Account
DeMar DeRozan Says Bulls 'Can't Show Panic' Despite 3-1 Series Deficit to Bucks
April 24, 2022
The Chicago Bulls are on the brink of elimination after Sunday's 119-95 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 4 of their first-round playoff series.
But despite facing a 3-1 deficit, Bulls shooing guard DeMar DeRozan said it's important to keep a level head to set an example for his younger teammates.
"Just stay positive, first and foremost. You can't show panic, especially any veteran guys, you can't show panic," DeRozan told reporters. "You gotta understand that where there's a will, there's a way. You still got an opportunity, all it takes is one game at a time, and we still have an opportunity."
The defending-champion Bucks were clicking Sunday, building a 22-point lead in the third quarter and cruising to victory. Milwaukee shot a stellar 52.3 percent from the field and 51.5 percent from three-point range. Giannis Antetokounmpo had a game-high 32 points and 17 rebounds. Grayson Allen had 27 points off the bench, and Jrue Holiday added 26.
As for the Bulls, it was another disappointing performance. Zach LaVine led the team with 24 points and DeRozan added 23, but they shot 8-of-18 and 8-of-20 from the field, respectively. Frustrations seemed to boil over when LaVine got into a dustup late in the game with Bucks forward Bobby Portis. DeRozan and LaVine were also seen heading back to the locker room with time still left on the clock in the fourth quarter.
Chicago has struggled mightily in both games on its home floor, suffering the most lopsided playoff loss in franchise history (111-81) in Friday's Game 3 before Sunday's blowout. The Bucks have the chance to wrap up the series in Milwaukee on Wednesday.
DeRozan said he hopes the extra time between games helps the Bulls refocus to avoid ending their season.
"We got a couple days before we play again. Kind of just regroup mentally, emotionally, physically, and just look forward to the challenge," he said.