The Chicago Bulls have just played their finest basketball game of the season.
The Los Angeles Lakers were defeated 124-108 by the Chicago Bulls. The Bulls’ stunning victory was their most complete game of the season. When the game clock expired, the United Center erupted in a standing ovation.
Everyone contributed to the Bulls’ victory over the Lakers. Eight Chicago Bulls players scored in double figures.
Dalen Terry (2 points) was the only player who played significant minutes but did not score at least 10 points. However, with 5 rebounds and 3 assists, Terry was far from ineffectual.
3 standout performers
DeMar DeRozan receives the fictitious game ball. DeRozan scored 27 points while shooting 12-16 from the field. He also had 9 assists and 7 rebounds to finish out his stat line. This season, DeRozan has relied more on his abilities as a facilitator, and it has paid him handsomely. DeRozan has made some incredible passes that may be the greatest of the season.
Coby White delivered yet another strong performance. The 23-year-old scored 17 points, grabbed 7 rebounds, and assisted 5 times. He shot less than 40% from the field, but he made big shots when it counted. This includes:
Coby White continues to demonstrate his status as a celebrity. He’s playing aggressively and confidently, and he’s scoring in a variety of ways. His playmaking is also not to be dismissed. He has matured into the player that everyone dreamed he would be.
Patrick Williams also had a strong showing on Wednesday. Williams scored 15 points, going 3-3 from three-point range and 6-10 overall. Williams finished with 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block. Williams’ defense is his most valuable attribute, and it was on full show tonight. He contributed to the Lakers’ 32% 3-point shooting percentage. Williams, along with Coby White, has been one of the Bulls’ most improved players this season.
The Chicago Bulls can be one of the top 5 teams in the eastern conference
In their last nine games, the Bulls have defeated some of the NBA’s best teams. Including victories over the third-seeded 76ers and the second-seeded Bucks. The Bulls, who are now in 12th place, have the opportunity to go on a major win streak and go back into postseason contention. It’s encouraging to see the Bulls figuring out how to win in December. Too often, a team discovers how to win late in the season; not the Bulls.
The Bulls have won seven of their previous ten games without Zach LaVine. There is a lot of debate right now regarding how much of the Bulls’ success can be attributed to LaVine’s absence. For good cause, the Bulls have changed dramatically since LaVine’s foot injury.
At this point, it is evident that LaVine was part of the problem that plagued the Bulls early in the season. LaVine’s upside is limited to his excellent scoring ability.
He offers little defense and depends largely on solitary play to earn his buckets. That style of play is not appropriate for the current Bulls squad. Basketball is about so much more than just scoring baskets, and LaVine gives none of it.
The front office of the Chicago Bulls cannot afford to disrupt what the team is doing right now. Zach LaVine should be traded. He, too, wishes to be traded. LaVine was reportedly frustrated last season because he and the Bulls top office couldn’t agree on his role on the squad.
In the offseason, the Bulls attempted to move him. At the time, no compelling offers were made. Finally, LaVine was plainly checked out amid the Bulls’ difficult start to the season in October. It is in both parties’ best interests for the relationship to end here.
The Chicago Bulls are entertaining to watch once more. There is significant development among the young players, and DeRozan is in an ideal position. To compliment DeRozan’s famed mid-range game, Coby White has matured into an outstanding 3-point shooter.
The Chicago Bulls will return to action at the United Center on Thursday against the San Antonio Spurs.
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