Zach LaVine makes franchise history after scoring 51 vs. the Detroit Pistons

Zach LaVine achieved this rare feat during his historic night versus the Detroit Pistons

© Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Zach LaVine made history with his 51-point outburst against the Detroit Pistons, putting him in the company of Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan as the only players in the franchise's long, storied history to score over 40 points in 20 games. LaVine also joined Jordan and former Bulls great Jimmy Butler as the only players in Bulls history to have numerous 50+ point games.

🚨 Zach LaVine has a new career-high in single-game points 🚨 pic.twitter.com/rRkjVMv1HH

— Bulls Talk (@NBCSBulls) October 29, 2023

Loves going against the Pistons

LaVine’s offensive brilliance snapped his rough start to the season. After averaging 12.2 points on 23 percent shooting in his first two games, the former UCLA star got off to a strong start against the Pistons, making his first five shots en route to tallying 19 points in the first quarter.

It’s clear LaVine loves going up against Detroit. He’s averaging nearly 24 points per game in the 20 games he’s played against the Pistons as a Bull. This includes 43- and 41-point games last season.

Not much for the other Bulls

While LaVine had it going, the rest of the Bulls roster struggled to find their footing. The team’s second-highest scorer was DeMar DeRozan who had 20 on just 13 attempts. Nikola Vucevic added 12 markers. The team’s other two starters—Coby White and Patrick Williams—failed to score on a combined 0-for-7 shooting.

“We’re trying this new thing out to have a complete, cohesive offense with equal opportunity. It’s going to take some figuring out,” LaVine said.

Zach's easiest bucket of the night.@NBCSChicago | @ZachLaVine pic.twitter.com/AHuxVaylZy

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) October 29, 2023

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