What happened to Alex Caruso? Closer look at Bulls standout’s mid-game exit vs Hawks (April 17)

Alex Caruso suffered a foot injury in the NBA Play-In matchup against the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday. In the opening moments of the second quarter, center Andre Drummond and guard Alex Caruso collided while hustling up the court on a transition play, with Caruso bearing the brunt of the impact.

Caruso, a 2023 All-Defensive First Team member, appeared slow to rise after Drummond inadvertently stepped on his foot. Caruso was forced to exit the game and retreat to the locker room for assessment.

Fortunately, he retutned shortly thereafter, but he exhibited signs of discomfort.

Alex Caruso, renowned for his defensive prowess, has also emerged as a reliable offensive contributor for the Bulls. Any prolonged absence due to injury would have dealt a significant blow to their aspirations for the season.

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Chicago Bulls win Play-In matchup vs Atlanta Hawks despite Alex Caruso's injury

The Chicago Bulls clinched a commanding 131-116 victory over the Atlanta Hawks, nearing their season-high point tally of 136 during regular-season play. Coby White was the standout performer, tallying an impressive 45 points.

The win propels Chicago into a crucial matchup against the Miami Heat, slated for 7 p.m. ET on Friday in Miami, with the final Eastern Conference playoff spot at stake. However, Miami may face adversity, with star player Jimmy Butler potentially sidelined due to a suspected MCL injury.

The Chicago Bulls dominated the opening quarter, outscoring their opponents 40-22 and maintaining their momentum through much of the second quarter.

Driving much of the offensive prowess was White, whose remarkable performance throughout the season has positioned him as a strong contender for the Most Improved Player award.

White concluded the game with an impressive stat line, recording 45 points on 15-of-21 shooting, along with nine rebounds, six assists and an impressive zero turnovers.

The Atlanta Hawks displayed resilience throughout the game, yet their lack of depth proved to be a significant disadvantage. Both teams are not renowned for their deep benches (Atlanta ranks No. 25 in the NBA in bench minutes per game, while Chicago sits at No. 30).

However, the contrast became evident, as Chicago's starters remained on the court without the need for substitution due to fatigue except Alex Caruso.

In contrast, Atlanta faced challenges, notably with De'Andre Hunter delivering one of his least productive performances of the season, managing only eight points on 3-of-16 shooting.

As the game progressed into the late stages of the third quarter, the Hawks struggled to respond to the Bulls' offensive onslaught, resulting in an 18-2 scoring run by Chicago, which effectively sealed the game.