"I just try to prove everybody wrong when it comes to shooting" - Dalen Terry gaining more confidence in his shooting

Dalen Terry is steadily improving his game despite not getting many minutes this season.

Chicago Bulls rookie Dalen Terry has not had much on court NBA experience compared to most first-round picks. As a matter of fact, the 20-year-old has played in only 25 games this season, averaging a little over five minutes per outing. So, with opportunities for NBA reps few and far between, the Arizona alum is trying to show his game's improvements—especially with perimeter shooting—whenever he can.

"I just try to prove everybody wrong when it comes to shooting," said Terry, the Bulls' 18th pick of this year's NBA Draft.

Low point

Confidence can be hard to come by, especially if you're not playing many minutes or getting any opportunities. So, when Terry's number got called when the undermanned Bulls played the Indiana Pacers last month, he tried to be ready whenever he got the ball. Unfortunately, he missed both shots badly, not one even hitting the rim.

"Missing those two shots at Indiana, that was probably the lowest or most pissed off I've been about shooting in a long time," Terry said.

But while some may sulk after a pair of misses, Terry used it as motivation. He kept shooting to prove that he could be an effective shooter at the NBA level, and responded by playing his best games of the season. First he had 13 points, seven rebounds, and six assists in a loss to the Milwaukee Bucks.

Then, against the Brooklyn Nets in their first game after the All-Star break, Terry built on his momentum and had 11 points highlighted by a perfect 3-of-3 from beyond the arc.

Putting in work

Sitting on the bench for most of the season can be tough for any player, but Terry has stayed focused and worked hard to get his opportunity.

"So just make sure I trust in my work. I just know how much time I spend on my shot. I just know everybody says that's what I need to work on. So I just try to prove everybody wrong when it comes to shooting. So for me to have a night like where I go 3 for 3, it was just, like, 'Finally, my work is paying off.'"