The Chicago Bulls awesome Game 3 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks is even more impressive considering one of their key players was sidelined. And unless Nikola Mirotic makes dramatic progress between now and tomorrow night’s elimination contest, it seems his team will have to close-out Milwaukee without him.
After Chicago’s practice today, coach Tom Thibodeau described his star rookie day-to-day. However, Mirotic still isn’t running after suffering a knee injury during Monday’s Game 2.
Thibs says Mirotic is still day to day. Sounds unlikely for Game 4.
— Nick Friedell (@NickFriedell) April 24, 2015
Thibs says Mirotic is doing a little more but hasn't been able to run yet.
— Nick Friedell (@NickFriedell) April 24, 2015
The 24 year-old sustained a strained quadriceps and bruised left knee while fighting for a loose ball with Milwaukee’s Zaza Pachulia. Though he seemed plenty healthy while grappling with and barking at the Bucks’ big man after the whistle had blown, he retreated to the bench from there in obvious pain.
Mirotic reportedly rode a stationary bike and performed some light shooting drills in advance of Game 3, but was still unable to play last night. With the Bulls taking a firm grip on their first-round series, the most prudent course of action would be to sit Mirotic if he’s feeling any discomfort whatsoever before tomorrow’s game. And considering he’s yet to begin running, it goes without saying that seems the most likely scenario.
It simply isn’t worth it for Mirotic to return to the floor before he’s ready; the Spanish-Montenegrin is too important to Chicago, and the stakes of Saturday’s game aren’t high enough for the associated risk. The emergence of Derrick Rose’s superstar form only makes the stretch power forward’s potential influence loom even larger than usual. With their point guard ever comfortable and effective attacking the paint, the Bulls need as much space on offense as possible – and Mirotic is Thibodeau’s only front court option who provides any sense of it whatsoever.
And look who’s up 3-0 on the other side of the bracket: LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. For Chicago to beat Cleveland, it will need a full complement if players performing at close to their peak, and the only way to help ensure that is a healthy Mirotic.
Don’t expect to see the rookie on Saturday night. Going forward, though, Mirotic stands to play a big role in an Eastern Conference playoff matchup that’s seemed imminent since the offseason.
