In the aftermath of the Chicago Bulls’ dramatic 122-121 victory over the Toronto Raptors on December 16, 2024, Lonzo Ball sent a strong message about his mindset despite his less-than-ideal performance. While Ball, coming off the bench, struggled with his shooting, finishing the game with just eight points on a 2-for-9 shooting performance, he contributed in other areas. He added seven assists, six rebounds, a steal, and a block in 23 minutes of play. Despite his shooting struggles, Ball remained upbeat and focused on the team’s success rather than individual stats. “I mean we won, always feel good when we win baby, no matter how you do it,” Ball remarked as he made his way to the locker room, emphasizing the importance of the victory over personal performance.
This victory marked the Bulls’ second consecutive win, signalling a positive shift for the team as they try to gain momentum in the 2024-25 NBA season. Chicago’s record now stands at 12-15, and although they are still under .500, the two-game win streak has injected some optimism into the squad. Ball’s approach, focused on team success over individual achievement, is in line with the mentality needed for a team striving to improve.
Ball’s minutes against the Raptors were a season-high so far, and he could see even more playing time in upcoming games, particularly with a potential opportunity to start. The Bulls are scheduled to face the Boston Celtics on Thursday at TD Garden, and with starting point guard Josh Giddey suffering an apparent ankle injury during the Raptors game, Ball may be called upon to take on a larger role. If Giddey misses time, Ball could be the one to fill in as the starter against the defending NBA champions, adding further importance to his performance.
For the season, Ball’s numbers have been modest, averaging 5.7 points, 3.8 assists, and 3.2 rebounds per game, while shooting 34.6% from the field. Despite these numbers, Ball’s leadership and all-around contributions, including his recent performance against the Raptors, demonstrate his value to the Bulls. His focus on the team’s win, rather than dwelling on his performance, highlights the unselfish nature that has characterized his game throughout his career.
The Bulls, who have had a difficult season so far, are hoping that the momentum from this win can propel them forward. If Ball is tasked with more minutes, especially as a starter, he will be crucial to Chicago’s success in the upcoming games, including the tough matchup against the Celtics. How Ball handles this potential increased responsibility could play a significant role in determining the Bulls’ ability to turn their season around and become a more competitive team in the Eastern Conference.
Ultimately, Ball’s performance against the Raptors, while not stellar on the offensive end, showcased his versatility and willingness to contribute wherever needed. His positive attitude, as expressed after the game, serves as a reminder that for teams like the Bulls, the win is ultimately what matters most. With his potential increased role moving forward, Ball’s ability to balance his individual development with the team’s success will be critical for both his growth and the Bulls’ aspirations for the remainder of the season.