The Chicago Bulls nearly pulled off the Game 1 upset over the Milwaukee Bucks, but some untimely performances from their best scorers ended up being the final nail in the coffin.
Heading into Game 2, the Bulls need a spark since an 0-2 hole against the defending champs would be all but officially insurmountable. The Bucks crushed Chicago to the tune of a 4-0 series sweep during the regular season, so just about anything will help, especially since this squad has lacked the necessary intensity and vocal leadership to take down some of the best teams in the league.
Well, on Wednesday, the Bulls either got that much-needed motivation or a potential death sentence from an unexpected source. Why do we say that? Because calling out Giannis Antetokounmpo is … bold.
Patrick Williams told the media prior to Game 2 that Giannis “is good, but he’s not God,” when asked about guarding the two-time MVP. Considering Williams got hosed on a crucial foul call when boxing out Giannis in Game 1, it’s no surprise he might be trying to release some frustration here.
Either way, the Bulls need this kind of mentality after their horrific late-season slip and in need of a colossal momentum shift.
Patrick Williams has a difficult assignment guarding Giannis Antetokounmpo — “he is good, but he’s not God” — but the Bulls need more offense from the forward against the Bucks.@byjuliapoe’s story. https://t.co/Pssc7ej8l3
— Chicago Tribune Sports (@ChicagoSports) April 20, 2022
Bulls forward Patrick Williams is ready for Giannis Antetokounmpo ahead of Game 2
You hear that, Giannis? Williams just thinks you’re “good.” Not even great! Those five All-NBA selections, two MVPs, Finals MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and four All-Defensive team selections don’t mean a whole lot to him!
Just kidding. That’s not what he meant. Williams is just expressing his confidence as a defender and is showing he’s not scared of the competition, no matter how fierce or intimidating. And Antetokounmpo is as good as they come. Fear the Dear? Not Williams. The second-year stud is ready for the assignment after getting a better feel for the task in Game 1.
Patrick Williams on preparing to face Giannis: "Same as you get ready for anybody else. First of all, don't be scared. I feel like a lot of people in this league are scared or nervous to guard guys like that... He puts his pants on the same way I do. He's good, but he's not God."
— Rob Schaefer (@rob_schaef) April 20, 2022
Though Giannis scored 27 points (on 10-of-19 shooting) and grabbed 16 rebounds in Game 1, Williams worked to get him in foul trouble in the Bulls’ “help-heavy” scheme, which certainly impacted the Bucks star’s ability to take over the contest.
Nonetheless, nice chess move by Williams. There’s no pressure on the Bulls given their performance over the last six weeks. Now it’ll be up to Giannis to respond appropriately to an inexperienced player calling him out. Pressure’s in the Bucks court, now.
Alternate angle of Patrick Williams ‘foul’ on Giannis will further enrage Bulls fans
The Bulls came up short in Game 1 behind poor star play and a few missed calls. This new angle of the biggest missed call in the game is sure to anger fans.