After watching his teammates score game winning shots off his assists in the past two games, Luol Deng decided Monday night would be his coming out party at the United Center.
And come out he did, opting not to pass the ball and posted a career-high 38 points against the Portland Trailblazers in a 100-89 Bulls win.
After the game, Deng relished his newfound “A-list” status.
“I’d always been this Ben Stiller kind of player,” Deng said. “You know, a good supporting player from time to time, but sometimes overrated and lame. But tonight, I stepped out as a full on Kirk Cameron and took the game by storm as a great leading man. It feels good to be an A-list star for a night.”
Deng’s showbiz analogies aside, coach Scott Skiles was miffed by the idea that things seem to be coming together for the Bulls in the stretch for a playoff push past the first round.
“[Expletive deleted] that,” Skiles said. “I am not going to change my vacation plans for this team. I have a Disney Cruise planned for the second round. Do any of you realize how big of a deal that is? This team has to collapse soon or I’m out like $1,600.”
Kirk Hinrich was somehow able to get the ball away from Deng for long enough to add 21 points and 12 assists, and Ben Wallace dominated the glass with 16 rebounds.
The Bulls will face arguably their toughest tests of the season when the Pistons come to town Thursday and the Cavs-who they trail by one game for the second seed in the East-come in on Saturday.
If the Bulls can take the next two games, fans are encouraged to officially start paying attention.
Number of the night: 152
Cubs fans at the United Center who were convinced people were shouting “Luuuu” for Moises Alou and not Luol Deng.
