|
However, this isn't the same Chicago team that has come to
Colorado in recent history. The additions of Alex Caruso, Lonzo
Ball and DeMar DeRozan -- as well as the continue ascent of Zach
LaVine -- have made Chicago a formidable opponent.
The Bulls will need everyone if they are going to stop a 13-game
losing streak in Denver and a nine-game overall losing streak to
the Nuggets. The last time they beat Denver was Dec. 2, 2015.
The current Chicago team, led by LaVine and DeRozan, has been a
surprise to some in the Eastern Conference.
DeRozan is 32 and should be starting to decline, but he is
averaging 26.6 points a game -- the most since he averaged 27.3
for Toronto in 2016-17. DeRozan is motivated to quiet critics.
"People saying I was washed up the last few years, the narrative
of (I) won't fit (with the Bulls)," DeRozan said. "I can find
all types of chips that I use that are my motivation. The hours
I put in during the offseason. I can go down the list. Just
being counted out, being looked over -- so many chips on my
shoulder that I carry."
He has been impressive on the current road trip, scoring 35 and
38 in back-to-back games against the Clippers and Lakers in Los
Angeles.
DeRozan's play has helped make up for the absence of Nikola
Vucevic, who is away from the team after testing positive for
COVID-19.
The Bulls will face a Denver team that is playing a second
consecutive night and has lost two straight, including a 103-89
setback to the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday.
The Nuggets had won five straight before losing at Dallas on
Monday night, and the defeat to the Sixers ended a six-game home
winning streak.
Denver has been one of the better defensive teams this season
but in the past two games has allowed an average of 107 points.
On Thursday night, the Nuggets' bench, which has played better
after a rough start, was ineffective. Denver led by one early in
the second quarter but fell behind by double digits with the
reserves in and never recovered.
The silver lining was the return of Will Barton, who had missed
two games with lower back tightness. But Michael Porter Jr. is
still out with lower back soreness.
Add to those injury woes the fact that Monte Morris has been
dealing with a leg injury for a few weeks. He said Wednesday he
is feeling better and is able to do more in practice.
"I've been getting treatment and just playing in games. I'm
starting to feel better," said Morris, who has not missed a game
this season. "Been able to play without pain and stuff like
that."
--Field Level Media
[© 2021 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.] Copyright 2021 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content. |
|
