LaVine still mulling dunk contest as Bulls bash Hawks
The Bulls' best chance at a championship this season is probably Zach Lavine in the dunk contest.
Asked before Saturday's game against Atlanta if he'll participate in the event, which returns to Chicago this season, LaVine remained undecided.
"I've still been thinking about it, man," LaVine said. "Everybody, my girlfriend just asked me the same thing. I was like, 'I don't know.' I would be more inclined to do it if I'm playing in the game, but I feel like I should do something during All-Star Weekend. If it's the game, 3-point contest, dunk contest, something."
LaVine got some in-game dunking practice on Saturday. The short-handed Hawks didn't put up much of a fight and the Bulls rolled to a 116-81 victory at the United Center. It was the Bulls' third win over Atlanta this season by at least 20 points.
LaVine scored 19 points, which included a couple of dunks. His best was probably an alley-oop from Tomas Satoransky late in the second quarter.
LaVine won the dunk contest in each of his first two seasons in the league, but hasn't participated since suffering a torn ACL in his left knee in February 2017. He admitted Saturday that he has tried to get back into the swing of it.
"Oh, me and my good friend (Perrion Callandret), we were in the gym. He was helping me out on a couple dunks, probably a month ago," LaVine said. "Didn't go very well, but there's always a second try.
"I know I've still got some dunks left and my legs have been feeling good. Maybe I'll have to go practice (more), but I don't know yet. I'll probably have to let the NBA know soon."
Atlanta (6-27) played without guard Trae Young, who ranks fourth in the league in scoring at 28.5 points per game. He suffered an ankle injury Friday in a loss to Milwaukee. So the Hawks were on the second leg of a back-to-back, while the Bulls just had four days off.
After falling behind 4-0, the Bulls scored the next 14 points and cruised from there. Lauri Markkanen bounced back after skipping Friday's practice due to a stomach virus. He finished with a team-high 25 points, going 4-for-9 from 3-point range.
"Today I was able to get up and move around so that's when I knew this morning I was going to play," Markkanen said. "Little bit of fever, but it hasn't been (bad) since Thursday night."
Getting Markkanen going has been an issue for the Bulls all season, so scoring 25 points in 22 minutes was good news.
"We have a different offense," LaVine said. "I think it took a little bit of time for him to adjust. I have the ball in my hands so I think its easier for me to create for my own. Lauri's a big part of what we're doing. We need him to be clicking. So him coming out being aggressive and knocking those shots down. We love it. You see the result. All of us don't have to work as hard."
Hawks veteran Vince Carter made his final appearance at the United Center. Coach Lloyd Pierce sent him in for a brief run in the fourth quarter so Carter could exit to a standing ovation.
According to Bulls radio statistician Jeff Mangurten, Carter ranks third on the list of regular season games played at the United Center by a visiting player with 29. Paul Pierce (31) and LeBron James (30) have played more.
Twitter: @McGrawDHBulls