Apr 2, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Chicago Bulls guard D.J. Augustin (14) shoots a basket in the first half against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports
Each week, one of the Chicago Bulls is chosen as our featured “Player of the Week.” Along with that, there are two honorable mentions. Players are chosen based on the player’s past week of performance. Our Twitter followers are asked for their opinions, which are then taken into consideration for the choices made. D.J. Augustin is the featured Bull for the week of March 30-April 5.
One week, five games, and 99 total points.
That’s what D.J. Augustin’s week looked like last week, and it started off great.
On Sunday, March 30, the backup point guard set a new career high in points. His 33 points led the Bulls to a 107-102 victory over the Boston Celtics. More importantly, though, Augustin made a three with 1:19 remaining in the game to give Chicago the 99-96 lead. He then proceeded to connect on six free throws to solidify the win. By the way, Augustin managed to do all of this in just 31 minutes of play.
“He’s a big shot maker,” head coach Tom Thibodeau said. “He’s made big plays. Not only with his shooting, but his with his playmaking ability. If you trap him, he’ll hit the open man. D.J. can beat you in a lot of different ways. He can beat you with the shot. He can beat you with the pass. He can beat you with his penetration. It’s a big plus having him.”
His career night was followed with a three-point performance in a home win over the Celtics the following day, but he managed to dish out 11 assists.
After such a low-scoring game, though, Augustin was due to get back into double figures. He did just that Wednesday night in the Bulls’ 105-92 road win. He led the team yet again with 23 points and added five assists, one rebound and two steals.
Chicago continued its regular season play on Friday with a 102-90 win over Central Division foe Milwaukee Bucks. This game was very balanced in terms of scoring, as seven Bulls scored in double digits. Augustin was one of those seven with 14 points.
To end the week, the point guard out of Texas took the role as the leading scorer yet again. He contributed 25 points, four assists, four rebounds and two steals.
Augustin has had a great impact on this Bulls team, and he’s shown how productive he can be with what’s he given. It’s continued to make people wonder how Augustin was ever even left to be picked up by a team. Chicago isn’t complaining, though. Rather, there’s just gratitude for what he’s added to the team.
‘‘I don’t think it’s that much of a coincidence that we started playing well when he got here,’’ fellow point guard Kirk Hinrich said. ‘‘It’s something we really needed as a team, and you can’t say enough about what he’s done for us.’’
Honorable mentions
Joakim Noah: The two-time all-star managed to post a double-double in all five games last week. Noah had a near triple-double of 13 points, eight rebounds and 13 assists against the Celtics on Sunday, March 30. The following day, he put up 19 points and 10 rebounds in the regular season finale against Boston. Two days later, the Bulls traveled to Atlanta to face the Hawks, where Noah had 10 points and 10 rebounds. Friday night, he had more rebounds (13) than he did points (10) in a victory over theBucks. The week finished off in the Nation’s Capital with Noah contributing 21 points and 12 rebounds in a win over the Wizards.
Jimmy Butler: The starting shooting guard averaged 14 points last week. In four of the five games, Butler scored in double figures. In the game he didn’t reach double figures, though, he led the team with nine assists.