Fans in disbelief as Brooklyn Nets shockingly lose by 44 points to Patrick Beverley-led Chicago Bulls: "Pat Bev Bulls>'17 Warriors"
The Chicago Bulls, in Patrick Beverley’s first game for his home team, completely overwhelmed the listless Brooklyn Nets. With still 9:17 left in the game, the Bulls went up 103-53, which had basketball fans going berserk on social media.
Beverley was the most notable addition to the lineup and rightly got some of the credit for the Bulls’ drubbing of the Nets.
“The Pat bev bulls > 17’ warriors fr .”
@BleacherReport The Pat bev bulls > 17’ warriors fr .
Simmons also got trolled, yet again, simply because he’s unavailable:
“Ben Simmons wouldn’t allow this Chicago is lucky he’s not playing”
@statmuse Ben Simmons wouldn’t allow this Chicago is lucky he’s not playing
@BleacherReport Nets fans really told me Cam Thomas was untradeable because of 3 games and that the mavs package was better than the lakers package LMAO
@BleacherReport Yo Nets it’s a little too late to be tanking for Wembanyama
@patbev21 Finally we have a player that embodies CHICAGO ball on the squad (other than Caruso)
@statmuse This Pat Bev performance has impressed me more than any Currys performances. I think i speak for everyone when i say we are taking Pat Bev over Curry when it comes to impact💯
The ‘96 Bulls, the TNT Bulls, and now the Beverley Bulls
@patbev21 You’re the greatest player to touch a Bulls jersey
@patbev21 Pat bev, bringing the bulls to the playoffs be like: https://t.co/NixzjLfljo
Bulls 131, Nets 87
The Beverley Era has begun. https://t.co/zcsAYpkLmY
The Chicago Bulls were the first team this season to hold their opponents to under 30 points in the first half. Brooklyn only managed to score 18 in the first period and then a mind-boggling 11 in the second quarter. Chicago, on the other hand, played “normal” basketball and hit 63 points in the same stretch.
It remains to be seen if Patrick Beverley’s acquisition will be the boost the Bulls’ offense has been lacking throughout the season. “Pat Bev” is known for his defensive skills and has touted it wherever he’s played for. At least for one game, Chicago’s offense has gotten significantly better.
Before Beverley’s arrival, the Chicago Bulls were 24th in offensive rating with 111.27 ORTG. They're also 21st in points scored with 113.1 PPG. These numbers are expected to get a bump after tonight’s shellacking of the hapless Brooklyn Nets.
BULLS UP BY 50 🤯 https://t.co/FYnDEyA8GG
The Brooklyn Nets are a shell of a super team after trading Kyrie Irving to the Dallas Mavericks for a package centered around Spencer Dinwiddie and Dorian Finney-Smith.
GM Sean Marks also shipped franchise player Kevin Durant to the Phoenix Suns for a ton of picks, Mikal Bridges, Cameron Johnson and Jae Crowder.
Ben Simmons’ presence would not have made a difference either. He’s become a shadow of his former All-Star self. He’s even coming off the bench after a flurry of trades that sent their two best players out of the Eastern Conference.
Will Patrick Beverley’s impact push the Chicago Bulls to the playoffs?
The Chicago Bulls badly needed a catalyst to inject some life into their moribund season. They acquired Patrick Beverley to shore up their defense and add playmaking to the roster. His impact is expected to be on the defensive side of the ball where he’s gained a reputation as one of the best in the NBA.
Tonight, Billy Donovan’s squad played with more energy and a sense of urgency. How they will respond to stronger and more disciplined teams could determine their chances of making the postseason.
What a night❤️❤️❤️ I really play for the BULLS
The Chicago Bulls are dead last in three-point attempts (28.8) and makes (10.3) per contest. Chicago’s roster is filled with players who make a living from mid-range, particularly DeMar DeRozan. They need more from that area, which has never been Beverley’s expertise.
Beverley was 1-3 tonight as the Chicago Bulls shot 12-26 from deep. Zach LaVine and Dalen Terry combined to hit 7-9 but the Bulls have a unit that has largely been inept from behind the arc.
@NBA The hometown kid Patrick Beverley makes his Bulls debut📍
🎥 @NBA
https://t.co/QOlWdexjHN
Chicago is 11th (26-33) in the Eastern Conference, two games behind the Washington Wizards (28-31) for the 10th spot and final play-in ticket.
Out of their remaining 22 games, only four of them will be against opponents who are not aiming for the playoffs. They have a long way to go to barge into the play-in tourney.
Patrick Beverley’s impact on the Chicago Bulls was better than expected in the first game. Sustaining it will be something worth watching in the stretch run.