Portis, Bulls Mount Comeback Against Raptors Before Losing
No one had more to prove in Tuesday’s road game with the Toronto Raptors than Bobby Portis. His eight-game suspension for punching Nikola Mirotic in practice forced him to start the regular season late. Some wondered if all that time off would make him rusty upon his return. He showed no such signs in a 119–114 Bulls loss.
From the moment Portis came off the bench, he was out to prove the Bulls missed out on a lot without him. Despite being outscored, 36–19, in the second quarter and trailing by as much as 23 in the third, Portis refused to let his team back down. He took charge in the fourth and got the Bulls to within three in the final minute before Demar DeRozan finally put the game away for the Raptors. Portis’ line: 21 points, 13 rebounds and four assists.
DeRozan was contested on his final shot after Portis hit the 3 that made it a one-possession game, but it went in anyway. What else to expect from an All-Star who scored 24 and made 9 of 18 field-goal attempts? Also with a big game was Jonas Valanciunas, who had a double-double of 21 points and 10 boards. Kyle Lowry had 17 and six assists while Serge Ibaka scored 16.
Robin Lopez had himself a night with 20 on 10-of-11 shooting from the field. Justin Holiday struggled from the field at 4 of 11, but his five free throws gave him a 15-point game. Denzel Valentine scored 14, and Kris Dunn had 10. Lauri Markkanen continued the double-digit streak to start his career with 12.
The Bulls are getting solid contributions from both veterans and young players alike. While it doesn’t say much considering the “core” of this team (if that’s what you want to call it), it shows they aren’t going to just pack it in because their talent doesn’t match up with most of the league. Portis is a perfect example, having excelled in his first game back with no expectations whatsoever. He and his teammates and coaches realize the rest of the world doesn’t think highly of them, so it’s encouraging that on some nights at least, they’re going to make opponents earn their victories.
The 2–7 Bulls return to action Friday against the Indiana Pacers at the United Center. The Pacers finally look like the team many expected to challenge the Bulls for last in the Central, having lost three in a row after starting 5–2. If you’re looking for a game with star power, you won’t find it. Instead, look for teams whose season actually becomes more crippling with each win, but one has to be awarded Friday.
Ah, the joys of rebuilding.
