Bulls News: ‘That’s what made it hurt even more!’ – A star opens up.

In a crucial Game 1 of the playoffs, Sam Hauser emerged as an unexpected hero for the Boston Celtics, showcasing his resilience and skill after a rough shooting slump in the previous series.

Despite struggling with a dismal 7 percent shooting from 3-point range earlier, Hauser played a pivotal role in one of the game’s defining moments. Kristaps Porzingis’ defensive and offensive plays set up Hauser, who nailed a contested 3-pointer to extend the Celtics’ lead to 17 points, energizing the crowd and marking a turning point in the game.

Hauser’s contributions went beyond his shooting. He delivered a performance that included stellar defense against the Mavericks’ stars, Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, even managing to disrupt Doncic on one occasion. Hauser ended the game with eight points on 3-for-4 shooting, including two key 3-pointers and a deep two, along with four rebounds and an assist. His defensive effort was commendable, holding his own in perceived mismatches and helping the Celtics secure a 107-89 victory.

This performance was a testament to Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla’s faith in Hauser, who maintained his role in the rotation despite his shooting woes. The law of averages worked in Hauser’s favor, and his persistence paid off, potentially adding another weapon the Mavericks will need to account for in the series. Hauser’s defensive tenacity and offensive precision turned him into a key player, illustrating the depth and resilience of the Celtics’ roster.

On the other hand, the Chicago Bulls are looking to secure the future of DeMar DeRozan, their most consistent player last season. Reports indicate that the Bulls are negotiating a multi-year deal with DeRozan, potentially worth up to $40 million over two years. While DeRozan seeks longer-term security, the Bulls might include a player option to sweeten the deal.

DeRozan’s performance last season was outstanding, averaging 24.0 points, 5.3 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game on 48.0% shooting. Despite his and Zach LaVine’s efforts, the Bulls struggled without Lonzo Ball and finished ninth in the Eastern Conference with a 39-43 record.

The team faces pressure to make strategic moves to enhance their playoff chances and address their shortcomings. Re-signing DeRozan is a step towards maintaining stability while they work on improving their roster and bench depth to become serious contenders.