"Try to just create something to make it happen" - Zach LaVine shares his thoughts on his two crucial plays in overtime

Zach knew it was time to make something happen.

© David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

For all the talk about wanting to send Zach LaVine away at the trade deadline, the two-time All-Star is making a solid case to stay as he pulled the Chicago Bulls away from the jaws of defeat in their incredible 124-119 win over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday.

Down five with two minutes to go in overtime, LaVine put on his cape and scored six straight points to give the Bulls a lead they would never relinquish. After the game, the former Bruin said he felt the game was slipping away, prompting him to try and make something happen.

Disastrous fourth

The Bulls had another disastrous fourth-quarter showing. They led by as many as 16 early in the fourth when, suddenly, their offense stalled, and the Rockets capitalized, rallying behind star center Alperen Sengun to tie the game up at 112-all.

“We were playing really well throughout the whole game, and then obviously the fourth quarter didn’t look good; guys overpassed a little bit, and they started clicking offensively,” LaVine said.

Make something happen

Houston’s momentum continued in the extra session as Sengun scored five of the team’s seven points to push them in front, 119-114. But LaVine was not prepared to let this one slip away. He had an and-one and drilled a three-pointer from way beyond the arc to shove the Bulls ahead, 120-119—a lead they would not relinquish until the final buzzer.

“We were a little stuck, playing slow, missed a couple of shots. They got off to a five, six-point lead (in overtime). It’s a turning point where they are either going to make something (and the game) is going to go south,” LaVine continued.

“Try to just create something to make it happen. I attacked when the defense wasn’t set. The next time down, got behind the three-point line, so I was just looking for an opportunity.”

"That's a winning play by Zach LaVine" — @JamalCollier pic.twitter.com/f7nJtGYr4v

— Will Gottlieb (@Will_Gottlieb) January 11, 2024

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