Long arms of Wembanyama can’t slow down Bulls
Consecutive nights brought contrasting attractions to United Center.
On Wednesday, it was soon-to-be 39-year-old LeBron James, playing on the 20th anniversary of his first NBA game in Chicago.
Next up was the first appearance of the top pick in this year's draft, soon to be 20-year-old Victor Wembanyama.
While a sizable group of Lakers fans cheered James' every move, the crowd mostly watched in awe of the 7-foot-4 French native.
When these teams played two weeks ago in San Antonio, Wembanyama gave the Bulls a 21-point, 20-rebound performance. He was less of a factor in his United Center debut, finishing with 7 points, 5 rebounds and 3 blocks. This was his lowest scoring total so far in his rookie season.
Meanwhile, the Bulls produced another balanced performance and pulled away late to win with ease 114-95 on Thursday. That makes eight wins in the last 11 games for the resurgent Bulls (13-17).
“We never gave up (on the season), we never let the life flow out of us or anything like that,” said Coby White, who scored 12 of his team-high 22 points in the fourth quarter. “The guys in this locker room continuously believe in each other, continuously speak positive energy into each other.”
Wembanyama didn't dent the scoreboard until the 10:24 mark of the third quarter, dropping in a low-elevation dunk.
A few minutes later, though, he grabbed a defensive rebound, dribbled downcourt and threw an over-the-shoulder, no-look pass to teammate Jeremy Sochan for a dunk. On the next trip downcourt he stayed on his feet when crossed over by White but couldn't prevent the driving lay-in.
“They could have called a foul because I held his arm on the sweep-through,” White admitted. “Because I knew if I didn't, he was probably going to block it. Yeah, I made a nice move or whatever, but probably eight or nine times out of 10, he's blocking that shot or meeting me at the rim.”
Coach Billy Donovan credited backup center Andre Drummond for helping take Wembanyama out of his game. Drummond had a nice first half, then finished with 12 points and a team-high 8 rebounds.
“I think you've got to play physical with him,” Donovan said of Wembanyama. “You can't let him play in a lot of space because he's just too long and he's too skilled and he plays over the top of you. You have to get into him.”
After delivering their best 3-point shooting game of the season against the Lakers, the Bulls went 2-for-22 from long range through three quarters against the Spurs. They finally stopped worrying about Wembanyama's long reach and knocked down 5 of 6 3s in the final quarter.
“It's crazy the amount of shots he alters on defense,” White said. “He's just a different type of talent. Obviously, he's going to be really, really good in the coming years.”
There were some injury updates before the game. Forward Torrey Craig predicted he'll return from a foot injury sooner than the projected 8-10 weeks. He limped off the court during Saturday's game in Miami.
“I was just driving and stopped,” Craig said. “I felt something, I thought it was actually my shoe. I told coach I needed a sub and went to the back to take my shoe off and my shoe was fine. Then I knew it was something with my foot.”
Donovan said Zach LaVine is continuing to progress from his foot injury, which may be a prerequisite to the Bulls being able to work out a trade. LaVine has been running and stationary shooting, Donovan said. The next step will be jump-shooting, increasing his speed and then changing direction.
According to Donovan, there's been no discussion of LaVine joining the Windy City Bulls to get back in game shape, but it appears he's still a few weeks away from practicing. LaVine missed his 11th game Thursday.
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