Chicago Bulls snap 10 game losing streak, defeat Hornets in overtime
By Eric Brown
The contest took 5 extra minutes, but the Chicago Bulls finally got their 4th win of the season against the Charlotte Hornets.
It has been awhile since the word “win” has been associated with the Chicago Bulls, some fans questioned whether the team would ever secure another victory. They had been getting out-coached, out-played, out-worked, and out-hustled every single game. The hustle of the opposing teams finally ran on Friday night as the game went to overtime, giving the Bulls the must needed win.
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Young guns leading the charge
Holy Kris Dunn. Have yourself a career game. Matched up against step-back king Kemba Walker, Dunn made the most of the space that was given to him. In 41 minutes, Kris Dunn played his heart out, willing the Bulls to the win. Providing 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 12 assists, along with 3 steals, Dunn was a key reason for this victory.
As the second, maybe now third most important player received in the Jimmy Butler trade, Dunn has received criticism galore. Noted as a defensive specialist coming out of college, he struggled mightily in his rookie season. Now with the Chicago Bulls, he appears to have full control of this offense to do what he wants. If he can keep up the stellar play, the rebuild may happen faster than we think.
Anything new? Lauri Markkanen had a great game. As has been the case for practically the entire season, Lauri looks like the Bulls best player. 24 points and 12 rebounds is nothing to joke about, Markkanen continues to let teams know who passed on him that they will come to regret it. With Marvin Williams guarding him, Lauri feasted, finishing 8-15 on the night.
The Return of the last Mirotic
Finally, after almost a month and a half out of commission due to injuries suffered in the Bobby Portis practice fight, Nikola Mirotic made his return on Friday night. In the first quarter of the season, the Bulls missed the shooting that Mirotic provides on a nightly basis. In 14 minutes, which should continue to rise as he finds his rhythm and better conditioning, Mirotic finished with 6 points, including a 3 pointer. Despite the low point total, Nikola finished the game tied for the team lead in Plus/Minus.
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Now that Nikola is back, and the return of Zach Lavine is imminent, wins could be coming more often for the Chicago Bulls. As we all know, in order to not be considered among the leagues worst teams of all times, they will have to do plenty of winning.