5 most memorable Chicago Bulls moments from 2019

1. Zach LaVine powers Bulls to narrow 116-115 win over Hornets

To set the stage for this game, it should be noted that the Bulls were coming off a 116-108 home loss to the Miami Heat. In the first quarter of that contest, the Heat took control of the game early, jumping out to a 13-0 lead.

As a result, head coach Jim Boylen pulled LaVine out of the game.

"“I just pulled him. Not combative. Guys know. Zach LaVine and Lauri Markkanen and our starters got to play better for us to become what we can become. That’s how it works,” Boylen said via ESPN. “I want him to be a two-way player. That’s what I want him to be.”"

LaVine went on to say that he sensed a lack of trust from his coach and that it would be difficult to trust someone if they don’t trust you. So how would the team’s star guard respond in the next game against the Charlotte Hornets?

Quite nicely.

Fast forward to the waning seconds of this game versus Charlotte, the Bulls trailed by five points, 115-110. Tomas Satoransky hit a 3-pointer to trim the deficit to two points, but the Bulls still needed a miracle if they had hopes of winning this one, and that is exactly what they got.

On the ensuing possession for the Hornets, Ryan Arcidiacono and Coby White caused Devonte Graham to lose his dribble. LaVine scooped up the loose ball and then this happened…

Thanks to LaVine’s late-game heroics, the Bulls escaped with a 116-115 win in a game they had no business winning. LaVine finished with 49 points — including 27 in the final frame — on an efficient 17-for-28 from the field including 13-for-17 from beyond the arc. He joined Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson as the only NBA players to knock down at least 13 3-pointers in an NBA game.

In what is shaping up to be another disappointing season, Bulls fans had just cause to celebrate, even if it was only for one night.