Portis showing poise, confidence, swagger in leading Bulls

By Sam Smith, Bulls.com

Bobby Portis never lost confidence, never doubted.

And as a result, the Bulls suddenly are in position with a 1-0 series lead to shock the Boston Celtics in their first round playoff series.

Sure, Jimmy Butler was clutch with 15 fourth quarter points and the clinching free throws and Robin Lopez was dominant with 11 rebounds, eight offensive in the Bulls 53-36 rebounding advantage.

But it was a Bulls 35-22 bench edge led by Portis’ eight for 10 shooting and 19 points that proved decisive.

Portis’ poise was enviable, if also unlikely given what he’s endured in a season of rarely playing, 18 DNP-coach decisions, including the home opener against Boston, another 15 games of so called garbage time, playing fewer than 10 minutes in mop up, late game situations.

Yet, the humble 6-11 forward who still says, “Sir” when answering questions from media, worked and worked, competed and competed, was a model of effort despite the disappointment and frustration.

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