Despite all the doubts surrounding them before the start of the season, the Chicago Bulls are flying high right now. They have completely restructured the team during the offseason, and are reaping the benefits of their new signings.
One of the best performers for them has been DeMar DeRozan, who has formed a great duo with Zach LaVine.
In fact, LaVine and DeRozan made a bit of history in the Bulls’ win over the Nets. DeRozan scored 29 points and LaVine scored 31. This is their 11th game this season scoring at least 25 points each. They are the first duo since Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal to do so, with Kobe and Shaq doing this in their 2000-01 NBA season.
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DeRozan has especially been great. He is currently leading the NBA for points in the fourth quarter, and LaVine was right behind him at one point. Many even believe that DeRozan is an underrated option to win MVP this season, with even JJ Redick backing him to win the accolade.
The Bulls are on track to make the playoffs for the first time in 5 years and will be a strong force in the Eastern Conference. With the duo of DeRozan and LaVine, they have a legitimate sleeper team.
They are one of 4 teams who could conceivably reach the NBA Finals, along with the Bucks, Nets, and the Heat. DeRozan’s performance against the Nets showed that they have enough to take them out in the playoffs.
DeMar DeRozan showcased his killer instinct and winning mentality against the Nets, showing he was ready to do whatever it took to win the game. If this performance was anything to go by, the Bulls are extremely scary for any team in the Eastern Conference in a 7-game playoff series.
