Billy Donovan 'downright ticked' at Zach LaVine blowing off media
“Just a miscommunication with the PR team,’’ Zach LaVine said afterward when asked about the incident. “We’re all fine.’’ Not really, as sources indicated that the front office was made aware of the situation immediately and was less than thrilled with LaVine’s actions. When coach Billy Donovan found out about what happened he was downright ticked.
Source: Joe Cowley @ Chicago Sun-Times
Source: Joe Cowley @ Chicago Sun-Times
What’s the buzz on Twitter?
Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoops
Zach LaVine doesn’t do villain well. He tried on Saturday, but he looked more petty than bad guy.
Read it:
chicago.suntimes.com/bulls/2023/11/… – 12:38 PM
Zach LaVine doesn’t do villain well. He tried on Saturday, but he looked more petty than bad guy.
Read it:
chicago.suntimes.com/bulls/2023/11/… – 12:38 PM
Julia Poe @byjuliapoe
Lots to unpack from last night’s win over the Heat — another slow start, that high volume 3-point pays off in a big way and Zach LaVine has another uncharacteristic night.
Bulls takeaways here: chicagotribune.com/sports/bulls/c… – 11:22 AM
Lots to unpack from last night’s win over the Heat — another slow start, that high volume 3-point pays off in a big way and Zach LaVine has another uncharacteristic night.
Bulls takeaways here: chicagotribune.com/sports/bulls/c… – 11:22 AM
Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
Zach LaVine trade scenarios: Another blockbuster move on the verge? #NBA
eurohoops.net/en/nba-news/15… – 9:26 AM
Zach LaVine trade scenarios: Another blockbuster move on the verge? #NBA
eurohoops.net/en/nba-news/15… – 9:26 AM
Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoops
Bulls win … but did they really? Ugly start to the game and an ugly post-game walk-off for Zach LaVine.
Read it:
chicago.suntimes.com/bulls/2023/11/… – 11:58 PM
Bulls win … but did they really? Ugly start to the game and an ugly post-game walk-off for Zach LaVine.
Read it:
chicago.suntimes.com/bulls/2023/11/… – 11:58 PM
Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoops
Front office and coaching staff have been made aware of the LaVine post-game incident, and they are obviously not happy with his behavior. – 11:42 PM
Front office and coaching staff have been made aware of the LaVine post-game incident, and they are obviously not happy with his behavior. – 11:42 PM
Darnell Mayberry @DarnellMayberry
Final: Bulls 102, Heat 97
Massive comeback win by the Bulls after staring at a 22-1 deficit in the first seven minutes. Chicago snaps a three/game skid and moves to 5-9.
Fantastic finish by Zach LaVine, Alex Caruso and DeMar DeRozan to close on an 11-3 run. – 10:29 PM
Final: Bulls 102, Heat 97
Massive comeback win by the Bulls after staring at a 22-1 deficit in the first seven minutes. Chicago snaps a three/game skid and moves to 5-9.
Fantastic finish by Zach LaVine, Alex Caruso and DeMar DeRozan to close on an 11-3 run. – 10:29 PM
Julia Poe @byjuliapoe
That’s a win, folks.
Bulls snap out of that three-game losing skid with a 102-97 win over the Miami Heat.
Huge efforts from DeRozan, LaVine and Caruso in the fourth as the Bulls come back from a 21-point deficit while taking a season-high 45 attempts from 3-point range. – 10:28 PM
That’s a win, folks.
Bulls snap out of that three-game losing skid with a 102-97 win over the Miami Heat.
Huge efforts from DeRozan, LaVine and Caruso in the fourth as the Bulls come back from a 21-point deficit while taking a season-high 45 attempts from 3-point range. – 10:28 PM
KC Johnson @KCJHoop
Bulls 102, Heat 97
Bulls overcome 21-point, first-quarter deficit to snap 3-game skid
DeRozan 23 pts (12 in 4th)
LaVine 13 pts, 8 rebs, 6 assists – 10:27 PM
Bulls 102, Heat 97
Bulls overcome 21-point, first-quarter deficit to snap 3-game skid
DeRozan 23 pts (12 in 4th)
LaVine 13 pts, 8 rebs, 6 assists – 10:27 PM
Julia Poe @byjuliapoe
Zach LaVine completely coming alive in the fourth quarter for the second night in a row. Big effort on both ends of the court. – 10:14 PM
Zach LaVine completely coming alive in the fourth quarter for the second night in a row. Big effort on both ends of the court. – 10:14 PM
Julia Poe @byjuliapoe
Zach LaVine hits a 3-pointer and the Bulls are once again back within 3 points.
87-84 with 5:54 left. – 10:08 PM
Zach LaVine hits a 3-pointer and the Bulls are once again back within 3 points.
87-84 with 5:54 left. – 10:08 PM
KC Johnson @KCJHoop
LaVine has largely taken what defense has given him and has 5 assists and 6 rebounds. Into double figures with that big 3 and it’s a one-possession game. LaVine has 10 points on only 9 shots. – 10:08 PM
LaVine has largely taken what defense has given him and has 5 assists and 6 rebounds. Into double figures with that big 3 and it’s a one-possession game. LaVine has 10 points on only 9 shots. – 10:08 PM
Brady Hawk @BradyHawk305
Man that’s some crazy discipline from Bam on that final contest on LaVine
Got off his feet like 3 times and never bit to overplay the shot – 9:15 PM
Man that’s some crazy discipline from Bam on that final contest on LaVine
Got off his feet like 3 times and never bit to overplay the shot – 9:15 PM
Julia Poe @byjuliapoe
Zach LaVine took only three shots in the entire first half, including his buzzer beater attempt that fell decidedly short of the basket.
Felt like he was running from shot opportunities at times in that half. – 9:14 PM
Zach LaVine took only three shots in the entire first half, including his buzzer beater attempt that fell decidedly short of the basket.
Felt like he was running from shot opportunities at times in that half. – 9:14 PM
Julia Poe @byjuliapoe
Billy Donovan goes for a rare Q1 challenge on that DeMar DeRozan offensive foul. It’s unsuccessful. So now he’s out a challenge with a ridiculous amount of game time left. – 8:26 PM
Billy Donovan goes for a rare Q1 challenge on that DeMar DeRozan offensive foul. It’s unsuccessful. So now he’s out a challenge with a ridiculous amount of game time left. – 8:26 PM
Zach Lowe @ZachLowe_NBA
ICYMI: Lowe Post podcast from earlier in the week: LaVine trade market, GSW issues, whether the Wolves are contenders, Draymond suspension, more w/ @kpelton. Then rookie report w/ @MoDakhil_NBA:
Spotify: spoti.fi/47yxkUT
Apple: apple.co/49wJWxP – 8:25 PM
ICYMI: Lowe Post podcast from earlier in the week: LaVine trade market, GSW issues, whether the Wolves are contenders, Draymond suspension, more w/ @kpelton. Then rookie report w/ @MoDakhil_NBA:
Spotify: spoti.fi/47yxkUT
Apple: apple.co/49wJWxP – 8:25 PM
Brady Hawk @BradyHawk305
Haywood Highsmith and Jimmy Butler on Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan with Bam Adebayo covering up
We will be there – 6:47 PM
Haywood Highsmith and Jimmy Butler on Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan with Bam Adebayo covering up
We will be there – 6:47 PM
Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
Billy Donovan says Bulls have to come out more like Mike Tyson than bobbing and weaving. – 6:28 PM
Billy Donovan says Bulls have to come out more like Mike Tyson than bobbing and weaving. – 6:28 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Another NEW @AlleyOopPod Video today!
The Chicago Bulls are completely screwed.
@NBACouchside joins me to discuss what the hell happened, Zach LaVine trade ideas, and more.
youtube.com/watch?v=O6xUnB… pic.twitter.com/p1xBOHK3aL – 5:12 PM
Another NEW @AlleyOopPod Video today!
The Chicago Bulls are completely screwed.
@NBACouchside joins me to discuss what the hell happened, Zach LaVine trade ideas, and more.
youtube.com/watch?v=O6xUnB… pic.twitter.com/p1xBOHK3aL – 5:12 PM
Tony Jones @Tjonesonthenba
Zach Lavine. Yay or nay? Here’s an examination of the pros and cons of the Utah Jazz contemplating such a move. A fun what if exercise, is here. Please read – theathletic.com/5073091/2023/1… – 3:51 PM
Zach Lavine. Yay or nay? Here’s an examination of the pros and cons of the Utah Jazz contemplating such a move. A fun what if exercise, is here. Please read – theathletic.com/5073091/2023/1… – 3:51 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Top 4:
1. Cade Cunningham
2. Kyle Kuzma
3. Desmond Bane
4. Zach LaVine
Guess the stat. pic.twitter.com/czeivyoNkh – 2:42 PM
Top 4:
1. Cade Cunningham
2. Kyle Kuzma
3. Desmond Bane
4. Zach LaVine
Guess the stat. pic.twitter.com/czeivyoNkh – 2:42 PM
Darnell Mayberry @DarnellMayberry
Bulls’ Billy Donovan facing heat from fans and the face of the franchise theathletic.com/5072993/2023/1… – 1:15 AM
Bulls’ Billy Donovan facing heat from fans and the face of the franchise theathletic.com/5072993/2023/1… – 1:15 AM
Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoops
The Bulls again were asleep at the wheel to start the game against the Magic on Friday, digging a hole they couldn’t fight out of. The question had to be asked of Billy Donovan – are they tuning him out or quitting on each other?
Read it:
chicago.suntimes.com/sports-saturda… – 11:14 PM
The Bulls again were asleep at the wheel to start the game against the Magic on Friday, digging a hole they couldn’t fight out of. The question had to be asked of Billy Donovan – are they tuning him out or quitting on each other?
Read it:
chicago.suntimes.com/sports-saturda… – 11:14 PM
KC Johnson @KCJHoop
Billy Donovan said Alex Caruso will start for the foreseeable future. Said he has to figure out best rotation, particularly because Bulls lose him as an energy replacement. – 10:45 PM
Billy Donovan said Alex Caruso will start for the foreseeable future. Said he has to figure out best rotation, particularly because Bulls lose him as an energy replacement. – 10:45 PM
Julia Poe @byjuliapoe
Billy Donovan on whether players are engaged enough after several slow starts: “If they weren’t engaged, why not throw the towel in? Why fight and work the way they did to get back in the game? It speaks to them wanting to win.” – 10:41 PM
Billy Donovan on whether players are engaged enough after several slow starts: “If they weren’t engaged, why not throw the towel in? Why fight and work the way they did to get back in the game? It speaks to them wanting to win.” – 10:41 PM
KC Johnson @KCJHoop
Billy Donovan said Bulls need to play with same energy they’re playing with to come back from huge deficits to start games. Said he didn’t like pace Bulls started game with. Bulls scored 33 points in 1st half. – 10:39 PM
Billy Donovan said Bulls need to play with same energy they’re playing with to come back from huge deficits to start games. Said he didn’t like pace Bulls started game with. Bulls scored 33 points in 1st half. – 10:39 PM
Stephen Noh @StephNoh
Caruso has a toe injury, a shoulder injury, two fingers buddy taped, half his body wrapped up, got hit in the nether regions earlier in the game, and was at the scorers table ready to check back in for crunch time before Billy Donovan sent him back to the bench. pic.twitter.com/HMh2UhIZaZ – 10:10 PM
Caruso has a toe injury, a shoulder injury, two fingers buddy taped, half his body wrapped up, got hit in the nether regions earlier in the game, and was at the scorers table ready to check back in for crunch time before Billy Donovan sent him back to the bench. pic.twitter.com/HMh2UhIZaZ – 10:10 PM
Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoops
Bulls coach Billy Donovan feels like his locker room is insulated from Zach LaVine trade-rumor drama, and if that includes a certain someone dropping “Bulls Nation” from his social media feed, so be it.
Read it:
chicago.suntimes.com/sports-saturda… – 9:26 PM
Bulls coach Billy Donovan feels like his locker room is insulated from Zach LaVine trade-rumor drama, and if that includes a certain someone dropping “Bulls Nation” from his social media feed, so be it.
Read it:
chicago.suntimes.com/sports-saturda… – 9:26 PM
Jamal Collier @JamalCollier
Bulls will have both DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso available tonight against the Magic, per Billy Donovan – 6:17 PM
Bulls will have both DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso available tonight against the Magic, per Billy Donovan – 6:17 PM
Julia Poe @byjuliapoe
DeMar DeRozan is not back with the Bulls today. Billy Donovan said he hasn’t been able to check in with him today. – 2:11 PM
DeMar DeRozan is not back with the Bulls today. Billy Donovan said he hasn’t been able to check in with him today. – 2:11 PM
More on this storyline
But while his shooting accuracy should bounce back, several league sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, convey the feeling that LaVine’s game does not translate well to winning situations. -via The Athletic / November 19, 2023
“I mean, the players are doing everything they can,” Zach LaVine said when asked whether the Bulls are making adequate adjustments. “I know everybody’s trying to do the best they can. We’ve just got to figure out something that works.” -via The Athletic / November 19, 2023
Looks like Zach LaVine was mad at something and had no interest in staying after the game -via Twitter / November 19, 2023
Ira Winderman: Billy Donovan, on players talking about lack of urgency, “That’s been our challenge. It’s been the consistency of things we’ve shown we can do.” -via Twitter @IraHeatBeat / November 18, 2023
LaVine, according to multiple sources familiar with his thinking, does not view this Bulls roster as competitive enough to turn any type of contending corner in the East. From the surface, it’s evident Chicago has a dearth of outside shooting — ranking 22nd in the league in 3-point percentage — surrounding a trio of scorers in LaVine, Vučević and DeRozan who have an affinity for operating in the midrange. LaVine, league sources told Yahoo Sports, is also ready to play under a different head coach than Billy Donovan, who signed an extension with the club before the 2022-23 season began. -via Yahoo! Sports / November 18, 2023
After yet another embarrassing performance Friday — a 103-97 In-Season Tournament loss to the Magic — he was asked if he thought his players were tuning him out or at least disconnecting from each other. “I don’t sense anything like that,’’ Donovan said. “If they weren’t engaged, why fight like they [did] to get back in the game?’’ It’s a fair point, considering the Bulls (4-9) scored 64 points in the second half, but that effort doesn’t excuse yet another lethargic first half against the short-handed Magic. “If I had the answer to that, we would try to get it corrected,’’ Donovan said. “We have to be able to sustain that kind of [second-half] energy for 48 minutes.’’ -via Chicago Sun-Times / November 18, 2023