3 takeaways from the Chicago Bulls’ 113-104 road loss against the Toronto Raptors

The second quarter, turnovers and rebounding cost the Bulls in their 113-104 loss against the Raptors.

After leading by six points early in the fourth quarter, the Raptors outscored the Bulls 30-15 to win the game 113-104 behind 30 points and 11 assists from Fred VanVleet.

In the second quarter, turnovers, and rebounding cost the Bulls this game. DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 20 points and Nikola Vucevic added 18 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists in the loss.

The Raptors dominate the turnovers and offensive glass

The Raptors were too energetic with too much length for the Bulls to handle. The Bulls were off to a fast start, but the Raptors ended the first half on a 32-13 run.

VanVleet caught fire, scoring 15 points with five assists, while the Raptors’ defense limited DeRozan to just six points in the first half and forced the Bulls to turn the ball over nine times (six in the second quarter).

The Bulls battled back by making quick reads/decisions against the defense, but the Raptors played well down the stretch and secured the win. Chicago finished the game with 17 turnovers, which proved to be a big problem this game.

The Raptors outrebounded the Bulls 54-46; they had 23 offensive rebounds and outscored them 62-38 in the paint. Christian Koloko was the X-factor for the Raptors with seven rebounds and six blocks to go along with 11 points.

Raptors’ double-teams did their job against DeRozan

DeRozan scored his 20 points on 7-of-9 shooting, tying his single-game low for field goal attempts since joining the Bulls (he also attempted nine field goals against the Cavaliers on October 22).

O.G. Anunoby played out of his mind. He had 22 points with six rebounds, three assists, and three steals, and he was everywhere defensively. Anunoby had help, but he did a great job as the primary defender on DeRozan.

The Bulls lacked firepower and aggressiveness

The Bulls went to the free-throw line 13 times and it’s hard to win many games like this. Just DeRozan, Caruso, Derrick Jones Jr., and Javonte Green shot free throws. DeRozan attempted six of the Bulls’ 13 shots at the charity stripe.

The Bulls missed Zach LaVine, Coby White, and Andre Drummond back. LaVine is not at 100 percent, but it’s hard to replicate what he brings to the table, and White and Drummond add depth and offense off the bench, which helps against athletic teams with a strong defense like the Raptors.