Ayo Dosunmu shows his readiness to contribute when called upon

Plenty of experts were stunned when the promising guard decided to return to the Chicago Bulls during the summer. After all, he was returning to a backcourt that only retained Coby White but also added Jevon Carter. However, the resilient Illinois bet on himself to carve out a spot in the rotation.

On Sunday night, with defensive whiz Alex Caruso sidelined due to an injured toe, Dosunmu got the opportunity to play a little more and took advantage, producing an astounding performance of 13 points, three assists, three steals, and zero turnovers in nearly 27 minutes of action. In addition, Dosunmu also had the highest +/- on the team as he finished a +19 for the game.

True professional

So far, Dosunmu is playing nearly 12 minutes per game in the seven games he’s suited up in; a far cry from the 27 minutes per game he played in his first two seasons in the league. However, Dosunmu pays this no mind, as he knew exactly what he was signing for when he extended his contract with the Bulls.

“We have a very deep team,” Dosunmu said of the backcourt that has White starting and him and Carter sharing back-up duties.

“You have to be a true professional and be ready to seize the moment any given night. You have to work out each day. You never know. You have to be ready at all times.”

Ayo gave us a spark off the bench ⚡️@Calamos | @AyoDos_11 pic.twitter.com/rClROmwXcQ
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) November 13, 2023

Energized the team

The Bulls fell behind by 11 early, 26-15, but Dosunmu helped change the game’s complexion in the second quarter with his hustle plays, energy, and poise. Chicago uncorked a massive 20-2 run in that stretch that turned the tables on the Pistons and put them ahead 46-38.

“I told him, 'That (second) quarter was because of you,” DeMar DeRozan said. “The energy he brought, getting out in transition, getting those layups and steals, I let him know.”

After starting for most of his early career, Dosunmu has taken his reserve role earnestly, biding his time, and observing what he can do to help the Bulls if and when he gets into the game.

“Any time you can help give some energy to our team, it's a positive," Dosunmu said. "Me coming off the bench, I can see what the game needs. And I think that's something I've taken away from coming off the bench.”

Ayo taking charge 🔥 pic.twitter.com/JMogpRWCOC
— Bulls Talk (@NBCSBulls) November 13, 2023

True professional

Energized the team

Chicago Bulls get back on track with a 119-108 win over the Detroit Pistons