Chicago Bulls "Big Three" with a rare statistical feat last achieved in 1978

The Chicago Bulls are in a groove right now, winning three in a row and putting themselves in a position to secure a spot in the play-in tournament. Their biggest win in the second half of the season came on Monday night as they defeated the Eastern Conference powerhouse Philadelphia 76ers in double-overtime. In that game, the Bulls "Big Three" of DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Nikola Vucevic achieved a statistical feat not seen since 1978.

Two-way play

In the Bulls' 109-105 win last Monday, each of the mentioned three recorded at least 20 points and three steals. LaVine led the way with 26 points and three steals, DeRozan had 25 points and three steals, while Vucevic added 21 points and four steals. According to the NBA, they are the first Bulls trio to accomplish the rare feat since the 1977-1978 season.

DeRozan: 25 PTS, 3 STL
Vucevic: 21 PTS, 4 STL
LaVine: 26 PTS, 3 STL

They're the first trio of teammates this season with 20+ points and 3+ steals, and the first @chicagobulls trio since 1977-78. pic.twitter.com/8xboLASVaN
— NBA.com/Stats (@nbastats) March 21, 2023

Indeed, defense was the name of the game for the Bulls last Monday, as they came away with 12 steals and held the Sixers to shooting just 42%. However, their biggest defensive sequence came when it mattered most, as forward Derrick Jones Jr. came flying out of nowhere to turn away James Harden's potential game-tying layup in the second overtime.

Pat Bev gave @TheRea1DJones his flowers 💐 pic.twitter.com/GxjR6Qtj9y
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) March 21, 2023

Playing with desperation

The numbers may be impressive, but the numbers that DeRozan cares about are in the win column. Despite their up-and-down season, the Bulls have put themselves in a good position to advance to postseason play.

"We have a bigger goal in mind," DeRozan said. "We're fighting for our life every game. We're just playing with that desperation right now."