The Chicago Bulls are at their prime and are in for a stellar season behind key star contributors Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan.
Despite losing guard Lonzo Ball and head coach Billy Donovan COVID-19 health and safety protocols, the Bulls managed to defeat the Pacers 113-105. Today’s is now their 3rd straight away game win.
Zach LaVine scored 32 points following his return from the health and safety protocols, and DeMar DeRozan racked up 24 points in a winning performance. As a result of Nikola Vucevic’s tenacity in the paint and on the boards with 16 points and 15 rebounds, the Bulls are now a 20-10 record.
Despite much criticism against DeMar DeRozan joining the Bulls during the off-season, many people were not sold on how much of an impact he could make at this point in his career. The same could be said about Zach LaVine, whether or not he would gel well in terms of chemistry as a co-star.
Today’s win showed their dominance. They sit 2nd place in the Eastern Conference and 5th in the League. In an interview with assistant coach Fleming, the team exemplifies a selfless brand of basketball.
Coach Fleming on having Zach and DeMar as closers:
"We had a short huddle with DeMar and Zach (in the 4th) as we were going out and DeMar said listen, stay with Zach. I'll play off him. Those guys are pretty selfless – both of them are willing to sacrifice for the other." pic.twitter.com/ph03ibNLP9
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) December 27, 2021
Although some are still in disbelief over the DeRozan-LaVine combination, DeRozan has confirmed that the arrangement that led to him joining Chicago Bulls were already discussed.
“A commitment that we talked about long before we even played on a court was just having each other’s back and being there for one another. That’s all I needed to hear. That’s all he needed to hear from me,” said DeRozan in an Interview earlier this month via NBC Sports.
“As long as we could walk, we’re going to be out there and try to lead this team to be as successful as we can. DeRozan added.
“When I see him do those things, it’s not surprising to me. It’s something I saw in his eyes when we first had conversations about how I could help this team.“
At one point during the game, the four-time all-star DeRozan receives MVP chants from fans. Fans of the Windy City have praised his impressive outing of 24 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and two steals.
🗣️ “MVP, MVP, MVP”
DeRozan receiving MVP chants in Chicago. pic.twitter.com/7knrJ6eNw6
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) December 27, 2021
The Chicago Bulls are set to face the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night.
