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Year-end look back - Bulls' Top 3 moments in 2023

The Bulls were able to create amazing moments that made 2023 special.
Nick Raguz|
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From Lonzo Ball's concerning third-straight knee surgery, failure to reach the playoffs, the hellish 2023-24 season start and being subjected to countless trade speculations, the Bulls endured a heck of a year stuffed with challenges and a series of unfortunate events.

But at the end of the day, there will always be reasons to smile. There were thrilling wins, jaw-dropping performances and unforgettable moments that captivated and gave such optimism to every single Bulls fan.

Here are our Top 3 moments of the Chicago Bulls' roller coaster ride throughout the year 2023

3. Zach blazes for a career-best 51 points against the Pistons

Zach LaVine opened up the Bulls’ 2023-24 season beginnings with a bang by scoring a career-best 51 points against the Detroit Pistons on Oct. 28.

LaVine, who was even in a game-time decision to play with back spasms, put on a show in front of the Detroit crowd by erupting for a sizzling 19-33 shooting and draining his seven long bombs out of 13 attempts. It served as the first 50-point game output of a player this season.

Unfortunately, the Bulls ended up on the wrong side amid Zach's golden individual night. They absorbed a lopsided 118-102 beat against the Pistons squad that is now in a dubious spot in NBA history. 

2. Deebo, Zach turned MJ-Pippen to lead the Bulls in 2OT against Timberwolves

Clinging to any postseason hopes that they can grab, the Bulls boasted their resilient heart by outlasting the Minnesota Timberwolves in a double overtime thriller, 139-131, last Mar. 18.

In a must-win bout, Chicago rose to the occasion to keep their playoff chase alive. Both DeMar DeRozan (49) and LaVine (39) united to power their squad in dismantling the Timberwolves within the frenzied United Center. Amazingly, the star duo joined Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen as the only Bulls players with 39 points or more in the same game.

This arousing victory was even followed by another double overtime triumph by the Bulls by walloping the Philadelphia 76ers on their home turf.

1. Diar unleashed MVP shrieks that helped the Bulls topple the Raps in Play-In Tourney

In what could be the most bizarre yet marvelous display, the Bulls overcame the Toronto Raptors in their play-in tournament encounter, 109-105, within the Scotiabank Arena last Apr. 13.

More than the 19-point comeback they successfully pulled off and Zach Lavine's leadership to this by finishing with a game-high 39 markers, the entire game was highlighted by an unusual participation of Diar, Deebo's daughter, who emerged as Chicago's unsung heroine.

Diar summoned an ear-splitting scream in all of the Raps’ free throw attempts throughout the night. Apparently, these worked out and served as a massive advantage for the Bulls as the home team shot 18-of-36 from the line for a season-low 50%.

Diar instantly became an internet sensation with her hilarious yet adorable help in the Bulls’ knockout win.

How the Chicago Bulls can keep their recent string of success going

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Nick Raguz
NICK RAGUZ

Nick's journey has been an exciting fusion of basketball and the written word. A former basketball player himself, he possesses an insatiable appetite for all things NBA-related, spanning from the captivating tales of old-school NBA to intriguing statistics and the latest updates from the association.

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