The biggest and most nauseating story surrounding the Chicago Bulls continues to be Derrick Rose’s knee.* Yet, all media hoopla and medical diagnosis aside, Jimmy Butler has been one of the true bright spots for the Windy City’s hoops team. With his role growing bigger and bigger and being groomed to one day soon make Loul Deng very expendable, Butler added a personal highlight to his portfolio.
Nearing the end of the first quarter versus Portland, Chicago launched into a fast break which saw Butler sprint past the defense to catch a lob from his teammate and three-time Slam Dunk Contest champion, Nate Robison. Great pass, even better showmanship on the dunk cocking the arm back and it went in – all three very important ingredients.
And Nate didn’t stop at one hightlight. Check the second clip and you’ll see him split two defenders before taking it to the rack with a major dunk.
Unfortunately those two plays were about as good as it got for Chicago on Thursday night as they dropped the game 99-89. Chicago currently stands 36-31, tied for sixth in the East with Boston.
* – I still don’t agree with Chicago revealing Rose was medically cleared to play while knowing he wasn’t 100% confident in doing so. It’s like a woman being at a dinner party with her boyfriend openly expressing, “I’ve been ready to get married. I’m just waiting on him.” Maybe it’s not the same thing, but whatever. It made sense to me.