USA Today via Reuters
Feb 8, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine (8) shoots a free throw against the Washington Wizards during the first half of an NBA game at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Feb 8, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine (8) shoots a free throw against the Washington Wizards during the first half of an NBA game at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
For the last three seasons, the Chicago Bulls have been relying heavily on Zach LaVine for offense. Since his trade to the Bulls, he has evolved into an elite scorer, arguably the best Chicago has seen since Michael Jordan.
LaVine has broken a few of Jordan’s franchise scoring records, but tonight, he did more than just that. He scored 20 points in the first quarter against the Pelicans, the sixth time he has done it in a Bulls jersey.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
This is twice the amount of similar games Jordan had, after just three of such games in his Bulls career.
Zach LaVine scored 20 points in a quarter for the 6th time with the Bulls. That is double any other Bulls player over the last 25 seasons (Ben Gordon and Michael Jordan each had 3 such quarters). pic.twitter.com/z2c2rvDEru
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) February 11, 2021
The 25-year-old shot 7-8 in the first quarter, including 5-5 from three. The Pelicans were helplessly trying to keep him in check, as he kept draining points.
Once he gets into his groove, it is very difficult to stop him. LaVine played all 12 minutes of the first quarter and helped the Bulls score 44 points.
LaVine cooks for 20 PTS in the 1Q 😨
He’s 5/5 from 3PT pic.twitter.com/tFQl44S3LF
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 11, 2021
Is Zach LaVine the best scorer the Bulls have had since Michael Jordan?
Jordan is arguably the greatest scorer the game has ever seen. While LaVine is nowhere close to him at the moment, he is slowly working his way up.
Getty
Michael Johnson #23, shooting guard for the Chicago Bulls prepares to make a shot during a Central Division game in the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association (NBA) 1988 – 1989 season at Chicago Stadium, Chicago, United States. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Allsport/Getty Images)
An ACL injury marred his first season in Chicago, and he played just 24 games. But when he was given the keys to the Bulls offense in his first full season, he showed promise. He averaged 23.7 points per game while shooting 46% from the field and 37% from three.
He has been steadily improving every year, and currently, he is averaging 27.4 points with superb shooting splits of 50-40-85. These are some of the best numbers a Bulls player has had since Jordan.
In fact, Lavine’s points per game in his Bulls career is the second-highest in franchise history, right behind Jordan.
USA Today via Reuters
Feb 10, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine (8) dunk the ball against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second quarter at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports
One could say Derrick Rose’s numbers are affected by his injury, and one could make a case for the 2011 MVP to be a better scorer. But LaVine, unlike Rose, can score from anywhere on the court. He is a way more versatile scorer and often scores for fun.
LaVine has the numbers on his side, but now he needs to help the Bulls return to the playoffs and return to their previous great levels.
