Treading Water

A Bulls’ win over the eight-win Pelicans hardly seems major, until you realize two of those wins are against the Bulls, who seem to curl into a collective ball whenever Zion Williamson takes the court. Not last night. Bulls134 Pelicans 118. This despite Williamson pouring in 31 points and the Bulls playing without Josh Giddey (at least two weeks, hamstring); Coby White (at least one week, calf); and Zach Collins (maybe a week, big toe). But Billy Donovan was able to get the uninjured to do that swarm thing they’ve worked on occasion this season. All five starters plus three off the bench scored in double figures. Matas Buzelis, at 6’8”, started at guard while Jalen Smith slid over to power forward. Smith posted a double-fourteen, points and rebounds, in what may be a series of starts for him. Anytime Patrick Williams escapes the bench to score twelve points, it’s a good game. The question is, can he do it again tomorrow night at the United Center against the Magic? We’ll see.