Game Report- Bulls @ Raptors

Bulls 96, Raptors 80.

The Raptors missed an opportunity to move to .500 through 10 games for the first time since the 2009-2010 season, dropping to a 96-80 defeat to the Chicago. In yet another piece of compelling evidence to suggest that the Raptors are the most inconsistent team in the NBA, the Bulls suffocating defense limited the Raps to 29/82 shooting from the field, as the Raptors lacked the same energy that saw them crush the Grizzlies.

The Chicago big men of Joakim Noah and Carlos Boozer were always likely to be a class above their Raptors opponents, and showed this early on both ends of the floor. The tight Chicago D, combined with their crisp mid-range shooting allowed the Bulls to race to a double-digit lead. Off the back of his efficient 23 points against Memphis, Rudy Gay was constantly targeted with the double-team, and this highlighted Toronto's early offensive struggles. 27-16 Bulls.

Dwane Casey, clearly fed up with his starters, turned to an all-sub lineup to start the second, including seemingly rare minutes for Steve Novak. The Chicago lead ballooned out to 19, with Toronto flat on both ends. While Toronto had started the game as slight betting favourites, the well-drilled Bulls showed, again, that the Raptors are not at a playoff level of ball. Rudy Gay and Jonas Valanciunas both made dunks in the late in the half, and, combined with a lift on the defensive end, cut the lead to 12, highlighting that when switched on defensively, the Raptors can take it to top teams for periods of time. 45-31 Bulls.

The offensive struggles continued to start the third, and Chicago quickly killed the game, racing to a 25 point advantage. With the turnover count soaring (15 for the game), bench players Tyler Hansbrough and Quincy Acy brought their usual fight and energy, and along with Demar DeRozan, were the only players who looked desperate to fight their way back into the game. DeRozan hit a pair of three-pointers late, bringing his tally to 15 for the quarter. 74-54 Bulls.

At this point, the only entertainment left in the game was a red-hot DeRozan, who kept rolling in the final quarter, sinking another two three-pointers to provide a tiny ray of hope to the large Air Canada Centre crowd. While unable to make inroads on the defensive end, with all Bulls' starters scoring double-figure points, DeRozan continued to entertain, making a number of impressive plays, including a nasty jam over Joakim Noah. While DeRozan finished with 37 point, from 13/22 shooting, the Raptors couldn't pull the Bulls lead back, with Luol Deng's 19 points and Noah's 18 carrying the Bulls to the victory. 96-80 Bulls.

The Raptors came out with a point to prove two nights before against the Grizzlies, but lacked the same passion and energy against Chicago. A well-drilled, professional team such as the Bulls will always punish a team that thinks they can have a night off and still get the victory. 

PLAYER VOTES
3 votes- Demar DeRozan (37pts, 13/22FGs). An entertaining performance from DeRozan, who highlighted that when his shots are falling, he can be a dynamic offensive threat. This type of game is unfortunately rare from Demar currently, but credit where it's due, he was sensational in a game where essentially nobody else seemed to bother trying.

2 votes- Tyler Hansbrough (6pts, 5rebs). This is truly by default, but just on sheer effort, Tyler was the second best Raptor tonight. While only given twenty minutes, Tyler brought his usual fight to the glass on both ends.

1 vote- Rudy Gay (20pts, 7/15FGs, 9rebs). Rudy's numbers flattered him tonight, with him making no real impact on the ballgame. As highlighted on the coverage by Jack Armstrong, opposition teams know to get hands on the ball to halt Rudy's drives to the basket, and combined with 4 turnovers, this was what tainted Rudy's performance tonight.

Next- Blazers @ Raptors, 17th November.