Pippen Ain't Easy
Fansided

Lauri Markkanen lifts Chicago Bulls to 116-81 win in ‘flu game’ against Atlanta Hawks

By Megann Horstead

CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 28: Lauri Markkanen #24 of the Chicago Bulls drives to the basket against the Atlanta Hawks on December 28, 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 Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 28: Lauri Markkanen #24 of the Chicago Bulls drives to the basket against the Atlanta Hawks on December 28, 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 Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The Chicago Bulls, led by big man Lauri Markkanen, beat the Atlanta Hawks taking a page straight out of Michael Jordan’s playbook creating a modern-day sequel to the “Flu Game.”

The Chicago Bulls entered Saturday night’s game against the Trae Young-less Atlanta Hawks hoping to win for the third of three times this season.

Several players were listed with ailments ahead of tip-off, and none appeared more vital to a Bulls’ win than big man Lauri Markkanen‘s stomach flu.

Media reports throughout the past few days showed Markkanen was dealing with an illness, and he was listed as questionable to play against the Hawks. Kudos to Markkanen for suiting up, much like Michael Jordan had done in Game 5 of the NBA Finals between the Bulls and the Utah Jazz. Although I didn’t notice much of any signs of illness, Markkanen’s productivity on the floor was contagious in creating a spark for his team.

Markkanen ultimately put together one of his more solid games of the 2019-20 season when the Bulls faced the Hawks. As the game-day statistics show, he finished the game with 25 points, 4 rebounds and 1 assist. Not to forget to mention Markkanen managed to earn a plus/minus rating of +21, making him one of the more productive Bulls stars on the floor.

Among those benefitting from Markkanen’s “flu game” was Bulls shooting guard Zach LaVine. LaVine didn’t have to post big statistics in order to secure the win. In under 30 minutes of action, he finished the game with 19 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists.

Without further ado, here’s a quarter-by-quarter breakdown highlighting how the Bulls dominated the Hawks both offensively and defensively to walk away with the win at home.

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