5 most memorable Chicago Bulls moments from 2019

3. Lauri Markannen puts together a big-time performance against Charlotte Hornets on opening night.

Despite missing the first 23 games of the 2018-19 campaign, Lauri Markkanen finished with averages of 18.7 points and 9.0 boards per contest. With that mind, the Bulls were hoping that the player labeled as one of the future cornerstones of the franchise would continue to take the next step in Year 3.

Well, he certainly started the season on a high note against the Charlotte Hornets. In the first of two back-to-back road outings for the Bulls, Markkanen poured in 35 points and pulled down 17 boards.

Not only that, but the Bulls outscored the Hornets by a 78-42 margin in points in the paint. Unfortunately, that effort was offset by the fact that the Hornets shot 52.3 percent from beyond the arc, converting 23 of their 44 attempts. When it was said and done, the home team squeaked out a 126-125 victory.

Markannen’s third year has been a mixed bag thus far and during November, he averaged just 11.9 points per contest on 33.1 percent shooting and 31.2 percent from downtown. On the positive side, before the back-to-back games over the weekend, he was averaging 18.7 points per contest on 52.6 shooting from the floor and 43.5 percent from long range during December.

Needless to say, the Bulls are hoping this is a sign of things to come going forward.