Game 22: Phoenix Suns at Chicago Bulls, Tuesday, November 28th, 7PM MST

[nevetsov]

Would be poor form to pull Bender after one game, considering how long a leash Chriss was given.

[Jarlaxle0204]

Would be poor form to pull Bender after one game, considering how long a leash Chriss was given.

He didn't even get to start the 2nd half.

[MathiasPW]

I believe Bender started because of the matchup against Markannen, since Chandler wouldn't be able to keep up with him on the perimeter.

It worked, as Markannen did not have an impact in the game.

But Detroit is another story. Wouldn't surprise me to see Monroe/Chandler pairing again to try to offset Drummonds rebounding.

[carey]

It worked, as Markannen did not have an impact in the game.

I'm not sure how much Bender had to do with it. He had 2 fouls within the first 5 minutes and he only played 23 min total.

[Book1Nation]

I wish we gave Bender some more any touches down low ever

[MathiasPW]

It worked, as Markannen did not have an impact in the game.

I'm not sure how much Bender had to do with it. He had 2 fouls within the first 5 minutes and he only played 23 min total.

True. Would have to stretch the argument to "broke his flow at the start of the game", but it's weak.

[jcsunsfan]

Wonder if Bender will start tomorrow.

I was disappointed by Bender in his first start.
0 points in 22 minutes and he was not active/agressive.

But we won the game, so I think he is gonna start again. Hopefully he plays a better game.

It will be interesting. I assume he started because Triano thought he was the best defensive matchup on Markannen. Coincidently, Markannen struggled a lot. It looked like he just had to work harder than he normally does and he was gassed.


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[bwgood77]

True. Would have to stretch the argument to "broke his flow at the start of the game", but it's weak.[/quote]

He still guarded him most of the 23 minutes he was out there and Markkanen played 34 minutes. Bender just had to sit earlier the first stretch of the game they matched up.

[jcsunsfan]

True. Would have to stretch the argument to "broke his flow at the start of the game", but it's weak.

He still guarded him most of the 23 minutes he was out there and Markkanen played 34 minutes. Bender just had to sit earlier the first stretch of the game they matched up.

When you see Markannen missing, he looks absolutely gassed. I believe that was Bender's doing. Bender made him work, a lot, to get off his shot.

[gaspar]

True. Would have to stretch the argument to "broke his flow at the start of the game", but it's weak.

He still guarded him most of the 23 minutes he was out there and Markkanen played 34 minutes. Bender just had to sit earlier the first stretch of the game they matched up.

When you see Markannen missing, he looks absolutely gassed. I believe that was Bender's doing. Bender made him work, a lot, to get off his shot.

Markkanen has hit the rookie wall. In the last 5 games he shot:

4/16
1/9
4/16
4/10
4/15

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

True. Would have to stretch the argument to "broke his flow at the start of the game", but it's weak.

He still guarded him most of the 23 minutes he was out there and Markkanen played 34 minutes. Bender just had to sit earlier the first stretch of the game they matched up.

When you see Markannen missing, he looks absolutely gassed. I believe that was Bender's doing. Bender made him work, a lot, to get off his shot.

Word. Bender's defense is solid even when he's not working hard.

The refs are giving each of Bender and Jackson a hard time on the defensive end, which I suspect might be the reason Bender doesn't seem to put forth 100% effort.

I also think Dragan needs to get the ball on offense a bit to stay engaged. Ulis and Booker were constantly ignoring him. Mike James recognizes Dragan as a legit offensive option, which is why they've worked better together.