| | CHICAGO -- If Toni Kukoc can do this when he's rusty, imagine what he'll be like when he's back in shape.
On the floor for the first time in nearly two months, Kukoc
scored a team-high 18 points Wednesday night and gave the Chicago
Bulls a desperately needed spark as they beat the Washington
Wizards 77-66, snapping an 11-game losing streak.
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| Kukoc |
Kukoc, the only standout left on Chicago's roster, played in his first game Wednesday since Nov. 9.
"I could have shot a little better," said Kukoc, who was
7-of-26 from the floor. "It wasn't a great showing of shooting,
but I think I played a good game. Nothing spectacular, but a good,
overall basketball game."
Kukoc, the only player close to a standout left on Chicago's
roster, was taken off the injured list a few hours before the game
after missing the last 24 with lingering back spasms. He hadn't
played in a game since Nov. 9, and had only resumed practice Dec.
29.
His back spasms began in early November. After resting for two
weeks, he tried to practice Nov. 22, and promptly reinjured
himself. He was placed on the injured list Dec. 8.
"I'm tired right now, but I felt all right the first couple
minutes of the game," he said. "I ran out of gas. I haven't
practiced in a long time and I really have to work in the next week
to get myself into basketball shape."
Getting Kukoc back was some of the best news -- maybe the only
good news -- the Bulls have had in weeks. Already at a disadvantage
with a roster of misfits, Chicago (3-26) has had one player after
another go down with injuries. At one point last month, the Bulls
could only dress nine players with six on the bench in suits.
Not only does Kukoc give the Bulls a perimeter threat -- his
second shot Wednesday night was a 25-foot 3-pointer -- but he
provides invaluable leadership for a young team.
"It's a definite plus having him back, especially for the
rookies," said rookie Elton Brand, who had 16 points and 16
rebounds. "We're still trying to find our way."
Kukoc said it will take him another week or two to get back into
full playing shape. But that didn't stop him from playing most of
the game. Though he and coach Tim Floyd had only expected him to
play 25 minutes, he played 39.
"He wanted to stay out there," Floyd said. "It's always a
battle to get him off the floor, but he was out there too long."
Kukoc's fatigue was evident at the end of the game, when he
could barely run up the floor and his shots fell short. But fatigue
was the only problem, Kukoc said. His back felt fine.
"When we have a chance to win games like this, it doesn't
really matter," he said. "You don't sense the fatigue right away.
Now it's pretty bad and I'll need a lot of rest before the next
game.
"I hope I'm going to get the day off tomorrow." | |
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Kukoc's triumphant return: Bulls snap 11-game losing streak
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