Chicago Bulls: Top 10 moments from 2017-18 NBA season

6. Bulls post impressive win against Washington Wizards

The Bulls came into this April Fool’s matchup on a seven-game losing skid and had dropped eight of their last 10 overall. Additionally, Fred Hoiberg fell ill and left the United Center before tipoff, leaving Jim Boylen with the coaching duties against the playoff-bound Wizards.

At this point of the season the Bulls had little to play for aside from pride, while the Wizards were still trying to improve their position in the Eastern Conference playoff race. That fact alone should have been enough motivation for the road team, but for whatever reason, the Wizards didn’t bring their best effort in this one.

The Bulls jumped out to an early 36-27 advantage after the first quarter thanks to some very impressive shooting. They connected on 60.9 percent of their attempts overall and converted eight of their 11 attempts from 3-point range.

Surprisingly, the Bulls never allowed the Wizards to get back into the game and when the final buzzer sounded, they came away with 113-94 victory, enabling them to notch their second win in as many nights. Markkanen paced the Bulls with 23 points, but the team as whole fared well, shooting 52.4 percent and 52.9 percent from long range, prompting this response from Wizards coach Scott Brooks:

"“We weren’t ready mentally”, Brooks told ESPN. “When you’re not ready mentally you’re not going to have a chance to win and that was the game tonight. They were just running their offense and we were chasing them around with no purpose.”"

Yes, it is worth noting that John Wall wasn’t in the lineup for this contest, but you still have to bring your A-game against inferior opponent. When you don’t, this is usually the result.