Jalen Brunson, Knicks Ripped by NBA Twitter for Blowing Late Lead vs. Bulls
Dec 24, 2022
Chicago Bulls' DeMar DeRozan, third from right,, reacts after hitting the winning basket during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the New York Knicks, Friday, Dec. 23, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
The New York Knicks were tied with or leading the Chicago Bulls for all but four-tenths of a second in the second half Friday.
However, that's all the Bulls needed as DeMar DeRozan knocked down the game-winning jumper in the final second to lead his team to a 118-117 road win over the Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
It was a devastating loss for the Knicks, who wasted a season-high 44 points from RJ Barrett and a 29-point, 12-rebound outing from Julius Randle. The Knicks have dropped to 18-15 with their second consecutive loss after an eight-game winning streak.
This was a tough offensive night for Jalen Brunson, who shot 5-of-15 en route to 12 points. He dished out nine assists but also missed three of his four free throws, including a pair with 6.1 seconds remaining while the Knicks were up 117-116. DeRozan played some mind games with the 89.1 percent free-throw shooter beforehand.
DeRozan tried getting in Brunson's head to ice the game 🍿
Brunson went to the line with the Knicks up 117-116 and missed both FTs 😬 https://t.co/tkPv7x9lSK
Regardless of whether that had an effect on Brunson, the Knicks didn't make enough stops or shots down the stretch to win.
Quentin Grimes also missed a pair of free throws when the Knicks were up 115-112 a minute earlier. He shot just 3-of-11 from the field and served as the primary defender on DeRozan on the last shot after a switch. Guarding DeRozan in the mid-range is tough for anyone, though, and the longtime NBA veteran got the job done.
Brunson and Grimes have both played pivotal roles in helping the Knicks turn their season around after a sluggish 10-13 start, with the former arguably serving as the team's MVP this year after signing as a free agent from the Dallas Mavericks.
Still, this was a tough loss to stomach. NBA Twitter took notice, with some fans lamenting the loss and Brunson's late-game performance and others looking at the bigger picture.
Jalen Brunson shocked me tonight. He crumbled under pressure. That better be an anomaly
#Knicks fans turning on Brunson already, they turn on any1 that’s not a draft pick of theirs then wonder why no star wants to play for them. If I was a NBA star I’d love to come here sparingly, drop 40-50 +win, just to stick it to the most toxic NBA fan base. #antiknickstwitter
Knicks handed the bulls that game, disgusting late game execution, 11 missed freethrows, 4 consecutive missed freethrows with under a minute to go, a missed defensive rebound with seconds to go that lead to a layup. They lost this game 3 times. 18-15 got to win on Xmas
The Knicks will stay home to host the Philadelphia 76ers on Christmas Day at noon ET.
Teams Are Watching the Bulls—and Zach LaVine—Closely Ahead of the Trade Deadline
Dec 21, 2022
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 18: Zach LaVine #8 of the Chicago Bulls looks on against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the third quarter of the game at Target Center on December 18, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Bulls 150-126. 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 David Berding/Getty Images)
For a moment, everything clicked for the Chicago Bulls in their 113-103 win Tuesday night over the Heat in Miami. The team's three stars combined for 74 points, almost as if news of on-court frustrations between stars hadn't engulfed the franchise earlier in the day.
But ending a four-game losing streak with a win over a Miami team missing Jimmy Butler and Kyle Lowry will only go so far in healing a fractured franchise.
The dysfunction remains, and teams are looking closely at the Bulls as a potential seller ahead of the February 9 trade deadline. While some think DeMar DeRozan or Nikola Vučević could become available, recent events raise the possibility that LaVine may want out.
The Bulls (12-18) remain half a game outside the play-in tournament. A string of wins might get Chicago as far as a first-round series against the Milwaukee Bucks or Boston Celtics.
Most executives polled believe a teardown is the way to go in theory, but in the same breath aren't convinced Chicago has the appetite for one.
"The right basketball move is accepting a rebuild, but I don't know that they're willing to do that," one Eastern Conference executive said. "They [face] the sunken-cost fallacy that they gave up Wendell Carter Jr., Franz Wagner (No. 8 in 2021) and this year's pick for Vučević. I don't think they feel like they can justify what they should do, and instead will try to [retool]."
The Athletic's Shams Charania and Darnell Mayberry gave a glimpse at the internal dysfunction centered around LaVine and DeRozan not seeing eye-to-eye, including a note about "one-on-one, face-to-face sitdowns between DeRozan and LaVine."
Inside the Chicago Bulls' concerning dynamics, the franchise and Zach LaVine not seeing eye-to-eye, and the organization's efforts to manage the on-court disconnect with LaVine and DeMar DeRozan — with @DarnellMayberry at @TheAthletic:https://t.co/k5dz1z00q8
The players can downplay the friction, as they did to K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports after last night's game, but their play together over the coming weeks will dictate how the front office proceeds.
Multiple sources took the Athletic story, told from a very LaVine-centric point of view, as an effort by his representation to get the two-time All-Star moved to a new home.
"LaVine never chose Chicago. He was traded there and had his offer sheet [from the Sacramento Kings in 2018] matched," one NBA source said. "He wasn't going to turn away $215 million from the Bulls. No one else had that kind of money to offer."
"Zach's contract was one of those deals that immediately became an eyesore the moment he signed it. He's just not that healthy," the source continued. "I don't know that the Bulls have a real market for him."
Through 26 games, LaVine is averaging 21.7 points on 44.5 percent from the field and 36.5 percent from three-point range—his lowest output dating back to the 2017-18 season.
The guard joined Klutch Sports Group in 2021, which naturally raises the specter of the struggling Los Angeles Lakers making a bid for the star. The Lakers could make a pitch for LaVine and Vučević for Russell Westbrook and 1-2 future first-round picks as compensation.
Many around the league are worried about LaVine's health. He overcame his 2017 ACL injury but underwent offseason arthroscopic surgery last offseason, leading to a few missed games "of scheduled maintenance," per The Athletic.
It's enough to give teams pause, but if Anthony Davis isn't out for too long with a foot injury, the Lakers could be willing to take the risk given their struggles in the Western Conference.
Los Angeles has long monitored the Chicago situation, with DeRozan and Vučević potential targets. LaVine, 27, is a better shooter than DeRozan to complement LeBron James. But would L.A. take on that money even if Klutch urged the move?
Contract and health aside, LaVine would complement the Lakers' two stars with his shooting ability. Both he and DeRozan can score, but LaVine is the better outside shooter.
Not many teams would consider taking on a player dealing with knee issues on such a massive contract. Multiple NBA sources struggled to come up with market value given the circumstances. The same sources agreed if there's a price no one else would pay, the Lakers might be willing, though one didn't think the Buss family would consider that large a contract.
Of course, that speculation could easily be moot. As one agent declared, "[Bulls chairperson Jerry] Reinsdorf isn't helping the Lakers."
If LaVine wants out, Reinsdorf and the Bulls have no obligation to honor any request.
Bulls Have Yet to Shop Their Best Players
The buzz circling the NBA's Winter Showcase in Las Vegas, with most front offices in attendance, is that the Bulls have yet to shop their best players.
DeRozan, 33, is under contract at $27.3 million (with another season at $28.6 million.) Vučević, 32, is an expiring $22.0 million but could be open to an extend-and-trade in the right situation.
While DeRozan has dipped from last year's career-high 27.9 points a game, he's still at 25.9 while actually shooting a slightly improved 50.7 percent from the field (his three-point shooting is down from 35.2 percent to 30.2, but he has never been a prolific outside shooter). DeRozan is older than LaVine, but his contract is nowhere near the same commitment.
At this early stage, finding viable Chicago partners is purely speculation but worthwhile, given the likelihood. For DeRozan, would the Bulls take on Evan Fournier's $18.9 million for 2023-24 if the New York Knicks offered enough young players (Obi Toppin, Immanuel Quickley, Cam Reddish, etc.) and/or draft compensation?
What about Vučević? Would teams like the Dallas Mavericks, Toronto Raptors or Portland Trail Blazers go after the veteran center?
Outside of the Lakers' interest and given each player's age, the Bulls may not find enough of a return to justify a change of direction.
Advantage of Blowing It Up
The Bulls owe their first-round pick to the Magic for Vučević with top-4 protection. It may already be too late, barring extreme lottery luck, but Chicago can still get in range of the Detroit Pistons (8-25), Charlotte Hornets (8-23) and Houston Rockets (9-21). With players like Victor Wembanyama and Scoot Henderson bringing extraordinary hype to the top of the lottery, this is a good year to have a top pick.
Losing the pick would be a tough pill to swallow regardless, especially if the Bulls don't re-sign Vučević.
"Even if he's coming back at a good price, they shouldn't reinvest in a losing combination [of players]," an NBA source said.
Of course, if they blow it up, tank and the lottery isn't kind, then re-signing Vučević would still be a tough sell for the front office to make to Reinsdorf.
"What they have doesn't work. They went all-in on it, and I don't think small moves change anything for the team," an NBA source said. "They may just be stuck."
"The Bulls looked great to start last season until Lonzo got hurt. He's so critical to that team; they haven't been the same since," a different Eastern Conference executive said.
Ball's status, like the Bulls' path to contention, remains uncertain. Chicago has until February 9 to decide if there's a fix. By then, the chance of keeping this year's pick may be close to nil.
DeMar DeRozan on Bulls' LaVine Argument: 'Frustration Kicks in' When Things Go Wrong
Dec 21, 2022
ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 11: Zach LaVine #8 speaks with DeMar DeRozan #11 of the Chicago Bulls prior to the game against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on December 11, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
As details continue to emerge regarding a locker room confrontation among Chicago Bulls players, star shooting guard DeMar DeRozan offered his perspective on the situation.
K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports reported that "multiple teammates directed frustration at Zach LaVine" during a "strong exchange" at halftime of Sunday's 150-136 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times reported that there was an additional confrontation after the loss.
After snapping a four-game losing streak with a 113-103 win over the Miami Heat on Tuesday, DeRozan told reporters he believes the exchange was healthy for the Bulls.
"It'd be a problem if we didn't have any aggressive confrontation. It ain't like nobody threw blows or chairs or anything," DeRozan said. "To have any type of confrontation is just a true sign of a competitor. When you want to win, and things aren't going right, frustration kicks in."
Earlier on Tuesday, The Athletic's Shams Charania and Darnell Mayberry reported that LaVine and the Bulls "are not seeing eye to eye." The report also stated, "there's been a palpable feeling across various parts of the franchise of a disconnect over LaVine's situation in Chicago."
The Bulls signed the two-time All-Star to a five-year, $215 million max contract extension over the summer, but the 2022-23 season has not gone the way they'd hoped. Chicago is just 12-18 after Tuesday's win over Miami and sits in 11th place in the Eastern Conference.
However, to DeRozan's point, the confrontation on Sunday may benefit the Bulls in the long run. Chicago put forth one of its better offensive performances of the season on Tuesday, with Nikola Vučević (29 points), DeRozan (24) and LaVine (21) all shooting over 50 percent from the field in the victory.
The Bulls will look to carry that winning formula into Wednesday's road matchup against the Atlanta Hawks (16-15).
Report: Bulls Players 'Directed Frustration' at Zach LaVine During Halftime Exchange
Dec 20, 2022
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 18: Zach LaVine #8 of the Chicago Bulls looks on against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the third quarter of the game at Target Center on December 18, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Bulls 150-126. 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 David Berding/Getty Images)
During the Chicago Bulls' 150-136 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday, "multiple teammates directed frustration at Zach LaVine" during a "strong exchange" at halftime, according to K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago.
Johnson asked Bulls head coach Billy Donovan about the confrontation, and he said "confrontation is healthy" and that players holding each other accountable is a "good thing."
According to Joe Cowley, another confrontation occurred after the game.
The Athletic added in its report that "there's been a palpable feeling across various parts of the franchise of a disconnect over LaVine's situation in Chicago."
At this time last season, things were going well for Chicago as the Bulls were the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. This season, the team is 11th in the conference with an 11-18 record and appears far from contending with the best of the best.
LaVine spoke to The Athletic about the report and the growing frustration within the team:
"I think everybody goes through ups and downs, just like every team does. Obviously if we're not winning games, not everybody's going to be happy. It's not going to look as good as it was before. It's all glitter and show when you're winning games. But when you're losing games and you're trying to do the same things it's turmoil. Everybody has their right to their own opinion. For me, I keep my head down. I work on my game and try to help my team. I help try to lead the team. That's where I stand. I just try to take it day by day and evaluate how we're doing."
LaVine entered the 2022-23 campaign coming off back-to-back All-Star Game selections, but he hasn't lived up to the hype this season, with his numbers down across the board. Through 25 games, he's averaging 21.8 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists while shooting 44.3 percent from the floor and 36.5 percent from deep.
After signing a five-year, $215 million max deal over the summer, the 27-year-old was expected to perform far better this year.
The Bulls have had a number of team meetings "to try and work out their issues," according to The Athletic, and that has also included one-on-one meetings between LaVine and DeMar DeRozan, who have experienced an on-court disconnect this year.
Chicago revolves around the play of LaVine and DeRozan, and if they aren't jiving on the court, then the Bulls have little chance of finding success. If the duo can figure out what the issue is quickly, then the Bulls will have a much better chance of becoming a playoff team.
NBA Rumors: Zach LaVine, Bulls 'Not Seeing Eye to Eye; 'Palpable' Disconnect Felt
Dec 20, 2022
Chicago Bulls' Zach LaVine waits for play to resume during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the New York Knicks Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
All is not well in the Windy City. Namely, between Zach LaVine and the Chicago Bulls.
Amid the team's surprising 11-18 season, Shams Charania and Darnell Mayberry of The Athletic reported Tuesday that "multiple league sources and sources close to the organization say LaVine and the Bulls are not seeing eye to eye. Over the past few weeks, there's been a palpable feeling across various parts of the franchise of a disconnect over LaVine's situation in Chicago."
Charania and Mayberry added the Bulls have held "have held multiple team meetings to try to work out their issues, and that has included one-on-one, face-to-face sitdowns" with LaVine and DeMar DeRozan.
Per that report, LaVine and DeRozan have maintained a strong personal relationship, but on the court a level of "stylistic tension" has been palpable.
LaVine told Sharania and Mayberry:
"There's a certain level of frustration in people trying to figure out what we can do to help right the ship. I think with the players that we have, we try to put it on each other to right the ship. We have those type of guys, those type of mentalities where each of us have been number one options on a team before and then we all come together collectively. It's not going to take one person. It's going to take all of us as a unit. I think that's what guys are trying to figure out how to help the group."
Some of those issues may have carried over from last season. The Bulls were fantastic to start the year and headed into the All-Star break in a tie atop the Eastern Conference at 38-21.
But something shifted down the stretch, and the Bulls limped to an 8-15 record to finish the regular season. That dropped them from the top of the Eastern Conference to the No. 6 seed, and they were promptly dismissed by the Milwaukee Bucks in five games during the opening round of the playoffs.
Like last season, DeRozan has emerged as the team's leading scorer (25.9 PPG). But LaVine has seen a slight dip in just about every statistical category from a season ago, and his 21.8 points per game represents his lowest scoring average since the 2017-18 season, his first with the Bulls.
The Bulls have actually outscored their opponents by 3.6 points per 100 possessions with LaVine off the court, per NBA.com, but have been outscored by 5.3 points per 100 possessions while he's played. That's a concerning trend for a star player.
They also have a negative net rating when DeRozan plays (-0.6), though they've been actively worse (-4.6 net rating) when he sits.
"We've got to get out of the mindset of worrying about scoring and how's it going offensively and realize the ball scores," head coach Billy Donovan told reporters Sunday. "And if the ball's moved and passed whoever scores, scores."
Something is amiss in Chicago. The Bulls have too much talent to struggle to this degree. Unless the team learns how to operate as a unit, it's going to be a long season.
Zach LaVine Says Bulls Are 'Embarrassed' After 4th Straight Loss, Wolves Dropping 150
Dec 19, 2022
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 18: Zach LaVine #8 of the Chicago Bulls stands on the court before the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on December 18, 2022 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
Chicago Bulls star Zach LaVine gave an honest assessment of the team after the 150-126 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves:
Zach LaVine following the Bulls’ fourth-straight loss, which dropped them to 11-18: “It’s frustrating for all of us. I know it’s frustrating for the fans. It’s embarrassing. We’re all a little embarrassed about it.” pic.twitter.com/3eU6dniY4i
"It's tough, especially when things are going bad," LaVine said. "Even when you try to do something good, it goes bad."
The Bulls defense has been a major issue lately, and Minnesota set a franchise record for points in a game on Sunday. Anthony Edwards led the way with 37 points as the Timberwolves shot 65.5 percent from the field and 23-of-43 from three-point range.
With its fourth straight loss, Chicago fell to 11-18 on the season.
A year after finishing sixth in the Eastern Conference, the Bulls are now in 11th place. They would miss even the play-in tournament based on the current standings.
The Bulls clearly need to turn things around in a hurry, but LaVine doesn't appear to have any answers amid the current struggles.
Two months into the 2022-23 NBA season, the Chicago Bulls are already veering toward a crossroads. They still have time to salvage their campaign, of course,...
NBA Rumors: Bulls Believe in Playoff Push If Healthy amid DeMar DeRozan Trade Buzz
Dec 15, 2022
CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 14: DeMar DeRozan #11 of the Chicago Bulls prepares to shoot a free throw during the game against the New York Knicks on December 14, 2022 at United Center in Chicago, Illinois. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Chicago Bulls are not yet ready to be sellers despite an 11-16 start to the season.
"Chicago officials have told inquiring teams they believe they can make the playoffs when healthy," Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports reported.
Rival teams are still "closely monitoring" the Bulls if they become sellers ahead of the Feb. 9 trade deadline.
ESPN's Zach Lowe reported on the Lowe Post podcast that the Los Angeles Lakers have had discussions about potential trades for DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vučević.
One key for the Bulls is the health of Lonzo Ball, who is yet to play this season as he recovers from a knee injury. The guard is still apparently a way away from getting back onto the court.
"We're not close to running or cutting or contact," head coach Billy Donovan said last month.
If Ball doesn't progress and the Bulls continue to fall down the standings, it could be time for the organization to start looking at a rebuild.
Vučević is set to become a free agent in the offseason, but the squad could get a solid return in a trade before the deadline. The two-time All-Star center remains productive while averaging 16.3 points and 10.6 rebounds per game, which would be his fifth straight season averaging a double-double.
DeRozan could be in even higher demand while averaging 26.2 points per game in 2022-23. The five-time All-Star was an MVP candidate early last season, but the Bulls' struggles could make him expendable before becoming a free agent in 2024.
Zach LaVine remains the team's face of the franchise and is under contract through 2026-27, while Chicago can rebuild around Patrick Williams and Ayo Dosunmu.
Bulls Ripped by Fans, NBA Twitter for OT Performance in Loss vs. Knicks
Dec 15, 2022
CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 14: Chicago Bulls Forward Patrick Williams (44) guards New York Knicks Forward Julius Randle (30) during a NBA game between the New York Knicks and the Chicago Bulls on December 14, 2022 at the United Center in Chicago, IL. (Photo by Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The Chicago Bulls fought to force overtime against the New York Knicks on Wednesday at United Center, but an ugly OT performance resulted in Billy Donovan's squad losing 128-120.
With the game tied at 117 after four quarters, the Bulls managed to score just three points in overtime. DeMar DeRozan made the team's only two-point bucket in OT. Zach LaVine added the third on a free throw.
DeRozan was Chicago's best player in the loss, finishing with 32 points, five rebounds, two assists and two blocks in 40 minutes.
Perimeter defense and rebounding were big reasons why the Bulls fell to the Knicks. New York shot 52.9 percent from beyond the arc and hauled in 48 rebounds compared to Chicago's 31 rebounds.
Additionally, the Bulls were terrible on the offensive glass, grabbing just three rebounds.
It's been a tough season for the Bulls, who dropped to 11-16 with the loss, but their overtime performance had NBA Twitter calling for the franchise to either make a trade to improve or to just rebuild.
The Bulls are now 3-11 in clutch games after tonight's 128-120 loss to the Knicks.
11 of their 16 losses have come in games in which they were five points or closer in the final five minutes. Brutal.
Knicks are one of the worst 3 point shooting teams in the league & they go 18-34 tonight. Bulls struggled to get decent shots in overtime with Thibs’ guys turning up the defensive pressure in halfcourt sets, Another “clutch” game loss.
After finishing sixth in the Eastern Conference last season with a 46-36 record, Chicago has taken an unexpected step backward, and it has a lot to figure out moving forward.
It's worth mentioning that Lonzo Ball has yet to play this season while recovering from a knee injury, but it's hard to imagine things would get drastically better with his return. Furthermore, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported Wednesday that there are "no guarantees" the point guard even returns this season.
The Bulls and Knicks will meet again on Friday for a rematch before Chicago travels to face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday.
