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Chicago Bulls: Lauri Markkanen stands out, but loses again

By Nello Rubio

CHICAGO, IL - MARCH 3: Lauri Markkanen #24 of the Chicago Bulls dunks the ball during the game against Kent Bazemore #24 of the Atlanta Hawks on March 3, 2019 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - MARCH 3: Lauri Markkanen #24 of the Chicago Bulls dunks the ball during the game against Kent Bazemore #24 of the Atlanta Hawks on March 3, 2019 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Chicago Bulls star Lauri Markkanen’s 19 points not near enough in matinee loss to the Atlanta Hawks Sunday afternoon at the United Center.

The Chicago Bulls just a couple of days removed from a thrilling record-setting 168-161 victory over the Hawks in Atlanta didn’t have quite the performance on Sunday afternoon in a matinee rematch at home.

Having seven players in double figures, which was led by Lauri Markkanen’s 19 points, nine rebounds, three assists and two steals wasn’t enough. The Chicago Bulls were trying to win two straight versus the Hawks, who they feel to by yet another very hard-fought 123-118 final.

One of the main differences Sunday afternoon being that none of the Bulls Big 3 put up anywhere near the numbers they did in Friday night’s victory.  With Zach LaVine scoring just 12 points on just 3-of-9 shooting in just 27 minutes just a couple of days after his breakout career-high 47 points performance. While Otto Porter Jr., who despite his desire with the coaches to still play got a rest on Sunday.

If not for a great game from Antonio Blakeney with his 17 points, who lead a Bulls bench that scored 51 of the teams 118 points, they may have not even had a chance at victory or to even send the game into overtime.

As Blakeney scored 13 of them in the fourth to help give them a shot at doing so.  It was his first great game in quite some time too and that the Bulls really needed with how their regular big time players struggled in the clutch.

Markkanen and Kris Dunn both missing threes within the final minute that would’ve tied the game to send it into overtime. Whether it was fatigue or whatever the case, many of the Chicago Bulls regular rotation players that played major minutes on Friday just couldn’t muster enough for the victory at home on Sunday afternoon.

Despite Markkanen scoring only 19 points compared to his 31 points outburst on Friday night and struggling with just 6-of-21 shooting in only 28 minutes. I still think he just etched out Blakeney’s 19 points on 8-of-13 shooting in 20 minutes off the bench for Player of the Game honors because Antonio only had only two rebounds and an assist.

Related Story. Player grades from rematch vs. Atlanta Hawks. light

Markkanen came within a rebound of yet another double-double and also had one more assist. Plus he contributed on the defensive end with two steals to show how great of a player he has started to become on both ends of the floor. A few positives to look at even despite a tough hard-fought loss.

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