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With the game on the line and the Chicago Bulls down by two against the Golden State Warriors, the ball was in the hands of Zach LaVine.
The high-flying shooting guard opted to pull-up for a semi-contested three-pointer on the left wing instead of attacking the basket or trying to fish for a foul. LaVine's three hit the back of the rim, and the Bulls lost a tough one at home, 100-98.
Asked about his thought process in that all-or-nothing sequence, LaVine said he didn't want to give Golden State another shot on the other end, per Cody Westerlund of 670 The Score.
Zach LaVine on pulling up for go-ahead 3 in waning seconds, which he missed in a 2-point loss: "I didn't want to give them another possession. I was either going to take it to the hoop and try to get fouled or obviously go for the game."
He iso'd to keep Draymond Green away.
— Cody Westerlund (@CodyWesterlund) December 7, 2019
Obviously, the plan to go for the game didn't work. Nevertheless, LaVine doesn't have any regrets in taking the shot.
Zach LaVine on if he regrets not attacking earlier on final possession so as to leave time for an offensive rebound chance: "I just wish I made it. That's the main thing. I think I got a good look at it."
LaVine missed pretty clean look at pull-up 30-footer w/ 2.0 seconds left.
— Cody Westerlund (@CodyWesterlund) December 7, 2019
He added that if he had a chance to do it all over again, he would take the exact same shot. The ever-so-confident 24-year old thinks he will make it next time, too.
LaVine continued: "I just thought that was a good shot. I'll take it again next time — I'll think I'll make it too."
— Cody Westerlund (@CodyWesterlund) December 7, 2019
LaVine finished the night with a team-high 22 points on 8-of-20 field goal shooting and 4-of-10 three-point shooting. He also added six rebounds and six assists in 34 minutes.
The Bulls definitely failed to capitalize playing at home against one of the worst teams in the league in the Warriors, who entered Friday's contest with a 4-19 slate. The loss puts Chicago at 8-15 on the season and 4-8 at home.
Chicago has failed to live up to expectations so far this season. Many expected the Bulls to make the leap and become one of the fringe playoff teams in the Eastern Conference.
However, early season struggles from their stars in LaVine and Lauri Markkanen has Chicago on the outside-looking-in in the playoff picture.
