The Chicago Bulls’ shooting woes was on full display, hitting 39% of its field goal tries. The Bulls were also inept from three-point land, making just nine of 39 attempts.

The result: what was a close game in the first half, become a rout in the second half as the Houston Rockets whizzed past the hapless Bulls at the United Center, 115-94.  The Bulls had just two players in double figures, Dwyane Wade with 21 points and Jimmy Butler with 16 points. The other Bulls played with little distinction.

Bobby Portis was an example of the offensive futility. He scored 8 points on 3-9 from the floor.

Chicago lost their fourth straight and yet still are in a fight for the 8th playoff berth.  Largely this is due to the weak Eastern Conference. If the Bulls did make the playoffs, they would likely be the 8th seed and be quickly dispatched by the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Bulls led by ten points in the first quarter and Wade hit 5 of his first five shoots. James Harden did not have a great shooting night but he did score 19 points and dished out 13 assists. Ryan Anderson scored 21 for Houston. And, they got balanced scoring, with Lou Williams adding 18 from the bench.

Houston scored the last nine points of the 2nd quarter to take a 56-49 lead at half. The Rockets then scored the first eight points of the third quarter to expand their lead. Houston outscored the Bulls 36-14 in the third quarter. In this league if you don’t play good defense you lose. If you can’t score points, you also lose.  Chicago did both and lost by 21 points.  In the 2nd quarter they scored 16 points and only 14 in the third quarter.

If this season plays out the way it is, say farewell to Dwayne Wade. I am sure he will opt out his contract and find another team.