Despite slow start, Boylen sees better days coming

New coach says he’s still teaching team how to win

TORONTO — The Bulls cracked the century mark for the third time in Jim Boylen’s 12 games as coach Friday in a road win against the Wizards.

The Bulls are 5-7 under Boylen, and their defensive rating ranks 11th in that span. The 30th-ranked offense Boylen took over has remained there, trudging along at 99 points per 100 possessions. The Bulls are the only team over the last 12 games with an offensive rating below 100.

But Boylen, steadfast in his approach, believes better days are ahead.

“I’m trying to teach our team how to play winning basketball,” he said after practice Saturday. “We are crawling right now. When we can run, we will run. Am I using the pieces properly? Are our guys developing? Do we play the right way? Are we guarding for 48 minutes? Those are the things I’m judging myself on.”

The Bulls rank 26th in pace over the last 12 games, evidence that the offensive slog is as much stylistic as it is due to the widespread injuries leading to changing rotations and lack of chemistry.

The Bulls under Boylen have attempted — and made — the league’s fewest 3-pointers.

The slow-it-down offensive approach is as much to set the defense as anything.

“We can’t play that fast,” he said.

“We get to 108 (points) with our defense, I think we’re going to win a lot of games. It’s working. It’s also settling us down. It’s giving us a foundation. We’re hanging our hat on tough, half-court defense, communication and effort. But we don’t even have our pieces. Zach (LaVine) goes out. Zach comes back. Bobby (Portis) goes out. Bobby comes back. Hopefully in time, we become a better offensive team.”

Post play: Reflective of Boylen’s current offensive philosophy is the fact Robin Lopez has scored in double figures in three of four games. Six of Lopez’s seven double-figure-scoring games have come under Boylen.

“He’s a giving, caring person who’s a tough son of a bitch,” Boylen said of the veteran center. “He brings us something we can hang our hat on, something we can set our defense to at the offensive end. It’s not a 3 that’s bouncing to halfcourt and we’re getting out-athleticized going the other way. That’s what I like.”

Lopez scored on fourthquarter hooks to help seal Friday’s road victory. Does Lopez ever attempt that over shot-blocker extraordinaire Wendell Carter Jr. in practice?

“All the time,” Carter said. “I blocked it one time and I was so excited. No lie.”

Layups: Against the Wizards, Carter posted his first game with three blocks since Nov. 30. “When you’re not afraid of contact, you can be a good player,” Boylen said. “And he’s not afraid.” ... The Bulls and Raptors and the NHL’s Maple Leafs and Islanders stacked upon each other at Canadian customs border patrol late Friday after flying in from various road games.