Chicago rained threes in Orlando (and other Bulls/Magic takeaways)

Entering this season, the plan for “Hoiball” was in effect for the Chicago Bulls. It would consist of the Bulls constantly looking to push the pace on offense and take a ton of three-pointers. That plan has seen the Bulls averaging 31.7 three-point attempts per game so far this season, but it hasn’t been exactly effective as the Bulls are 28th in the league in 3-point percentage at 31.1%.

However, against the Orlando Magic Friday night, the Bulls three-point shooting caught fire and led them to a 105-83 blowout win on the road. Chicago shot 46% (!) from deep, knocking 14 shots on 29 attempts.

Lauri Markkanen led the Bulls in that department, going 3 of 5 from deep. He continued to torture defenses with his shooting ability and it was on display in Orlando.

In this play, a double screen is set for Paul Zipser at the top of the three-point line with Cristiano Felicio and Markkanen being the screeners. As soon as he sets the pick, Markkanen stays near the three-point line with Felicio taking a step towards the paint. Jonathan Isaac, who is guarding Markkanen, decides to stay under the three-point line. With Felicio’s man staying back in the paint, it allows the Brazilian big man to set another screen, this time on Isaac. The second screen gives Markkanen enough time to shift to his left, catch the ball and fire up a three-pointer, which he knocked down. It was a well designed play and one which focused on Markkanen getting a good shot, something which usually yields positive results for Chicago.

Markkanen wasn’t the only Bull to hit 3 triples against Orlando, Kris Dunn did as well. After an impressive game against Miami, Dunn continued to show why he should be heavily considered for the starting point guard spot. He scored 11 points with a majority of them coming from three. Given Dunn’s lack of consistency from three (27.6% overall), seeing him knock down shots from downtown was a pleasant surprise.

In this sequence, Dunn showed some nice off-ball movement to get himself open and in position for a catch and shoot three. The original play was a pick and roll between Denzel Valentine and Felicio. Valentine decides to try and drive to the rim right after and it attracts three Magic defenders. One of them is Evan Fournier, who is suppose to be guarding Dunn on this play. Meanwhile, Dunn does a good job getting into an open spot where Valentine can see him. So when Valentine spins to his left, Dunn is waiting and ready to catch the ball. It’s one simple pass over to the point guard who rises up and knocks down a smooth jumper.

Dunn’s jumper has been inconsistent throughout his first two NBA seasons but if he can improve his percentages just a little, especially from three, it can go a long way in helping Chicago’s offense.

Justin Holiday had two triples on the night, and the focus with the following play is on the passer, Lauri Markkanen. The rookie has yet to get a lot of assists in his extremely early career, but he had this gem where he threw cross court to Holiday for a three-pointer.

Whatever Hoiball may or may not be, shooting a lot of three pointers will lead to variable results. Against Orlando it was all good.