CHARLOTTE, N.C.- A new emphasis on offense and inserting gifted forward Nikola Mirotic hasn’t gotten the Bulls away from their defensive roots, as early returns indicate their defense is far and away ahead of their offensive production.
Entering Tuesday’s game against the Charlotte Hornets, their defensive stats rank right up against where they were last year, as they lead the NBA in defensive points per possession (1.00)—a stat they lead the league in last season under defensive-minded coach Tom Thibodeau (1.13).
At some point, the Fred Hoiberg offensive system will catch up to where he wants it, but as of now the defense has carried the Bulls to their 3-1 record.