Chicago Bulls: 3 forgotten aspects of Zach LaVine’s historic night

Forgotten aspects of LaVine’s historic night: Wendell Carter Jr.’s passing

Wendell Carter Jr. had a really impressive game all around. He scored 17 points, hauled in 11 rebounds, blocked two shots and recorded two steals. There’s one play, in particular, I want to focus on, though. It’s what led to LaVine’s fifth three of the evening.

Let’s set the scene.

Early in the third quarter, Tomas Satoransky brings the ball up the floor with the Bulls down by five points. Carter comes to set a screen for Sato but instead decides to slip it, getting into his roll sooner. Sato hits Carter on the short roll, who catches the ball and pivots towards the middle of the floor.

This is where Carter’s brilliance sets in. He has three options: shoot a contested mid-range jump hook, pass to a wide-open Lauri Markkanen, or kick to a scorching hot (but covered) LaVine.

Carter gives a look and slight fake to Markkanen, forcing the help to rotate prematurely and leave LaVine open. Carter then hits LaVine with a suave no-look pass in the corner. Bang bang.

The Bulls desperately need to get Carter in more of these situations where he’s creating in the short roll. His basketball IQ is sky-high, and that’s where he can do the most damage. It’s plays like these that help get the team’s best scorer (LaVine) open looks.