DeMar DeRozan becomes the first player in NBA history with seven straight games of 35+ points and 50% or better shooting.
The Chicago Bulls were once the envy of the basketball world at the peak of their powers with Michael Jordan and Scotty Pippen along with head coach Phil Jackson forging one of the greatest dynasties in the history of the sport. The Bulls have crowned NBA Champions six times between 1990 and 1998.
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No team in the NBA could touch the Bulls with Jordan in the ranks, dominating their opponents with finesse and swagger. Jackson molded a winning machine that was only halted by matters off the court rather than on it.
Chicago fans have been forced to wait for a Championship-caliber outfit in the 24 years since the Bulls won the last of their titles. In the 2010/11 season, they believed their drought was at an end, only to be crushed in the Eastern Conference Finals by the new dynasty in town in the form of the Miami Heat and the big three: LeBron James, Chris Bosh, and Dwyane Wade.
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Derrick Rose won the MVP, but he was powerless to resist the Heat under the spotlight. However, at the age of 22, the future was bright for Rose and the Bulls. A spate of unfortunate injuries loomed large for Rose, beginning with an ACL tear in the first game of the playoffs in the 2011/12 term. Chicago never saw the point guard at his best again during his tenure in the Windy City, which was one of disappointment and frustration given his potential.
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The Bulls have been forced to be patient since then despite making decent runs in the Eastern Conference with Jimmy Butler and Joakim Noah in the ranks. Since losing to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2015 in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals, the Bulls have not won a playoff series and have failed to reach the post-season in four-straight terms.
That will change this season, with Chicago being backed at +1200 in the basketball betting odds to win the Eastern Conference. The franchise has slowly rebuilt its roster, fusing together bright talents with the experience of savvy veteran players. Zach LaVine has been a standout for a number of seasons for the Bulls since his move from the Minnesota Timberwolves. The 26-year-old averaged over 25 points per game in his last two seasons but was seemingly fighting a lone battle on the court. The pressure has been eased on the point guard, and it has allowed LaVine to flourish. He has still averaged a shade under 25 points per game this season, but having the burden lifted off his shoulders will be crucial come playoff time.
The signings of DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic were outstanding moves by general manager Marc Eversley. DeRozan and Vucevic have offered cool heads on the court, as well as producing excellent basketball in the final and defensive thirds. Their experience has brought out the best in LaVine as well as Lonzo Ball, who has settled into a role as a formidable point guard. Three years into his career, Coby White has developed leaps and bounds, handing Billy Donovan a potent starting five to take into the post-season.
The Bulls are in contention to top the Eastern Conference for the first time since the 2011/12 season. Chicago do not have the true superstars of old, but their semblance of team unity and cohesion on the court may allow them to return to the NBA Finals.
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