In spite of my fears, the Chicago Bulls have silenced their doubters (for now) and started the 2022-23 season out strong by claiming a surprising 116-108 victory over a battle-tested and disciplined Miami Heat team. After taking things to Game 7 in the Eastern Conference Finals last year, I doubt many foresaw the Heat losing their season opener to a Bulls team with more than its fair share of critics.
While I remain optimistic about Chicago’s chances this season, I suppose you could count me among these critics for this game alone. I predicted the Bulls would drop their season opener in our pre-game thread.
"“The Heat have been a nearly insurmountable challenge for the Chicago Bulls as of late, as Miami has emerged victorious in all four meetings last season and 13 of the previous 16 games played against each other, dating back to 2018. While a win would be nice, it’s hard to have your hopes too high when the two best guards on the roster will miss the season opener. Just seeing the Bulls play as a cohesive unit instead of relying on DeRozan to iso against a well-coached Spoelstra defense would be more than enough to make me happy here.”"
Despite these unforeseen injuries, the Chicago Bulls overcame the loss of All-Star Zach LaVine and floor general Lonzo Ball to deliver a statement win over one of the Eastern Conference’s best teams.
DeMar DeRozan put on an MVP-caliber performance for the Chicago Bulls.
It’s difficult to envision a victory here for Chicago if not for the extraordinary efforts of DeMar DeRozan. Already looking to be in midseason form, DeRozan delivered a scorching hot performance and put the Bulls on his back to claw out a victory.
He posted 37 points, 9 assists, 6 rebounds, 2 steals, and a block while only turning the ball over once in what can be described as nothing short of true MVP-level production. He managed all this on absolutely ridiculous efficiency, converting 14-of-22 field goal attempts and even driving home a pair of 3-point shots from distance.
It’s almost scary to think that DeMar intentionally held back in the first half, allowing his teammates the opportunity to step up and win this game. After the Bulls had a slow start that allowed Miami to build a 9-point lead in the second quarter, DeRozan decided it was time to step up.
He scored 28 of his 37 points in the second half and overcame just about every defensive scheme the Heat threw at him. Hopefully, the Bulls won’t need DeMar to play this hard in every contest, but it’s certainly reassuring to know he has this ability to take over a game in his bag when the team needs it from him.
Patrick Williams still appears too timid to step into the spotlight for the Bulls.
Wednesday’s victory over the Heat may have been an exciting affair for DeRozan, but it was far less so for Chicago’s other starting forward Patrick Williams. He contributed just 4 points and 2 rebounds on 2-for-6 shooting from the field, hardly anything to write home about.
This much is especially true after a preseason battle with teammate Javonte Green for the starting position. Although Green looked exceptional in preseason play, the Bulls likely still wish for Pat to realize his full potential and raise this team’s ceiling.
He offered little reassurance in those beliefs against Miami, as he shied away from the moment once again and let DeRozan do the heavy lifting.
Patrick Williams had 0 points on 0-2 FGs and 1 rebound in the first half in 12:35 of action.
— Cody Westerlund (@CodyWesterlund) October 20, 2022
If the shots and aggressiveness aren't going to come for him when Zach LaVine is out, it's just hard to envision when it does happen.
It’s impossible to discuss Williams these days without bringing up his age, but it’s still important to recognize that the 21-year-old is still younger than a third of this year’s first-round rookie class, despite now being in his third NBA season. It’s for this reason his future is so bright as a prospect, but the clock is now ticking for the forward to step up and begin to show he’s got just as much substance to his game as he does potential.