The process may be ugly but it’s getting the Bulls winning results.

Like many times during this season, the Chicago Bulls played yet another game where their long-range proficiency was horrendous. Only this time, they found numerous ways to compensate for it. The Bulls shot just 8-for-30 from three-point range on Monday night, yet still managed to roll past the Washington Wizards 102-82 at the United Center.

“We have to find ugly ways to win games,” said Bulls coach Billy Donovan. The statement came after his team leaned on their incredible defense to hold the Wizards below 90 points—the first time they’ve achieved this feat in back-to-back games since April 2017.

Top-ranked defense in 2023

As troubling as the Bulls’ offense has been, their defense has kept their heads over water this season. Chicago now has a 28-33 record, which is half of a game behind the Wizards for the 10th seed and the final play-in spot in the Eastern Conference. The Bulls can thank their defense—which has the best defensive rating in the entire Association since January 1—for their recent surge.

Per Bulls PR, this is first time Bulls have allowed 90 points or less in consecutive games since April 10-12, 2017.

— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) February 26, 2023

Asked about what’s changed in their last two games, wingman Zach LaVine said they’re all holding one another accountable and playing better on the defensive side.

“Effort and energy,” LaVine said. “We’re holding people accountable. Everybody is going out there with the same mentality. Even if you make a mistake, move on to the next play and do it better.”

More urgency

All-Star wingman DeMar DeRozan said the team is also playing with more desperation, aware of where they stand in the Eastern Conference race and what they must do to reach their goal of returning to the NBA Playoffs for the second year in a row.

“Communication, energy, effort has been consistent,” DeMar DeRozan added. “We knew coming out of the All-Star break, we were going to play with a sense of urgency. We’re helping each other.”

Good luck guarding Zach 1-on-1.@ZachLaVine | @NBCSChicago pic.twitter.com/JumgQXbz1v

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) February 26, 2023