Chicago Bulls: 3 takeaways from the close win over the Cavaliers

CHICAGO, IL - NOVEMBER 10: Zach LaVine #8 of the Chicago Bulls attacks the basket during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on November 10, 2018 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - NOVEMBER 10: Zach LaVine #8 of the Chicago Bulls attacks the basket during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on November 10, 2018 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2. Ryan Arcidiacono is the real deal

Ryan Arcidiacono had a night to remember. It was his first career NBA start and he scored a career-high 15 points on 6-of-8 shooting from the field and 3-of-4 shooting from 3-point range. He also added 4 rebounds and 2 assists.

Arcidiacono has been impressing Bulls fans recently with his hard-nosed defense, efficient offense and instant energy off the bench. It was only a matter of time before Fred Hoiberg gave him a chance with the first unit. Clearly, that was a good decision.

Right from the opening tip, Arcidiacono was helping the Bulls in a major way. He was knocking down shots, making smart decisions, creating opportunities for teammates, defending Collin Sexton at a high level and being the true point guard that the Bulls offense desperately needs.

Check out this play from Arch.

Zach LaVine will be the one that gets talked about most in this highlight, and rightfully so, that dunk was absolutely absurd, but that dunk wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for Ryan Arcidiacono.

Arch does a phenomenal job of keeping his dribble alive, using a slight screen from Wendell Carter Jr. to get some breathing room and then putting the ball exactly where LaVine needed it in order to get to the rack.

If Arch continues to make plays like that, he’ll be in the starting lineup for a long, long time.