Happy New Year and welcome to 2020!
The Bulls finished December 7-7. Despite allowing 123 points against the Bucks in Monday's loss, the Bulls have improved on the defensive side of the ball. In addition to the Bucks, teams such as Utah, Boston, and Dallas are on the docket that will test the resolve of the Bulls.
Coby White has scored in double figures in three of his last four games and plays with confidence every time he steps on the court.
Zach LaVine finished December averaging 25 points, shooting 39% from 3pt range. Book it—he's going to be an All-Star.
Lauri Markkanen's December stats: 17pts. 6reb. 50% from the field, 41% from 3pt. Range and 83% from the line.
Wendell Carter Jr. recorded 5 double-double games in December. Carter ranks second in the NBA in "Box Outs" with 187.
Tomas Satoransky: December: 11 pts. 5 assists 45% from the field.
Kris Dunn is second to Jrue Holiday in deflections with 132. He also ranks third in steals per game averaging 2.1.
The eighth seed is up for grabs in the East and if the Bulls can get into a groove of consistency I am convinced the month of April will be a compelling one for the team.
24 SECONDS NBA NEWS AND NOTES:
OKC 106, Dallas 101: Chris Paul scored 17 of his 23 points in the fourth quarter as the Thunder improved to three games over.500 for the first time this season. OKC has won seven of eight.
Houston 130, Denver 104 The Rockets are now at full strength as James Harden scored 35 points.
Indiana 115, Philadelphia 97: The 76ers trailed by as many as 36. Joel Embiid missed the game with knee soreness.
Toronto 117, Cleveland 97: The Raps continue to play competitive ball despite the loss of Pascal Siakam, Marc Gasol, and Norman Powell.
Boston 109, Charlotte 92: The Celtics have won six of seven and improved to 23-8. The Hornets have lost six straight and fell to ten games under.500.
Los Angeles Clippers 105, Sacramento 87: The Kings are in a free fall having lost eight straight.
San Antonio 117, Golden State 113 OT: The Warriors enter 2020 with a 9-26 record. Golden State has lost more games than in any previous five seasons under Steve Kerr. Despite the win, the Spurs ended the year below .500 for the first time since 1996.
Thanks for reading CCI. Reach out: cswirsky@bulls.com or Twitter @ctsbulls
Always a pleasure.