Chicago Bulls: Ronnie Brewer Has Career Night in Loss to Indiana Pacers

Usually, it’s Derrick Rose getting all the attention.  With an injury to Chicago Bulls shooting forward Luol Deng, Ronnie Brewer got the start in a tough loss (90-95) against the visiting Indiana Pacers, ending an eight-game winning streak at home.  

At the half, Brewer had 16 points, went 7-of-9 from the field and had three steals.  He only missed one shot in the second quarter.  He finished with 20 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and three steals. 

Brewer was less productive in the second half but came up big in the fourth quarter, grabbing an offensive rebound and assisting Joakim Noah for a dunk with 3:16 left in the game, closing the gap to three points.  He drew a foul with 1:27 left and hit two big free throws, bringing the deficit within two.    

Brewer told the Chicago Sun-Times, "You've got to be ready when your name is called and that's what I've been trying to do all season."  

In his five-year career, Brewer has been a role player, mostly bringing athleticism and defense.  A lot like Deng, now Brewer has shown he can play an offensive role as well.

Brewer plays the baseline to perfection.  When Carlos Boozer gets the ball in the post, you can see Chicago's finest brew creeping behind the basket.  He doesn't get the respect that Rose and Boozer do, so he's often open for an easy dunk.  

By working on his jump shot, Brewer is also adding some more firepower to the Bulls offense.  

Nick Friedell of ESPN.com reported that Brewer "spent so many hours working on his jumper over the summer that he lost count."

Brewer has somewhat of an unorthodox jumper, curling his legs underneath him when he jumps, but if it goes in, who cares?

Like Father, Like Son

Brewer’s dad Ron played with the Bulls for only four games during the 1985-86 season.  They have always had a great relationship. 

The younger Brewer said to Chicago Tribune’s K.C. Johnson,"People think he was pushing me so hard when I was young and it was the exact opposite," Brewer said.