NBA Notes: Blazers, Damian Lillard, Bulls, Billy Donovan, Spurs

Trail Blazers

Damian Lillard said his rehab from an Achilles tear is “going great” as he works his way back, telling Allie Clifton of Amazon Prime that patience has been the biggest challenge.

“I think it’s just one of those injuries where you’ve got to take your time,” Lillard said. “It takes what it takes. The first couple of weeks to maybe two or three months is frustrating because you’re so limited.”

Lillard added that maintaining perspective has helped him stay on track.

“With patience, giving yourself grace, and doing the things necessary to keep progressing, you start to see the light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.

The Trail Blazers have not provided a timetable for Lillard’s return, continuing to emphasize a cautious approach.

Bulls

With multiple injuries testing the roster, Bulls coach Billy Donovan adjusted on the fly.

Donovan rolled out a new starting lineup in Wednesday’s win over New Orleans, writes Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times. Chicago went big, using Tre Jones as the lone guard alongside Isaac Okoro, Nikola Vucevic, Matas Buzelis, and Jalen Smith.

With Josh Giddey and Coby White unavailable, Okoro led the way with a season-high 24 points in the 134-118 win.

“Everyone knows their role on this team,” Okoro said. “We have enough if we play with energy and do the things we can control.”

Donovan used 10 players, including Patrick Williams, Dalen Terry, Jevon Carter, Kevin Huerter, and Ayo Dosunmu off the bench. As Cowley notes, roles could shift nightly during a stretch of six games in nine days beginning Friday.

Spurs

Julian Champagnie delivered a historic shooting performance to spark San Antonio’s comeback win over New York, according to Jeff McDonald of the San Antonio Express-News.

Champagnie made 11 of 17 three-point attempts and finished with 36 points, becoming the first player in NBA history to score that many without attempting a two-point shot. His teammates combined to shoot just 3-of-21 from beyond the arc.

Champagnie started in place of Devin Vassell, who is dealing with an adductor strain. Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said that Vassell is expected to miss more than a game or two, per Tom Orsborn of the Express-News.