Brewer shakes off second hamstring injury
Ronnie Brewer missed the final two months of last season with a partially torn right hamstring, then skipped the Bulls' first three preseason games with another hamstring issue.
Same leg, same muscle, but apparently two unrelated injuries. Asked how the problems differed, Brewer said the tear was at the bottom of his hamstring muscle, near the knee, while the recent pain was much higher on the leg.
After sitting out the first two weeks of training camp to rest the latest injury, Brewer finally made his Bulls debut Tuesday night against Toronto.
“It was just kind of a weird thing, he said. “I was conditioning with the strength coaches and it happened to pull a little bit. It was the Friday before media day (Sept. 24).
“It definitely was a shock. There wasn't any lingering trouble in my leg. There wasn't any carry over from my previous injury.
Brewer played almost 10 minutes against Toronto, finishing the first and third quarters after checking in for Keith Bogans. Brewer finished with 4 points, a rebound and an assist.
“I'm not going to change the way I play, he said before the game. “I'm still going to be aggressive, try to be one of the most athletic guys on the court at all times. Nothing to be cautious about, just have to try to prevent it by stretching a little more.
Bulls turn up pressure: Late in the third quarter while holding a 23-point lead, the Bulls threw on a surprise full-court press, which resulted in a Luol Deng steal.
#8220;In certain situations, we'll extend (the defense), coach Tom Thibodeau said. #8220;I think we have the athleticism to do that. It's one of the strengths I think Joakim (Noah) has.
#8220;I think we can extend them up the floor and make it harder, use some clock in the backcourt so now when they do get into the frontcourt they're operating with a shorter clock and maybe force them into a tougher shot.
Bull horns: Kyle Korver was given a technical foul in the fourth quarter for pointing to his elbow, indicating he got fouled while draining a jumper. #8230; C.J. Watson returned after missing the previous two games with a leg bruise. He hit his first 4 shots and finished with 12 points. #8230; Toronto started South suburban native Julian Wright, who scored 3 points.