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Chicago Bulls rookie Ayo Dosunmu stays hot, has historic night in OKCBenjamin Hudyon January 25, 2022 at 3:00 pm

Jan 24, 2022; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu (12) shoots as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) defends during the first quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

As of late, the Chicago Bulls have struggled mightily as they go through one of their worst stretches of games of the entire year (winners of 3 of their last 10). With many players out due to injury, one player keeping them afloat has been rookie Ayo Dosunmu. Ayo continued his hot stretch of games on Monday night, having a huge part in the Bulls win over the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Ayo, who is a graduate of Morgan Park high school in Chicago and a former player at the University of Illinois; has been a fan favorite all season long because of his hometown roots and his play on the court. Dosunmu continued his impressive rookie campaign by making history against Oklahoma City.

Ayo broke a 40 year-old Bulls rookie record by going 9 for his first 9 shot attempts on the floor, a record previously held by Orlando Brown. Dosunmu finished the game with 24 points, 8 assists, 5 rebounds, while shooting 71% from the field. Those are pretty impressive numbers for a rookie who was taken in the second round. He also added to his magical night by hitting a half court shot at the end of 3rd quarter as time expired

AYO FROM HALFCOURT.@NBCSChicago | @AyoDos_11 pic.twitter.com/hvzlQMXY73

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) January 25, 2022

The Bulls are going to need Ayo Dosunmu big-time going forward.

Having Ayo Dosunmu play like this as only a rookie is huge for the Bulls as they go forward into the later half of the season. With all the injuries and diversity the Bulls have faced recently, its huge to have a player like Ayo step up while some of the bigger stars of the team are out. The Bulls were lucky to get Javonte Green and Zach Lavine back tonight, but they are still missing key players like Lonzo Ball, Alex Caruso, and Derrick Jones Jr. amongst others.

It also just goes to show how much of a true steal that Ayo was in this past draft. Ayo has been arguably a top 10 rookie this season, and is able to contribute big minutes for the Bulls. The Bulls truly got first round talent in the second round, and give credit to the front office for seeing the flashes in the kid out of U of I.

Most of all, it’s just a great story for the Chicago Bulls. To have a hometown kid like Ayo be one of the top pieces on a contending team in Chicago is something that the fans will always get behind. When you go to the United Center it’s crazy to see the amount of Ayo jerseys and shirts that the fans all have on already in his rookie season.

As the season progresses and we head towards the playoffs, it will be fun to continue to watch Ayo Dosunmu’ progression into a true NBA talent. He shows signs and flashes on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball that any NBA team would want. Ayo will have to continue to be one of the teams top players until we get back some help. It just goes to show, that the Bulls got a true steal in the hometown kid from Chicago.

Next:Possible signings after the Lonzo Ball injury