Damian Lillard Says Achilles Recovery Is Progressing, Bulls Shuffle Lineup Amid Injuries, Champagnie Sets Three-Point Mark
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PORTLAND — Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard reported steady progress in his return from a torn Achilles, telling Amazon Prime’s Allie Clifton that the hardest part has been waiting out the process.
“I think it’s just one of those injuries where you’ve got to take your time,” Lillard said. “It takes what it takes. The first couple of weeks to maybe two or three months is frustrating because you’re so limited.”
Lillard added that maintaining perspective has kept him focused. “With patience, giving yourself grace, and doing the things necessary to keep progressing, you start to see the light at the end of the tunnel,” he noted. Portland has not set a formal timetable for his return, continuing to stress caution.
Bulls Go Big in Win Over Pelicans
CHICAGO — Faced with multiple injuries, Bulls head coach Billy Donovan unveiled a revamped starting five Wednesday in a 134-118 victory against New Orleans. Chicago opened with Tre Jones as the lone guard alongside Isaac Okoro, Nikola Vucevic, rookie Matas Buzelis and Jalen Smith.
With Josh Giddey and Coby White sidelined, Okoro paced the Bulls with a season-high 24 points. Donovan used 10 players, bringing Patrick Williams, Dalen Terry, Jevon Carter, Kevin Huerter and Ayo Dosunmu off the bench. Roles could fluctuate during a six-game, nine-day stretch that begins Friday.
Champagnie’s Historic Night Lifts Spurs
SAN ANTONIO — Julian Champagnie hit 11 of 17 attempts from beyond the arc and scored 36 points to lead the Spurs past the Knicks, becoming the first player in NBA history to reach that total without attempting a two-point shot.
Champagnie started for Devin Vassell, who is nursing an adductor strain. Head coach Mitch Johnson said Vassell is expected to miss “more than a game or two.” While Champagnie found the mark, his teammates finished 3-for-21 from deep.
Source: Hoops Wire
