3 takeaways from the Chicago Bulls' dominant win over the Indiana Pacers

The Bulls bench played a crucial role in home victory at United Center

© Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bulls had a dominant 124-109 win over the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night, and here are three key takeaways from the game.

Williams came alive

Patrick Williams has come under fire for his underwhelming showing to start the season. His performance on Wednesday night, while unspectacular, will help stem the growing tide of criticisms. He posted 10 points, two steals, and two assists — his first dimes of the season. The lack of a single rebound is disappointing, especially for a power forward, but it's a step in the right direction.

Often the odd man out in the Bulls' starting five, Williams showed an aggressiveness that has not been seen this season, scoring five quick points in the first quarter before adding a floater in the second and a pick-and-pop triple in the third to put his total at 10 points — the first time he's reached double-figures in the season.

The Bulls' bench does it again

Much like their victory over Boston in their last game, the Bulls' reserves played a significant role in the win. The bench contributed 43 points, led by Goran Dragic's 13 points and five assists. Andre Drummond — the team's other notable acquisition in the offseason — continued to impress as he flirted with a double-double of eight points and 13 rebounds in just 17 minutes of play.

Dragic and Drummond were joined by LaVine, Caruso, and Jones Jr. in a second-quarter stretch that saw them extend the Bulls' lead to 23, thanks to their stellar play on both ends of the floor.

COOKIES 🍪@ACFresh21 | @NBCSChicago pic.twitter.com/LMWy1tx8Nh

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) October 27, 2022

LaVine shows he's alright

There has been a lot of talk surrounding the condition of Zach LaVine's knee after he missed the first two games of the season due to discomfort in his surgically-repaired knee. He put all that talk to rest — at least for a game — as he dropped 28 points against the Pacers, putting on a stellar shooting display from long range.

Zach was cookin from deep.

28 pts | 6-8 from three | 6 reb | 5 ast pic.twitter.com/keqyeOCZZi

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) October 27, 2022