The hope is Saturday was Step 1 — the first sign that the work in practices and shootarounds actually shows up when it counts.
Considering how the Bulls’ season has gone, hope is about all vice president of basketball operations John Paxson has left.
Paxson spoke individually to a handful of media outlets before the Bulls’ 109-106 victory against the undermanned Clippers, and his main concern was the players’ grasp of the offensive system that was implemented at the start of the season.
“Where I probably underestimated things is when you do have a new way of playing, new staff — even though Jim [Boylen] coached for [58 games last season] — and we brought in [assistant coaches] Chris Fleming and Roy Rogers, the system itself has been harder for guys to grasp. And to be honest with you, that’s probably normal for younger players to play a certain way.
“What I hope to see is our guys playing with more confidence and more instincts. My reference point is when I played, and we got the triangle [offense]. When we started running that, it wasn’t instinctual right off the bat. That’s a problem, and we had a veteran group of guys. This is a younger group of guys, so that’s where I underestimated probably. I thought it would be a little easier transition for these guys to grasp it and get it out there on the game floor.’’
They seemed to grasp something on Saturday. The Clippers (20-8) were without Patrick Beverley, Lou Williams and Kawhi Leonard, but the Bulls (10-18) still considered it an important game. Any game is important when you’re struggling.
At least the two players considered the foundation pieces played like it was more than just Game 28.
Zach LaVine continued his stellar play of the last few weeks, scoring 31 points, including the go-ahead basket with two seconds left. With the game tied and Paul George shadowing him, LaVine drove baseline, was fouled and made the layup. He then sank the free throw.
After a George miss at the horn, it was all over.
Lauri Markkanen — the other key piece to the rebuild — finished with 13 points and 17 rebounds. It isn’t often that they actually perform well in the same game, but it has been trending in that direction lately.
Boylen’s reaction
After the victory, Boylen was asked about Paxson’s supportive comments regarding his job security.
“To be honest with you, I wouldn’t expect anything less from John,’’ Boylen said. “We understand what we’re trying to do. We’re in step on what we’re asking our guys to do and play like and work like and care like. I wouldn’t expect anything less. I’m thankful for it, but I wouldn’t expect anything less.’’
This and that
Second-year forward Chandler Hutchison (right shoulder) continued taking steps forward in his rehab, putting up shots Saturday afternoon, Boylen said. He’s still not taking contact in practices, but the hope is that will start soon.
† Rookie Daniel Gafford was held out of the game because of tightness in his right hamstring.
