Chicago Bulls vs Cleveland Cavaliers: Five things we learnt

Jimmy Butler was a revelation for the Bulls last season as he picked up the Most Improved Player Award after averaging 20 points per game (PPG) in 65 starts. He’s also proven to be a high quality defensive player as he showed here by guarding LeBron James effectively, including one huge block on the four-time MVP in the first half. But his back-court partner, former MVP Derrick Rose, has missed an astonishing 212 games in the past four seasons and wore a protective mask in this one as he recovers from a fractured nose. He played just ten minutes in the whole of pre-season, but managed 18 points and five assists against the Cavs. With the Bulls quicker offense under new head coach Fred Hoiberg, these two could well blossom into the most dynamic back-court in the Eastern Conference.

The Cavs acquisition of Mo Williams over the summer was vital in improving their weak bench that was so exposed in their play-off run last year. However, with Kyrie Irving still injured and expected to be out until December, Williams has been forced into the starting line-up and their rotations struggled to cope with the depth of the Bulls side. Despite Kevin Love returning to the floor for the season opener in Chicago, the absence of Irving continues to place a heavy burden on LeBron James in the Cavs offence and it could well be another slow start this year for David Blatt’s side.

Nikola Mirotic got off to a flying start in the opening quarter to give Bulls fans a glimpse of their team’s new-look offence under coach Hoiberg. He scored 11 of the hosts 26 points in the first quarter, including two three-pointers as they took control against the Cavs from the outset. His place in the starting five meant that 30-year-old Joakim Noah was on the bench for just the third time in five years as he was utilised as a sixth man, in a similar fashion to the Warriors usage of Andre Iguodala last season. Noah’s energy off the bench was a key factor on the night and few benches will look forward to the prospect of facing the powerful centre this year.

Although arguably in the twilight of his NBA career at 33, Anderson Varejao once again proved that he has plenty to offer Cleveland off the bench with the best +/- of any Cavs player on the night. He was effective in his 11 minutes on the court, adding much needed energy and productivity to his side. Last season’s finalists were +9 when Varejao played, and there is an argument that he should play more minutes in the absence of Iman Shumpert. He returned to form last year before tearing his Achilles in December and missing the rest of the season, but he could well become an important part of the Cavaliers rotation in the coming weeks.

Despite the Cavs trying to restrict the minutes played by their superstar in the opening weeks of the season, James again showed his immense class as he recorded a double-double with 25 points and 10 rebounds. It was his first appearance for over two weeks and he was often stretching while off the court as he looks to stay injury free. The 30-year-olds desire to bring a first ever title to Ohio could be a key factor in what is expected to be another deep run for the Cavs this year, and if their star man performs at this level then he could well become MVP for the fifth time. The likes of current MVP Stephen Curry, the fit-again Kevin Durant and the talented Anthony Davis may have something to say about that though.