Fast Response: Raptors 97, Bulls 111 – Raptors Republic

B+

O.Anunoby39 MIN, 13 PTS, 4 REB, 1 AST, 3 STL, 4-12 FG, 0-2 3FG, 5-7 FT, 0 BLK, 4 TO, -12 +/-

The NBA steals leader continued his dominance on the defensive side of the ball that night, grazing the ball three times, doing an excellent job closing the ball and making it difficult for the Bulls. He had a few wide open looks that missed the target, but he didn’t hurt his team on offense at all. OG has been one of the best defensemen in the NBA this season, tonight was another excellent performance this side of the ball.

B-

S.Barnes30 MIN, 5 PTS, 6 REB, 5 AST, 0 STL, 2-9 FG, 0-2 3FG, 1-2 FT, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 6 +/-

When Alex Caruso arrived at the United Center tonight, he probably wasn’t ready to have his soul eaten. But going 1:05 into the first half was exactly what Scottie Barnes was hungry for. As Barnes rounded the corner and raced toward the trophy, the second year flicked Caruso off his hip like a fly, crowning him and Vuecevic in the process. Somewhere in the roof beams of the building, Chuck Swirsky could be heard screaming, “That was sick, nasty, and nasty.”

B-

C. Colombo21 MIN, 5 PTS, 3 REB, 1 AST, 0 STL, 2-8 FG, 0-1 3FG, 1-2 FT, 1 BLK, 2 TO, 4 +/-

Koloko ran aggressively for the rim tonight and rose to the challenge when he had to stay ahead of Chicago’s perimeter ball handlers. However, he’s still such a raw product, and it shows in his often rash decision-making.

A-

G. Trent Jr.33 MIN, 19 PTS, 3 REB, 4 AST, 3 STL, 7-12 FG, 2-4 3FG, 3-3 FT, 1 BLK, 2 TO, -2 +/-

Gary played well tonight. His shooting kept his team in the game during stretches when Chicago was keen to put runners-up on the score. Trent didn’t try to overdo it, something he often falls victim to when his team needs to score. He let his game come to him and it showed.

A

F. VanVleet34 MIN, 27 PTS, 3 REB, 4 AST, 2 STL, 10-19 FG, 6-10 3FG, 1-1 FT, 2 BLK, 2 TO, -8 +/-

With the best Raptors player in street clothes, FVV made it clear that this team is in very good hands. Rockford’s best picked up where he left off last night and presented a show to his family and friends in Illinois. At every opportunity, VanVleet put pressure on the Chicago defense, setting his teammates up for success and attempting to force the issue in transition. An all round gem from Fred in this one. The only thing missing was the W.

B-

C Boucher15 MIN, 0 PTS, 3 REB, 0 AST, 0 STL, 0-3 FG, 0-2 3FG, 0-2 FT, 0 BLK, 1 TO, -10 +/-

It wasn’t Slim Duck’s night tonight, but it wasn’t for lack of effort. While his boxing score wasn’t anything to write home about, Boucher fought for multiple rebounds and loose balls with a tenacity that made you think the Raptors would be in this case during times when the Bulls were big.

C

O Porter Jr.17 MIN, 5 PTS, 0 REB, 1 AST, 0 STL, 2-4 FG, 0-1 3FG, 1-1 FT, 0 BLK, 0 TO, -14 +/-

That wasn’t the type that played significant minutes in last year’s NBA Finals. Porter Jr. has been up and down so far this year and tonight was an example of the latter.

B

P. Achiuwa14 MIN, 10 PTS, 4 REB, 1 AST, 0 STL, 4-6 FG, 0-0 3FG, 2-2 FT, 1 BLK, 0 TO, -16 +/-

Precious is getting a lot better at pushing the ball when transitioning from defensive rebounds. There were a few opportunities created by his appetite tonight. He was active around the rim and made it difficult for the Bulls at depth

C

D Banton10 MIN, 4 PTS, 2 REB, 2 AST, 1 STL, 2-7 FG, 0-3 3FG, 0-0 FT, 1 BLK, 0 TO, -3 +/-

Today is Danalos birthday and I really want to throw him a bone but he just didn’t do much to help his team tonight. A few faulty passes and bricks were a constant in his Monday night game. Enjoy your cake, big man.

C+

T Young10 MIN, 0 PTS, 0 REB, 3 AST, 0 STL, 0-0 FG, 0-0 3FG, 0-0 FT, 0 BLK, 1 TO, -5 +/-

Played viable D and didn’t hurt his team while out there.

B

J.Hernangomez11 MIN, 5 PTS, 2 REB, 1 AST, 0 STL, 2-3 FG, 1-2 3FG, 0-0 FT, 1 BLK, 0 TO, -9 +/-

Bo Cruz checked into the game in the second quarter, offering his team some life when they needed it. Great banking minutes from him in this one.

B-

M Flynn06 MIN, 4 PTS, 1 REB, 1 AST, 1 STL, 1-2 FG, 0-1 3FG, 2-2 FT, 0 BLK, 1 TO, -1 +/-

4-1-1 in 6 minutes garbage time.

B

Nick Nurse

Back to back are tough. They’re especially difficult when you’re playing against a team that saw your plans less than 24 hours ago. The raps were a step slow on the rotations tonight, but it’s hard to pin the Nurse on. His team just didn’t have the juice they showed up with last night.