After the Bulls were humiliated in Boston by the defending champs on Friday, they rebounded and won despite being shorthanded over the Jazz. In fact, this has become a bit of a pattern for the Bulls. In the last six games, they have gone 3-3, winning one, losing one. Their inability to keep a streak going has belied the fact that they are playing good basketball.
In the past five games, they are the third best team in the league offensively. They are averaging 108 points a game, including a shooting almost 80 percent from the line. Ben Gordon is in the top 20 in the NBA for scoring with 21.1 points per game. Pulling out a win in overtime over the Clippers showed that the Bulls are capable of playing well in pressure situations. Rookie sensation Derrick Rose has contributed more than just his usual scoring as he has also dished out 28 assists in the past five games.
All of this makes their lack of a winning streak more dumbfounding. Part of it has to do with the fact that they faced a very hot Boston team who some are saying could reach the vaunted 70-win mark. Another part was that the Bulls received a very questionable call that changed the momentum of the overtime loss to Charlotte. Throw in some injuries and you can see why the Chicago's record stands at 13-14.
If the Bulls are real contenders for a playoff spot, they will have the chance to show it in the next week. Their four game road trip will take them through Detroit, Miami, Atlanta and New Jersey before returning home to play the Orlando Magic on New Year's Eve.
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