What we learned from the Chicago Bulls' close win over the Toronto Raptors

Here are two takeaways from the Bulls' win over the Raptors.

© Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bulls got into a groove in the shaded lane on Thursday and used this to defeat the Toronto Raptors 116-110. Here are two takeaways from the morale-boosting victory.

Patrick Willams returns to the lineup

Young forward Patrick Williams returned to the Bulls lineup after a two-game absence due to soreness in his right ankle and heel. Although the medical staff determined that there was no structural damage, Bulls coach Billy Donovan shared that Williams must be more open with the trainers regarding what he’s feeling so that it can be dealt with immediately.

Williams had 12 points and an assist in 23 minutes, providing much-needed offense on a night when Zach LaVine couldn’t finish the game because of an ankle injury.

Pat with authority! pic.twitter.com/ErqneLrQRj

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) January 19, 2024

Paint dominance

The Bulls had their way inside the shaded lane, tallying 74 points in that area. Big man Nikola Vucevic spearheaded their paint attack, scoring 24 points on 12-20 shooting. However, there was a stretch in the second quarter wherein the Bulls strayed away from Vooch, and the Raptors took advantage, pulling in front 58-57 before the Bulls recovered to take a 63-58 lead at halftime.

Bulls need to keep finding Vucevic in this one. Plenty of mismatches.

— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) January 19, 2024

They eventually returned to feeding Vooch at the elbow or the post, and the results were mostly positive. Ultimately, the Bulls benefited from their ball movement as they registered 30 assists and made 52.7 percent of their shots.

Vooch going to work.@NBCSChicago | @NikolaVucevic pic.twitter.com/4gRwUgKiqv

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) January 19, 2024

Chicago Bulls defeat the Toronto Raptors but lose Zach LaVine to an injury