Chicago Bulls: Divisional momentum continues after win over Pistons

On the night of Feb. 17, the Chicago Bulls returned home to the United Center with an opportunity to build up a winning streak to two games. While their opposition didn’t look to be as difficult on paper to their prior game, which came against the Indiana Pacers on the road at Bankers Life Fieldhouse back on Feb. 15, it didn’t wind up being an easy one for the Bulls.

First-year head coach Billy Donovan and this improving Bulls team did give it their best effort down the stretch against the Detroit Pistons on Feb. 17. Returning home to the United Center on Feb. 17 could be just what this Bulls team needed to keep building momentum ahead of a really difficult challenge to face the Philadelphia 76ers on the road on Feb. 19.

Moreover, what powered the Bulls to nab this three-point win over the Pistons on Feb. 17 was another huge night from star shooting guard Zach LaVine. That helped to stave off a breakout 43 point night from Pistons forward Jerami Grant. The former Donovan product Grant went off for a game and season-high on that night, to go along with two rebounds and one block. He shot an efficient 15-of-25 from the field, 4-of-9 from beyond the arc, and a perfect 9-of-9 from the free-throw line.

LaVine’s counter for the Chicago Bulls

Meanwhile, LaVine gave the Bulls a team-high 37 points, to go along with five rebounds, five assists, three steals, and five turnovers. He shot 14-of-22 from the field, 4-of-6 from beyond the arc, and 5-of-7 from the charity stripe.

The supporting cast that LaVine was working with down the stretch got better too. Third-year center Wendell Carter Jr. finished the night with 18 points, three rebounds, one steal, and two blocks. Rookie forward Patrick Williams also gave the Bulls some solid production with 15 points, five rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block.

In the end, the Bulls came away with a bit too close for comfort 105-102 win over the Pistons. At this point, though, a win is still a win for the Bulls and that has to be lauded. Beating the Pistons and Pacers in consecutive games is another sign of improvement for this team in the fourth year of the rebuild.

Following this win over the Pistons, the Bulls now sport a record of 12-15. They have a two-game winning streak as they look to face the team with the top record in the Eastern Conference heading into the weekend in the Sixers on the road on Feb. 19.