Bulls: Zach LaVine’s career-high, game-winner the ultimate answer

Just 24 hours prior, Chicago Bulls head coach Jim Boylen sent a strong message to Zach LaVine. On this night, LaVine answered emphatically.

It was a back-and-forth game between the Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets late and, as usual, Jim Boylen’s crew was about to blow a double-digit lead. Not so fast, though. Zach LaVine wasn’t about to let that happen.

Just a day earlier, Boylen pulled LaVine just three and a half minutes into the game with the Miami Heat. The head coach said LaVine deserved the benching due to three major whiffs on defense. After the game, LaVine was clearly upset and answered questions about the incident quite sarcastically.

"“I guess I was to blame for it. I’ve got pulled early before by him. I guess that’s just his thing to do,” LaVine said. “I have to take it in stride. What did he say I got pulled for?” – Per NBCS Chicago"

Fast forward back to the latest game against the Hornets, and Coby White found himself forcing a turnover on the final play with the Bulls down 115-113. When the ball hit the ground, LaVine scooped it up, raced out past the three-point line, turned around and sunk the game-winner.

That game-winner also happened to be his 13th three-pointer of the night. Only Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson have ever made as many in an NBA game.

After the game, LaVine had this to say:

"“Hopefully this is that turning point for us. Every team has it. This could be a big step for us in the right direction.” -Per ESPN"

On the night, LaVine finished with a career-best 49 points, again making 13 of 17 from beyond the arc and shooting 17 of 28 overall. His counterpart, White, finished with 28 and hit four from deep.

It is no secret the Bulls have plenty of talent and should be doing much better than they are on the year. It is also no secret that Boylen has much to do with that overall record. Even fans notice the wild lineups and bull-headed decisions. Boylen has an ego, that’s for sure, and it doesn’t seem like he’s going to take it down any time soon.

Regardless of what Boylen says or does from now on, he better understand that LaVine can be the best player on the court for his team at any given point. Is LaVine’s defense atrocious? Sure. But, you’re not going to score a whole lot with a lineup of Ryan Arcidiacono, Shaquille Harrison, Kris Dunn, Tomas Satoransky and Lauri Markkanen.

Boylen’s rotations have been the worst in all of basketball this year, but LaVine bailed his coach out on this night. It would serve JimBo well to understand he’s not as smart as he thinks. LaVine simply put him in his place with the ultimate clap-back.