Pippen Ain't Easy
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Chicago Bulls: Ranking the 3 best moments of 2018

By Luke Askew

NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 10: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Lauri Markkanen #24 and Robin Lopez #42 of the Chicago Bulls in action against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on January 10, 2018 in New York City. The Bulls defeated the Knicks 122-119 in double overtime. 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. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 10: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Lauri Markkanen #24 and Robin Lopez #42 of the Chicago Bulls in action against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on January 10, 2018 in New York City. The Bulls defeated the Knicks 122-119 in double overtime. 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. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Steven Freeman/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Steven Freeman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2. Lauri Markkanen scores career-high at Madison Square Garden

After trading Jimmy Butler to the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2017 for Kris Dunn, Zach LaVine and a pick that ended up being Lauri Markkanen, the Bulls have relied on Markkanen’s growth to keep the fans positive. Luckily, Markkanen has found success way earlier than most expected.

The Bulls were heavily scrutinized for their decision to draft Markkanen during the 2017 draft, but he went on to have a stellar rookie year, averaging 15.2 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. On January 10, the Bulls traveled to New York to take on the Knicks at Madison Square Garden. This was when Lauri showed the NBA just how good he is and how much potential he has.

Markkanen would “Finnish” the game with 33 points and 10 rebounds on 10-of-22 shooting from the field and 8-of-15 shooting from 3-point territory. Not only was he pouring it in from deep, but he also had an absurd dunk on Enes Kanter.

Lauri would end up leading the Bulls to a 122-119 double-overtime victory on the road. That Knicks team wasn’t that good, but anytime a rookie can score 33 points in his Madison Square Garden debut, it’s going to be one of the best moments of the year for the team.

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