The Chicago Bulls struggled through the early stages of this season, it's true. However, they've managed to rebound in a big way, and head coach Fred Hoiberg says Nikola Mirotic has played a key role in that process.
After Monday night's 117-115 win over the Philadelphia 76ers, coach Hoiberg had high praise for the effort and confidence Mirotic has shown off the bench. Hoiberg notes that Niko's confidence seems to be rubbing off on the team.
“Niko has brought a confidence to this team,” Bulls head coach Fred Hoiberg told ESPN's Nick Friedell on Monday. “You see our bench really rallying behind him when he's out there making plays. You see the guys on the floor celebrating together when he makes the big plays. … Niko's been in pressure situations a lot over the course of his basketball life. And it's great to have an experienced player out there with our young guys to help close some of the close ones.
“I give Niko a lot of credit; he's been awesome, especially since he's been back in the lineup. When you've got guys out there playing with confidence, that rubs off on the whole team.”
As most hoops fans know, Mirotic, who turned in 22 points and 13 rebounds in Monday night's win, was out of the Bulls' lineup for 23 games due to facial fractures. Since his return, Chicago has been rolling.
“The biggest thing is he's playing the right way,” Hoiberg added. “He's taking tough shots, but with the roll that he's on right now you can live with some of those shots that he's taking. It's his overall game. He's doing a little bit of everything out there. He's obviously shooting the heck out of it, he's making big plays for us. Getting himself to the free throw line and he's guarding and rebounding. His overall game has been a huge lift to our group.”
#Bulls in 60: The Nikola Mirotic Show continues in sixth straight win
(@sprint) pic.twitter.com/Y7Ot3xMoGs
— NBC Sports Chicago (@NBCSChicago) December 19, 2017
The Bulls, now winners of six consecutive games, will be back in action on Wednesday night when they host the Orlando Magic inside the United Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. EST.
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