Collin Sexton Leaves Game Early After Career Night – What It Means for the Bulls
If you’ve been keeping up with the Chicago Bulls lately, you'll know Collin Sexton has been playing with a fire that's hard to ignore. But Sunday’s game against the Sacramento Kings sent a ripple of concern through the United Center crowd. Midway through the third quarter, Sexton grabbed at his side after a heavy fall and headed straight to the locker room — and he didn’t return. The official word is a bruised hip, but anyone who saw him wince knows that’s code for “we’ll be holding our breath until the MRI comes back.”
The Kid From Alabama Keeps Proving Himself
Just days before the scare, Sexton reminded everyone why the Bulls front office made that deadline move. In a tough loss on the road, the former Alabama standout poured in a career-high 41 points, hitting step-backs and finishing through contact like a man possessed. It was the kind of performance that makes you forget he’s only 6'1". He carried an offence that goes stagnant way too often, and for a few minutes, he looked like the best player on the floor — regardless of whose name was on the back of the jersey.
Coming Off the Bench? Doesn’t Matter.
There’s been plenty of talk about Sexton’s role ever since he arrived in Chicago. He started a few, then coach Billy Donovan shifted him to a sixth-man spot. And you know what? The guy hasn’t complained once. In fact, he’s thrived. Coming off the bench Sunday, he had already dropped 18 points in just 19 minutes before the injury. That’s the kind of spark this team needs — instant offence, relentless pressure, and a chip on his shoulder that’s visible from the cheap seats.
- Vs. Kings (before injury): 18 pts, 4 ast in 19 min
- Career-high night: 41 pts, 5 reb, 3 stl
- Bench role since trade: 22.4 ppg, 47% FG
What’s Next for Sexton and the Bulls?
Let’s be real: this team isn’t making any noise in the East unless Sexton is on the floor. His aggression opens up driving lanes for everyone else, and his three-point stroke has forced defences to stop sagging off him. Early reports out of the training room suggest the hip is more of a bad bruise than a tear, but they’ll run tests Monday to be sure. If he misses time, the Bulls lose their most consistent bucket-getter off the bench — and that’s a hole nobody else on that roster can fill.
One thing’s for sure: Collin Sexton isn’t the type to sit out longer than he has to. Remember, this is the same guy who played through a fractured face in college. He’ll be itching to get back out there, and if Sunday was any indication, he’ll pick up right where he left off. Bulls fans, keep your eyes on the injury report — because when Sexton’s on the court, this team is actually fun to watch.