RSS Bulls Team Notes

[Chicago Bulls]

Chicago Bulls coach addresses outside noise after 30th loss of the season

Chicago Bulls coach Billy Donovan faced tough questions on Monday night after the team lost 123–115 to the Brooklyn Nets. It was Chicago’s 30th loss of the season and its fifth straight defeat. Three of those losses came after recent roster changes aimed at improving the team.

The Bulls have made several trades to reshape the roster, but the moves have yet to produce more wins. The team continues losing games in similar ways — making mistakes, missing opportunities, and showing defensive lapses. These mistakes often allow opponents to take control and decide the game in the final minutes.

With a 24–30 record, Chicago faces criticism from fans and analysts, who question the team’s direction and effort. Many observers wonder whether the Bulls can turn things around this season.

Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan directs the team against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at United Center.

Chicago Bulls Coach Billy Donovan talks focus after 30th loss​

After Monday’s loss to the Nets, Donovan spoke openly about the team’s struggles and outside criticism. He said he is focusing the players on what they can control. This includes working hard and helping each other, even as some players’ contracts expire or they seek bigger roles.

“I’ve tried to talk to them about what our focus is and what our direction needs to be inside our team,” he told the media, via the Chicago Sun Times. “There are guys with expiring contracts, some guys that want to play, so we’ve got to help each other, go out there and compete. All that kind of stuff is important, so I’ve tried to redirect their focus onto that: ‘What do we got to do to get better as a team?’”

Donovan drowns out outside noise​

Donovan then defended his roster while answering outside questions about the team’s effort and which players will return next season. Critics also claimed some players are “auditioning” or showing off for future opportunities instead of focusing on winning. But Donovan stressed that the players are professionals who want to work and improve, not just “experiment.”

“I can see people on the outside: ‘Are they really trying to win? What’s with this group? . . . Who is going to be back? Who isn’t going to be back? Maybe these guys are auditioning, or they really don’t care,’” continued Donovan. “I still think, inside that locker room, these guys are professionals. They don’t want to come in every day, work, try and buy in, and [say], ‘OK, we’re just going to experiment with all this stuff’.”

Despite the losses, Donovan emphasized that the team is committed to learning and improving. He encouraged players to stay focused on teamwork and effort rather than outside criticism.

With the season still ongoing, he hopes the Bulls can regain momentum and finish strong, even as questions about the team’s future continue to circulate.

The post Chicago Bulls coach addresses outside noise after 30th loss of the season appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/chica...-outside-noise-after-30th-loss-of-the-season/

 

[Chicago Bulls]

Kevin Johnson recalls funny story of learning he had to guard Michael Jordan

Stories of Michael Jordan from his playing days in the 90’s with the Chicago Bulls never get old. It feels like every now and then we get a new untold story about Jordan from a teammate, coach, or opponent. The latest one involves an opponent who had a calling to Jesus moment.

Former Phoenix Suns guard Kevin Johnson had his fair share of battles against Jordan in his career. Most notably in the 1993 NBA Finals when the Bulls and Suns matched up. Chicago was seeking their third-straight title and eventually got the first of two three-peats for the franchise led by the core of Jordan, Scottie Pippen and head coach Phil Jackson.

Recently, Johnson appeared on the Club 520 podcast and was asked about that 1993 Suns team that featured MVP Charles Barkley. The Suns went down 0-2 and Johnson was called upon to guard Jordan.

From there, he went straight to Jesus.

Kevin Johnson needed a prayer to guard Michael Jordan​

Bulls guard Michael Jordan and Suns forward Charles Barkley face off in the 1993 NBA Finals.
© Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

While on the flight to Chicago, Johnson found out he was guarding Jordan in Game 3 from coach Paul Westphal.

“So, we are flying from Phoenix to Chicago. I fall asleep on the plane and then the head coach wakes me up, right? And he says, ‘Hey, I just want to let you know, man, Game 3 is going to be your game.’ So cool. You know, I believe that. I’m going to have to bounce back,” Johnson recalled on the Club 520 podcast.

“Man, I had this dream that you came and woke me up and told me, ‘You got Michael Jordan,’” he told his coach.

“You are,” Westphal replied.

After finding out he had to guard Jordan in Game 3, Johnson found the nearest church in Chicago. From there, all he could do is pray.

“I walk straight in that church. And I sat in front row. ‘Jesus, I don’t believe in you no more. There’s no way if you loved me and died on a cross and did all the things, you’d be having me guarding Michael Jordan,’” he said, laughing.

Kevin Johnson found success, sort of​

Suns guard Dan Majerle defends Bulls guard Michael Jordan during Game 1 of the NBA Finals in 1993 in Phoenix.

The Suns did win Game 3 before Chicago took Game 4 in the Windy City. Phoenix was able to get Game 5 to go back out West before the Bulls closed out the series for good. Jordan finished with 44, 55 and 41 in Games 3-5, putting on an impressive showing.

But as Johnson noted, he had some success.

“He averaged 44 against Majerle. They like, ‘What’d he average against you?’” he said, pausing with a smile. “42. But I kept him under his average.”

The respect between the two is awesome and it’s clear that they enjoyed their battles together.

The post Kevin Johnson recalls funny story of learning he had to guard Michael Jordan appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/kevin...y-of-learning-he-had-to-guard-michael-jordan/