The Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks — both owners of bottom-five records — somehow just played the most incredible game of the NBA season.
In four overtimes, the Bulls came out on top 168-161 in Atlanta. Zach LaVine led the way for the Bulls with a career-high 47 points in 56 minutes. The two-time Slam Dunk Contest champion showed he still has ridiculous bounce, even after tearing his ACL in 2017.
This highly difficult shot from LaVine served as the dagger in the final seconds (of the fourth overtime):
Lauri Markkanen and Otto Porter Jr. each added 31 points for Chicago.
For Atlanta, Trae Young showed why he was selected with the fifth overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. The rookie point guard scored a game-high 49 points and had 16 assists (though nine turnovers as well). He’s the first rookie since some guy named Michael Jordan to score 45 points and record 10 assists in a game.
It appeared this three-pointer from Young with 2.2 seconds left in regulation would serve as the game-winner.
That was before Porter was fouled shooting a three-pointer, and drained all three free throws to send the game to overtime.
The game even included 42-year-old Vince Carter playing 45 minutes and throwing down a dunk.
Vince Carter dunking on father time pic.twitter.com/Iravpjqyb0
— Bulls Talk (@NBCSBulls) March 2, 2019
The 329 combined points make this the third-highest scoring game in NBA history.
It’s the 15th quadruple overtime game in NBA history.
Both teams set franchise records for points scored.
The Bulls and Hawks both set franchise records for post scored and points allowed. What a game.
— Jeff Mangurten (@JeffGurt) March 2, 2019
What a highly unlikely amazing basketball game. Oh, and these teams play each other again on Sunday afternoon in Chicago.
[Photo Credit: @ChicagoBulls]