The Chicago Bulls came up short 123-119 to the Orlando Magic during Friday’s NBA action. One of the main bright spots from this game for the Bulls was Patrick Williams recording 20 points, seven rebounds, and two steals.
When talking to reporters after the game, Zach LaVine made it clear he likes the potential that Patrick Williams has as a player. Going as far as describing Williams as a ‘monster.’
“When he plays like that I don’t think he understands his strength and his physicality,” LaVine said, via Rob Schaefer of NBC Sports Chicago. “At 19, it’s ridiculous. He’s a monster, he’s going to be a monster.”
The impressive play of Patrick Williams kept the Bulls competitive against the Magic on a night when Nikola Vucevic had an incredible 43 points, 19 rebounds, and four assists. Without Williams stepping up, Chicago surely would have been in a tough spot.
The Bulls have primarily involved Patrick Williams as a spot-up threat offensively as 49.5% of his possession have come in that area. He has shown flashes out of ball screens when presented the opportunity and is just scratching the surface of what he could become.
It will be fascinating to see how Williams progresses throughout this NBA season. He appears to have the type of potential to be a game-changing talent with the physical tools he possesses along with skill. If he eventually gets slotted at the four spot, it could be a real matchup problem and be the help that Zach LaVine needs long-term.
Patrick Williams has appeared in 20 games (all starts) for the Bulls this season. He is averaging an impressive 10.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 26.3 minutes. Currently, he is 47.5% from the field, 37.0% on three-pointers, and 80.5% on free throws.
The Bulls face the Orlando Magic on Saturday to complete the final part of a two-game series.
