Ayo Dosunmu on making a game-clinching triple against the Portland Trail Blazers

With the Chicago Bulls running out of healthy forwards following the foot injury to Patrick Williams that will sideline him indefinitely, coach Billy Donovan turned to Ayo Dosunmu for the start, and the fearless third-year guard delivered, hitting a booming three-pointer with 21 seconds left in the game to seal the victory for his squad.

Ready to step up

After a sophomore season that saw his play dip, Ayo Dosunmu returned to the drawing board and worked on his game, especially his outside shooting. After making only 31 percent of his threes last season, that number has risen to 36 percent. While still far from the elite, it reflects the relentless work ethic Dosunmu possesses, a determination to prove himself when given the opportunity.

Dosunmu got that opportunity late in the game against the Blazers, who had trimmed the Bulls’ lead to three 99-96 with a little over 20 seconds left. With the shot clock winding down to five seconds, Dosunmu received a kickout pass from big man Nikola Vucevic and confidently hoisted a three that found nothing but the bottom of the net for a 102-96 Bulls lead.

Ayo Dosunmu drills the dagger 3 to seal the win for the Bulls! pic.twitter.com/qq4Z7MZ6gH
— CHGO Bulls (@CHGO_Bulls) January 29, 2024

“Of course, it means a lot because in the NBA, any win is hard to win,” Dosunmu said of the crucial make.

“It’s the best league in the world, you have so many talented players each and every night. It also feel good because of the work I put into it. Vooch (Nikola Vucevic) trusted me (with the pass). In that instance, you try not to think. Just trust your instincts and go out and play. That’s

how I was, I was free.”

Opened the game with a dunk

Dosunmu finished the game with 11 points on 5-of-12 shooting, five rebounds, three assists, and a remarkable three blocked shots. He opened the game with a flurry, scoring six points in the first minute and 52 seconds, utilizing his blinding speed and superb finishing ability.

His first two points, though, came on a wide-open dunk. However, Dosunmu shared after the game that he had doubts about taking that shot as it was wide open.

“It happened so fast, I thought it was the wrong side of the rim,” Dosunmu said.

“I didn't hear anybody yelling, so I thought, 'Cool.' When it's that open, you're kind of like, 'Why is that open?’”

Good way to start the game. Ayo has been so good at getting to the rim, but this is probably the easiest one he'll have all day pic.twitter.com/uWep01Hcmm
— Will Gottlieb (@Will_Gottlieb) January 29, 2024

Ready to step up

Opened the game with a dunk

Patrick Williams' painful left foot will undergo more testing, and his return date has yet to be set