21.9 net rating
According to https://t.co/qIw6Hycmry, best net rating of 31 5-man units that have played 40+ mins
— Rob Schaefer (@rob_schaef) November 2, 2021
Throw in Patrick Williams as well, who is showing versatility in shutting down opponents.
Their efforts on defense limit the other team to 101 points per game, the fifth-best clip in the NBA.
They also allow 19.3 assists per game, putting them second to league-best Utah.
Maintaining The Momentum
That preseason run was no fluke after all.
They may not be winning games with the same margins, but they’ve cruised through their schedule so far.
The Bulls could be 7-0 if not for that one-point loss to the New York Knicks.
Regardless of opposition, they’ve always found a way to win.
Heart, HUSTLE, and muscle 😤@DonJulio | #BullsNation pic.twitter.com/GxzIYwlDf9
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) November 3, 2021
Chicago won three games by eight points or less and another three in double-digits.
They are currently on a two-game win streak, and they have the roster to score more victories.
Chicago will face a stiff challenge against Philadelphia in their next two games.
But if they stick to their game, the 76ers will also bow down to their might.
NEXT: What Went Wrong For The Bulls And Lauri Markkanen
