Brooklyn Nets vs. Chicago Bulls Takeaways and Grades 4/12/17

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Apr 12, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (24) dribbles the ball against Chicago Bulls guard Rajon Rondo (9) during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

Takeaways

1) A game gone awry since the first quarter

The Nets looked out of sorts from the very beginning, as they struggled to convert on shot after shot and allowed the Bulls to easily take control of the game. They found themselves in a similar situation to Monday’s loss against the Celtics (in both games, Brooklyn scored only 13 points in the first quarter). However, unlike Monday’s game, in which the Nets clambered back and only lost by single digits, Brooklyn never showed any signs of a comeback against Chicago. They trailed by 14 after one quarter, 18 at halftime, and by the end of regulation, the Bulls’ lead ballooned to 39. (T.G.T.S.I.O. — Thank God The Season Is Over.)

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2) The Bulls needed this game much more badly than the Nets

With the playoffs on the line, the Bulls desperately needed to seal the deal in this game against the Nets. Honestly, if they lost this one, it would’ve been a major travesty for Chicago, and Sean Marks and Kenny Atkinson would’ve deserved major props for being able to steal the win from the playoff-hungry Bulls, with only nine players suited up. Luckily for Chicago, this victory came rather easily, and the Bulls are set to face the Celtics in the first round of the playoffs.

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3) The Nets won’t lose another game for at least six months!

After a long season full of injuries and disappointment, Nets fans can finally breathe and take a break from Nets basketball. I’ll admit it wasn’t all too bad — the Nets may have finished with one less win than the prior season, but an argument can be made that this season was much easier to watch than last season. The losses may have stacked up, but in most instances, the Nets didn’t go down without a fight. Nevertheless, on the bright side, the Nets don’t play another game (that counts) until late October, and there’ll be plenty to look forward to even during the off months of Nets basketball. Don’t lose focus on the draft and free agency; whatever moves the Nets make will surely be all over the news come July.