Zach LaVine got free on the right wing. After working his way open behind the 3-point line, LaVine took a pass from Kris Dunn and didn’t hesitate to shoot. In rhythm, he released with perfect form and the ball splashed through the hoop, giving LaVine his first three points just 37 seconds into his Bulls career.
The moment was the latest step in LaVine’s 11-month recovery from a torn ACL in his left knee he suffered as a member of the Timberwolves. It was also a milestone in the Bulls rebuild that began when he, Dunn and Lauri Markkanen were acquired in a draft-night deal from Minnesota for Jimmy Butler.
“I expected it to go through. I take so many shots, man. Late nights, I’ve shot so many shots. Hopefully I make that wide-open one, but I was happy,” LaVine said of his opening attempt. “I was into the game so I really didn’t have any emotions going through that point. I’ll probably come back and sit down and watch the game tonight and re-evaluate everything but I’m just glad we got the win.
“I played my part and I’m ready to get this thing rolling again.”
Zach LaVine made his Bulls debut Saturday night. | Getty Images
Inserted into the starting lineup – and announced last during pregame introductions – LaVine scored 14 points as the Bulls beat Detroit 107-105. In 19:10 of action, LaVine shot 5 of 9 with three 3-pointers and showed the polish that enticed the Bulls into making him a centerpiece despite the knee injury.
“He’s a very smooth player and has a lot of confidence to rise up on his first shot and knock down a 3,” coach Fred Hoiberg said. “(That) shows you that he’s just been itching for this moment to get out there and back on the floor and with his teammates.”
With LaVine on the bench as planned for the final quarter, the Bulls were still able to close out the Pistons. Markkanen led the Bulls with 19 as they had six players in double figures but they still needed to survive a dramatic conclusion.
Leading by two after a go-ahead Markkanen jumper with 1:08 left and then a Dunn free throw, the Bulls had an opportunity to finish the game but Justin Holiday turned the ball over with 4.3 seconds left. Detroit then had a chance to tie but Dunn was credited with a block on Reggie Bullock’s fastbreak layup with Markkanen grabbing the rebound as time expired.
Even if the Bulls hadn’t won in wild fashion, Saturday was still significant. For LaVine, it was the payoff after “a lot of long nights, grueling workouts, fun times, ups and downs.”
“An emotional roller-coaster but you’re strong to get through that. I think it made me a better person, better player and just happy to come out of it and get back to doing what I love,” LaVine said. “It was a long process. That full year, especially being away from basketball it just… it sucks.”
Playing in front of family and his agent, LaVine is back and his Bulls debut went to plan. He said he got “tired really fast,” but more importantly LaVine said his knee felt fine with no soreness. He bemoaned not being able to finish a Nikola Mirotic lob for an emphatic slam but had few complaints other than that.
He also impressed his teammates, including one who he’ll be linked with for as long as they’re in Chicago.
“Just to see how he moves and how quick he is, how well he can shoot the ball,” Markkanen said. “All around he’s a great player and he’s going to bring a lot to the team.”
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