These appreciation threads are all fine and good, but no one’s talking about Batum or his inconsistency, so I guess that’s a good thing?
17 pts 8 reb 3 ast 5 stl 1 blk only 2 turnovers and 2 PFs.
Yes Deng has 15/14, but he only added 1 stl, no assists, no blocks, and 3 turnovers. And in the pivotal 3rd quarter, Deng turned the ball over twice with Nic on him and did not score. When Batum switched to Rose, Rose did not score again the rest of the quarter either, and Chicago became a turnover machine. The Blazers had made up 15 points in 9 minutes as Batum came out for a rest.
Batum makes deep pass into LA that forced Noah to intentionally foul. LA makes 2 FTs.
Rose hits a 3 at 10:20 with Dame struggling, chasing Rose around double picks. (his only pts of the qtr.)
Nic almost gets an offensive rebound, just off his fingers.
Batum misses a decent look at a 3.
Batum steals from Rose.
Batum swing pass to Dame for an open 3(miss)
Batum drives down the middle of the lane, kicks to Lillard for an open corner 3 (make)
Bulls need a Time out. Batum guards Rose out of the timeout.
Batum misses a jumper for 2
Deng on a fast break, Batum is the only one back, draws an offensive foul.
Turn over Batum, Lopez can’t handle the pass. Rose picks up the steal.
Ball deflected by Lillard, Batum secures the deflection.
Batum hits a jumper (2pts)
Batum switches to guard Rose.
LA blocks Rose, Batum get the rebound.
Boozer turns the ball over, Nico rushes to the side line to and signals the official to ball hurry and get him the ball, Chicago is slow to get back, which leads to Matthews getting a near open lay-up.
Batum contests a Rose 3 (miss)
Batum switches to Deng. Deng makes a bad pass that Wes picks off.
Batum intercepts entry pass to Rose who cut to the rim, and Rose leg buckles as he turns to head back
Nic leaves the game as the game is tied and Gibson goes to shoot free throws.(3 min left in the 3rd)
Batum was aggressive, looking for his shot, and playing excellent lock down defense. So while Lopez and Matthews were fantastic, Batum was just as much a part of this win. Same goes for LA and Dame, who struggled to make shots, but stayed engaged on defense and never gave up looking to get their shot going. This was a very solid team win.
Earl freaking Watson anyone? So deep! lol
