MORE TO COME
LaVine’s playing time will increase after an encouraging first week back
It was bound to happen. Guard Zach LaVine, restricted to 20 minutes and sharing the stage with the “Splash Brothers’’ on Wednesday, forced the issue, as well as some shots.
Playing in his third game since completing an 11- month rehab on the surgically repaired anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, LaVine went 2- for- 12 from the field, including 0- for- 5 from three- point range.
He finished with five points in the Bulls’ 119- 112 loss. The Warriors’ backcourt of Steph Curry and Klay Thompson combined for 68 points in Golden State’s 14th consecutive road victory.
“Yeah, not totally unexpected,’’ coach Fred Hoiberg said. “He’s going to have some ups and downs and highs and lows.
‘‘ His shot was right there, and then I thought he forced a couple, as well.’’
But the week was still a huge success for LaVine — and the Bulls.
The key piece in the Jimmy Butler trade with the Timberwolves, LaVine returned Saturday against the Pistons, scoring 14 points and shooting 5- for- 9 from the field. A game later against the Heat, he went 7- for- 12 and had 18 points.
He looked athletic and attacked the rim with little hesitation.
Against the Warriors and their frenetic pace, however, his shot was a bit off, then he tried to do too much, knowing he only had a limited amount of time to make an impact. It was an understandable reaction.
“I think it benefitted both teams,’’ LaVine said of the pace of the game. “Them more than us, that’s their game. But getting up and down, it felt good. Getting into that pace. That’s what we’re trying to do, get our pace up. We have the type of players to do that. Just gotta take care of the other end, as well.’’
LaVine’s next step will be Satur- day in Atlanta. Between now and then, the Bulls are expected to decide on a plan to increase his minutes and allow him to play in the fourth quarter.
“I’m happy,’’ LaVine said. “We progressed, and we’re to the point now where I can start tallying some more minutes and get back to a regular playing schedule. Hopefully evaluations go good, and we can keep moving forward.
“I haven’t thought about [ the injury]. I feel like I played free. I haven’t had any setbacks or anything like that, anything I need to worry about. I still feel quick, explosive, still able to dunk . . . saw that [ Wednesday], so everything is good.’’ With the arrow pointing up. The sample size is small, but LaVine has shown the ability to be a shot- maker, a talent that has been missing in these parts for quite some time. He seems to be the perfect fit for Hoiberg’s fastpaced offense.
Week 2 of his return will offer a further glimpse into a player the Bulls plan to invest a lot of money in this offseason.
“Now we’ll get together with the medical staff and map out a plan moving forward to the next week,’’ Hoiberg said. “But [ LaVine] feels great and had what I thought was a really good first three games for us.’’ NOTE: A source confirmed that point guard Kris Dunn has a con- cussion after being re- evaluated Thursday.
After a dunk during the loss to the Warriors, Dunn fell on his face and damaged his teeth.
He’s not expected to travel to Atlanta for the game Saturday against the Hawks and will stay in concussion protocol for the time being.
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