The Chicago Bulls faced another setback this weekend as Patrick Williams did not play in Sunday’s 104-96 win over the Portland Trail Blazers and will be wearing a walking boot until he comes back to Chicago as a precaution for a left foot injury.
Last week, Williams had an evaluation in Los Angeles. It was only preliminary, and his future availability and recovery timeline will not be fully assessed until later this week when the Bulls return to Chicago.
This is not a new concern for Williams, who said he has been dealing with discomfort and pain in his left foot for weeks. But the pain reached a peak during Thursday’s loss to the Lakers, leading to the evaluation in California.
Williams previously missed three games this season due to a right ankle injury. He was hopeful the injury would not keep him out for long, but coach Billy Donovan cautioned that the prognosis will remain uncertain until Williams is fully evaluated.
The Bulls were already struggling with player availability due to the extended absences of forward Torrey Craig and guard Zach LaVine. Williams returned to the starting lineup as a result of those injuries and is averaging 10 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.5 assists.
It was frustrating for Williams to miss his fourth game of the season, considering he played all 82 games last season, plus both games in the play-in tournament. “It’s definitely something you don’t take for granted,” Williams said. “It’s a lot of luck that has to be involved in it to do that. A lot of routine work and maintenance work and luck too. Good luck, bad luck, whatever the case may be. I’m here now. I’m trying to do everything I can to make sure I feel as close to 100% as possible.” The Bulls already were struggling with player availability during the long-term absences of forward Torrey Craig and guard Zach LaVine. Williams returned to the starting lineup because of those injuries and is averaging 10 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.5 assists.
Sitting out his fourth game of the season was frustrating for Williams, who played all 82 games last season, plus both games in the play-in tournament.
It’s definitely something you don’t take for granted, Williams said. There’s a lot of luck involved in being able to accomplish that, as well as a consistent routine, maintenance work, and luck. Good luck, bad luck, whatever it may be. I’m here now, trying to do everything I can to ensure I feel as close to 100% as possible.
Here are four other takeaways from the game.
1. Julian Phillips stepped up due to injury.
The stage was set for Phillips to make an impact — and the rookie delivered in one of his most productive games as a Bull.
Before the game, Donovan prepared Phillips to pick up some of Williams’ playing time. While Ayo Dosunmu moved into the starting lineup, Phillips logged 24 minutes off the bench.
Phillips seized the opportunity with the confidence that has grown throughout this season. He made a significant block on Malcolm Brogdon in the first quarter, swatting the ball with both hands.
Phillips ended the game with 11 points, two rebounds, an assist and a block.
2. A strong start — and finish — from Ayo Dosunmu.
Dosunmu set the tone from the start, grabbing the ball and sprinting full-court to dunk. He continued that momentum throughout the first quarter, scoring eight points to lead the Bulls.
Dosunmu didn’t score again until 20.5 seconds remained in the game, when he made a 3-point shot to put the Bulls up 102-96. He ended with 11 points, five rebounds, three blocks and three assists.
3. The Blazers were very successful at the line.
The Bulls outscored the Blazers in the paint (52-40), on the fast break (15-4) and even from 3-point range (24-18) despite shooting 25% behind the arc. However, they couldn’t beat the Blazers in free-throw shooting.
The Blazers made 26 of 29 free throws while the Bulls made 12 of 17. DeMar DeRozan did not receive a free throw from a personal foul until the final 90 seconds, although he did take one free throw for a technical foul earlier in the fourth quarter.
4. A unsuccessful road trip.
The Bulls returned from the three-game trip with one win after losses to the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns. At 22-25, they remain ninth in the Eastern Conference, which places them in play-in tournament position.
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