© Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports
What we learned from the Chicago Bulls' close win over the Utah Jazz
The Chicago Bulls pulled off yet another close victory, prevailing over the Utah Jazz, 119-117, on Wednesday at the Delta Center. Here are a couple of things worth discussing from the pulse-pounding affair.
Bulls are thriving in the clutch
The Bulls didn’t plan this outcome, but they’ll take the victory however possible. After opening this road trip with a come-from-behind win over the Sacramento Kings, the Bulls got another clutch victory—their league-leading 21st of the season.
Bulls coach Billy Donovan was less than pleased with how Chicago went about their business against a Jazz squad without All-Star Lauri Markannen and promising center Walker Kessler.
The Bulls led by as many as 12 points in the third but sputtered in the fourth, committing one silly turnover after another that allowed the Jazz to retake the lead with under two minutes left.
"We certainly made it that way," Donovan said, referring to the match's “clutch” nature. Clutch games are defined as those within five points in the final five minutes of regulation.
Bulls’ backcourt is flourishing
Coby White’s shooting slump is officially over. After registering a career-high 37 points against the Kings, he had 25 against the Jazz, making 7-of-11 from long range. His backcourt mate, Ayo Dosunmu, was equally effective, tallying a season-high nine assists. The two have forged quite the connection lately, with Dosunmu constantly finding White for open shots and setting up his drives to the rim.
"I thought Ayo was really good," Donovan said.
"He just competes. He doesn't get rattled. He keeps his composure."
