I used to believe closing games wasn't a problem play-in teams should prioritize — more an issue for elite squads striving for championships. 

But considering the Chicago Bulls' current spiral, they desperately need more mentality and confidence when the game develops into the clutch. Their struggle to seal it off has become a microcosm of Chicago's recent slump from a dream 6-0 start to their current 9-10 record.

The Bulls should have ended their downward trend last week. Against Charlotte, after rallying in the third quarter to take their first lead of the game at 94-93 entering the fourth, the Hornets ignited an offensive explosion while Chicago went cold, disappointingly. In the back-to-back against Indiana, the Bulls showcased resilience against an NBA Finals team without Coby White, only to fall victim to Pascal Siakam's buzzer-beater.

After Monday's loss to Orlando in a similar fashion — blowing a lead built in the second half and surrendering late — the Bulls' recession continues unchecked.

The numbers are damning. This season, Chicago has played the third-most clutch games (14) while winning seven of those outings. Their net rating in the clutch (-15.4) ranks 25th in the league. The Bulls average only 27.9 fourth-quarter points per game, placing 21st and exposing offensive deficiency when it matters most.

Defensively, they can't wear down opponents' attacks in the final frame, resulting in poor finishes. The lack of urgency to tighten their zone in crunch time is alarming. Opponents convert 4.1 field goals against the Bulls in clutch situations, second-worst in the league. Teams also feel comfortable crashing Chicago's paint for offensive rebounds, grabbing 4.5 per game in the clutch — fourth-worst in the NBA.

Sloppy play is a major culprit. The Bulls rank 21st in turnover rate during clutch moments. Their 22nd-ranked clutch-game efficiency further highlights the problem. Additionally, a team that prides itself on high-tempo basketball ranks just 17th in clutch-game pace — unable to leverage its supposed identity when games tighten.

Sometimes experiencing many clutch scenarios isn't positive. While winning 50% sounds respectable, it would be better if Chicago could identify the root causes and prevent as many close games as possible. The frequency suggests underlying issues—inability to build and maintain leads, defensive breakdowns, and offensive stagnation.

Since they've won half their clutch games, the Bulls should learn from those escapes and improve their closing ability. The modern NBA is high-scoring and fast-paced, meaning close games are inevitable. When you encounter them, you must step up and execute.

But Chicago's clutch-time failures reveal deeper structural problems. They lack a reliable go-to scorer when plays break down. Their defense collapses under pressure. Their ball security deteriorates. Their pace, supposedly their calling card, disappears.

Until the Bulls address these fundamental issues, they'll remain trapped in close-game purgatory, winning just enough to stay mediocre but losing enough to stay frustrated. For a team trying to break through the play-in benchmark, clutch-time competence isn't optional; it's essential.

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