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Chicago Bulls: Player grades from OT loss to Indiana

By Luke Askew

CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 4: Zach LaVine #8 of the Chicago Bulls drives to the basket against the Indiana Pacers on January 4, 2019 at 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 4: Zach LaVine #8 of the Chicago Bulls drives to the basket against the Indiana Pacers on January 4, 2019 at 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Chicago Bulls put forth an incredible effort in a 119-116 OT loss to the Indiana Pacers. Let’s grade some of the Bulls’ notable performers.

The Chicago Bulls played an incredible game at home against the Indiana Pacers. I’m even tempted to say that it was the Bulls’ best game of the 2018-19 season. You could argue that the close win over the Oklahoma City Thunder was the best game of the season, or maybe you really enjoyed the road win over the San Antonio Spurs. Despite the Bulls ending up on the losing side of this game, though, this is the best I’ve felt all season long about being a Bulls fan.

Whether or not this game was actually the Bulls’ best game of the season, there’s no question that this was the most entertaining Bulls game of the season. The Bulls played well as a unit, it was a relatively tight game from start to finish and the shot-making was incredible.

Not only did the Bulls play a solid game, but the level of competition was really high. This wasn’t one of those close Tuesday night games against the Cleveland Cavaliers. This was a Friday night game against one of the best teams in the NBA, and the Bulls were one 30-foot, banked-in Victor Oladipo jumper away from taking the Pacers to double overtime.

Even after that ridiculous Oladipo shot somehow found its way through the basket, the Bulls still almost sent the game to double overtime after Zach LaVine hit an insane jumper that would, sadly, end up being waved off.

The Bulls came up short, but there were some really solid individual performances to be excited about. Let’s grade the most notable individuals on the Bulls’ roster from this intense game.

Forward. Chicago Bulls. LAURI MARKKANEN. A-. <a href=

CHANDLER HUTCHISON. B. <a href=. Forward. Chicago Bulls

Chicago Bulls. KRIS DUNN. A+. <a href=. Guard

B. <a href=. Center. Chicago Bulls. WENDELL CARTER JR.

A. Zach LaVine had one of his most exciting games of the 2018-19 season. He finished the game with 31 points on an efficient 12-of-21 shooting from the field and 5-of-9 shooting from 3-point territory. Foul trouble limited LaVine for much of the second quarter, taking him out of his early rhythm. Fortunately, he got back on track when it mattered most, knocking down multiple clutch jumpers.. Guard. Chicago Bulls. ZACH LAVINE

Yes, the Bulls once again lost the game, but they shouldn’t feel like losers. They played well as a team, fought hard until the end and showed remarkable resilience, but the Pacers hit a lucky 3-ball to win the game. Sometimes that happens in sports.

Next. 3 goals for the Bulls in 2019. dark

Next up for the Bulls is home game against the Brooklyn Nets on January 6. It’ll be interesting to see if the Bulls pick up where they left off, or if they go back to their less than inspiring ways. Only time will tell.

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