League says DeRozan was fouled on final shot attempt vs. Wizards
The NBA released its usual "Last Two Minute" report, assessing the calls made in the final two minutes of the previous day's close games.
The league determined DeMar DeRozan was fouled on his game-winning 3-point attempt and should have been awarded 3 free throws. DeRozan barely missed a shot over Washington's Anthony Gill as time expired Friday as the Bulls lost 102-100.
The ruling was Gill infringed on DeRozan's landing space, which is supposed to be a foul.
Ever since Zaza Pachulia vs. Kawhi Leonard in the Western Conference finals a few years back, that's been a point of emphasis in the NBA.
The NBA's description was as follows: "Gill (WAS) contests DeRozan's (CHI) jump shot attempt and initiates contact with his foot before DeRozan has returned to the floor."
The Bulls couldn't challenge the play because coaches can challenge only foul calls that are made, not ones that should have been called.
LaVine managing injury:
Before Saturday's game, coach Billy Donovan spent a long time trying to explain Zach LaVine's injury situation. LaVine made his season debut against the Cavs after sitting out the first two games due to injury management.
"There's nothing wrong with him structurally," Donovan said. "He's fine. It's just something we'll have to manage. We knew we were going to have to manage that going into the season. We just don't know when or what it will look like."
LaVine had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee in May and the recovery was going fine until Donovan ramped up the practice intensity during the week between the final preseason contest and season opener.
"It was just at a point where he had some discomfort, some soreness," Donovan said.
"Doctors, medical staff and Zach, they sit down and talk, and then you start to figure out a plan going forward, to map that out.
"You've got to, obviously, take his temperature and see how he responds, because there's times he feels great and there's other times he has some soreness and discomfort."
The situation seems relatively simple. The decision on when to sit out will be a group effort, LaVine likely won't play in both legs of back-to-back games early in the season and everything is subject to change.
Bull horns:
Before Saturday's game, a moment of silence was held for 20-year NBA referee Tony Brown, 55, who died after a battle with pancreatic cancer. ... Zach LaVine addressed the crowd before tipoff, promising fans, "We'll fight for you guys."
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