CHICAGO – Aside from the lingering effects of an illness, Lauri Markkanen was feeling just fine Saturday night.
It’s a far cry from early in the season when the third-year NBA forward was struggling to find his comfort level in a new offensive system.
Markkanen had 25 points, and Zach LaVine added 19 as the Chicago Bulls led almost wire-to-wire in a 116-81 victory over the short-handed Atlanta Hawks.
Battling an illness and with his playing status questionable until a few hours before the game, Markkanen was 8-for-14 from the field, including 4-for-9 from 3-point range.
“I think he’s starting to learn how we play, where he can get his shots,” Bulls coach Jim Boylen said. “We’ve been coaching him on getting ahead of the ball and being more active, and I think he’s done it.”