Milwaukee Bucks: 3 things to watch for in season series finale against Bulls

Milwaukee Bucks: 3 things to watch for in season series finale versus Chicago Bulls

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - NOVEMBER 14: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks works against Lauri Markkanen #24 of the Chicago Bulls during the first half at Fiserv Forum on November 14, 2019 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

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CHICAGO, IL – JANUARY 18: (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Running with the Bulls

Chicago is coming off an impressive 118-116 comeback win over the Cleveland Cavaliers Saturday night, a game that saw the Bulls came back from a 19-point deficit midway through the third quarter.

Bulls guard Zach LaVine led the comeback on his way to having a 42-point performance, 21 of which came during the final decisive quarter. Perhaps that could be the showing that will vault LaVine’s very public All-Star push over the line over the next couple of weeks.

Even so, the Bulls’ inconsistencies remain into the new year and they’re 3-6 through their first nine games in 2020. And it’s been on the defensive end where they’ve started to slip considerably, even as they rank eighth in defensive efficiency on the season.

For January, the Bulls’ defense has allowed 113 points per 100 possessions and their 57.1 opponent effective field goal percentage is the second-worst mark in the league. Only the New York Knicks rank worse in that department this month.

And with versatile defensive big man Wendell Carter Jr. recently suffering a sprained ankle that could keep him out for up to six weeks, the Bulls’ defense may continue to be an issue for Boylen and co.

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