Bulls lose to Pistons 118-102 despite career night for Zach Lavine

Chicago Bulls got blasted by the Pistons despite 51 points from Lavine.

© Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago Bulls fan base hoped the team would continue down the victory road after an OT win against the Raptors. But it was a rude awakening for the Bulls and the fans as they fell short to the division rival Detroit Pistons. Jalen Duren's double-double of 23 points and 15 rebounds propelled the Detroit Pistons to a thrilling 118-102 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Saturday night. 

Final from Detroit.

Zach LaVine: 51 points (19-32 FG) and 4 rebounds pic.twitter.com/B9gnRfcurj

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) October 29, 2023

Lavine had a record night

Zach LaVine's epic 51-point outburst was the first of the NBA season, but it came in a losing effort. LaVine's performance also made him the first Bulls player since Michael Jordan did it against the Miami Heat on Nov. 6, 1996, to score 50 points without assisting. 

A new career-high for Flight 8. pic.twitter.com/dUUMt2FA3K

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) October 29, 2023

Despite his exceptional performance, LaVine expressed the need for the Bulls to work more efficiently. 

“It’s our third year here together, and we know how this business is,” he said. “We all love each other. DeMar (DeRozan) is one of my best friends, and we talk all the time, but we have to figure out how to make this work.”

Pistons were too much for the Bulls

The Pistons dominated the game, holding a 57-45 advantage at halftime thanks to an astounding 60.5% shooting accuracy. LaVine scored 19 points in the first quarter but went scoreless in the second. Detroit's bench was also strong, with Burks and Marvin Bagley III each scoring nine points.

LaVine didn't get enough offensive support, and the Bulls couldn't generate enough stops. DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 20 points, while Nikola Vucevic was the only other Bull in double figures with 12. LaVine, who shot 19 of 32, scored 20 points in the third quarter alone, giving him a total of 39 for the game.

The Bulls must now recover and prepare for their next division game against the Indiana Pacers, where they will undoubtedly want to win. However, with Lavine rebounding from a dismal first two games, fans could expect improved results in the next games.

Chicago Bulls vs Detroit Pistons - GAME DAY PREVIEW