The Chicago Bulls just stole an incredible win away from home against the reigning champions Milwaukee Bucks in Game 2 of the first round. The Bulls held control of the game for the majority of the 48 minutes, even though the Bucks made a let push and caused the game to end 114-110.
The Bulls were led by DeMar DeRozan, who had an incredible 41 points in a playoff career-high. Performances from Nikola Vucevic and Alex Caruso catapulted the Bulls to the win, as Milwaukee were outmatched on the night. Giannis Antetokounmpo had a monster night himself, but the supporting cast couldn’t complement his 33 points, 18 rebounds, and 9 assists.
NBA Twitter has exploded and is giving DeRozan his flowers after his reputation as a ‘playoff choker’ has been demolished by this game. Hopefully, he can continue it further considering the goodwill he has received from fanbases across teams tonight.
DEMAR OVER GIANNIS TO SEAL IT FOR THE BULLS 🔥 https://t.co/dNdosuZhyy
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 21, 2022
DeMar DeRozan said he wouldn't go 6 for 25 again and he sure as hell is not!!
— Bryan Fonseca 🇵🇷 (@BryanFonsecaNY) April 21, 2022
Derozan is doing his best to beat the playoff choker allegations and he’s succeeding!!!
— omo von doom (@yungmustard23) April 21, 2022
DeMar quieting the narratives
Love to see it
— 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒆 🌩 (@Three_Cone) April 21, 2022
WHAT A FINISH BY DEMAR
— Shake4ndbake (@ItsShake4ndbake) April 21, 2022
DeMar DeRozan right now pic.twitter.com/pJhmJKDC09
— Guru (@DrGuru_) April 21, 2022
Demar Derozan dropped 41 and didn’t hit one three. pic.twitter.com/JbDAbBxseE
— Colb (@___Colb___) April 21, 2022
DeRozan putting up Jalen Brunson playoff numbers tonight. Crazy.
— Dalton Trigg (@dalton_trigg) April 21, 2022
Alex Caruso to Chicago may legitimately be one of the most important and impactful signings of last offseason.
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) April 21, 2022
This is who Caruso has been for years. Dude just impacts winning.
— Raj C. (@RajChipalu) April 21, 2022
Nikola Vucevic really the key
— christan (no i), ß (@ChristanWNBA) April 21, 2022
— Dom2K 🎅🎇 (@Dom_2k) April 21, 2022
The Bulls still have three more games to win and the Bucks will continue being favorites to win the series. However, a game like this is crucial in building up confidence in this Bulls team to make a genuine run at toppling the reigning champions in the Bucks. DeRozan can’t be expected to drop 41 points every game, so there needs to be more in the Bulls’ arsenal to carry this momentum back to their home court.
DeRozan had a tough playoffs career when he was in Toronto, being eliminated by LeBron James in four consecutive seasons. A game like this against Giannis is extremely valuable in showing everyone the full ability he has.
Alex Caruso’s defensive impact, Zach LaVine’s offensive versatility, and Nikola Vucevic’s size along with DeMar have given them enough weapons. It depends on whether the players can continue contributing the way they did in Game 2. If they do so, the Bucks might be in trouble.
